Does insurance cover a windshield broken by a deer or a bird?
Reviewed by the Skyview Auto Glass technical team — NWRD-, ASE- and DINITROL-trained technicians · Updated November 2026
Quick answer
Yes. Animal strikes are generally a comprehensive loss, so a deer or bird that cracks the windshield is covered under comprehensive, subject to your deductible. Photograph the damage and the animal if it is safe, then report the claim. Coverage depends on what your policy includes, so confirm with your insurer or agent.
Is hitting a deer comprehensive or collision
Hitting a deer is generally a comprehensive claim, not a collision claim, because an animal is not another vehicle or a fixed object. The damage to your windshield, grille, or body is covered under comprehensive, subject to your deductible. A bird strike that cracks the windshield is treated the same way.
After an animal strike, move to a safe spot, photograph the damage and the animal if it is safe to do so, and check whether the windshield is stable enough to drive. If the crack is in your line of sight or the glass is loose, avoid driving and arrange a tow or mobile service. See our guide on what comprehensive covers.
Animal strikes are one of the more common comprehensive claims, especially in rural areas where deer cross the road at dawn and dusk. Because the damage is sudden and not a crash you caused, it falls under comprehensive rather than collision, and the claim is subject to your comprehensive deductible. A windshield replacement runs $200 to $500+, and Skyview files the claim at no charge. Since your policy governs coverage, confirm the details with your insurer or agent.
What to do right after an animal strike
A few steps protect you, the vehicle, and the claim after a deer or bird hits the glass.
- 1
Move to safety
Pull over to a safe spot away from traffic. Turn on the hazard lights and check whether anyone is hurt.
- 2
Photograph the damage
Take photos of the cracked windshield, the surrounding damage, and the animal if it is safe to do so.
- 3
Check the glass
If the crack is in your line of sight or the glass is loose, do not drive. Arrange a tow or mobile service instead.
- 4
Report the claim
Reach the shop or your insurer with the policy number, the date of loss, and the VIN. Skyview opens the claim at no charge.
Does insurance cover animal damage to a car
- A deer strike is generally a comprehensive claim, subject to your deductible.
- A bird that cracks the windshield is treated the same way.
- Photograph the damage and the animal if it is safe.
- Do not drive if the crack is in your line of sight or the glass is loose.
- Skyview files the claim at no charge and bills the insurer directly.
More questions about animal strikes and glass
Is hitting a deer comprehensive or collision?
Generally comprehensive. An animal is not another vehicle or a fixed object, so the damage is a comprehensive claim, subject to your deductible. Verify what applies with your insurer or agent.
Does insurance cover animal damage to a car?
Yes — it is covered under comprehensive, subject to your deductible. A deer or bird that cracks the windshield is a covered loss. Photograph the damage and report the claim. Your policy determines what applies.
A bird hit my windshield — what do I do?
Move to safety, photograph the crack and the bird if it is safe, and check whether the glass is stable to drive. Report it as a comprehensive claim. Skyview files the claim at no charge and bills the insurer.
Related guides
More in Insurance and claims
- Does a windshield chip repair count as an insurance claim?
- What happens if you chip the windshield on a rental car?
- Is it worth paying cash for a windshield instead of filing a claim?
- Does insurance cover windshield replacement?
- Does liability insurance cover windshield damage?
- What is full glass coverage?
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