Accidents involving wildlife are not uncommon in Germany. In 2019/2020 alone, according to the game accident statistics of the German Hunting Association, over 230,000 wild animals died in collisions with vehicles. A crash can have devastating consequences not only for animals, but also for drivers. Around 2,500 people are injured each year as a result of a wildlife accident. Anyone who can get away with a sheet metal damage is lucky. In this article, you will learn how to behave correctly in the event of an accident involving game damage, what the insurance costs are and, at best, how you can avoid a collision with game.
When is there talk of a wildlife accident?
It is only a game accident if so-called hair game is involved. These include roe deer, stags, wild boars, foxes, lynxes and hares. Smaller wild animals such as hedgehogs, lizards or birds are not included. The damage caused to the car is then recorded as a Game damage and the animal that died in the car accident as Fallwild designated.
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By the way: In Germany, most accidents involving wildlife occur as a result of collisions with a wild boar or deer. In 2019/2020, according to the game accident statistics of the German Hunting Association, 230,120 of the total of 237,760 hair game accidents were caused by deer and wild boar.
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How to behave correctly after a wildlife accident: step-by-step plan
Must after colliding with a wild animal some precautions taken to protect yourself and other road users. We’ll tell you how you should proceed step by step.
1. Secure the accident site
Turn off your hazard warning lights immediately so that other road users are warned. First put on your safety vest and secure the scene of the accident. Keep calm and watch out for following traffic.
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2. Dial the emergency number and provide first aid
If other people are injured, contact the 911 call 112 and provide first aid.
3. Report the game accident to the police
Alert them Police under the 110 and describe the incident calmly and objectively. This then decides whether a forester or hunter should also be informed.
Important: If you do not report the wildlife accident and you commit a runaway, you risk a fine of up to 5,000 euros. This reporting requirement applies in most of the German federal states – with the exception of North Rhine-Westphalia, Berlin, Bremen, Hamburg and Lower Saxony. Accidents with smaller wild animals are generally not notifiable.
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4. Remove the wild animal from the road
If possible, remove the dead wildlife from the roadso that no other road user is harmed. Make sure that you use gloves, a blanket or jacket for this, as the animal could have diseases. If the feral game is injured after the collision and flees into the forest, remember the direction and describe them to the hunter as soon as he arrives at the scene of the accident. If the wild animal does not flee after the accident, keep a sufficient distance. No matter if alive or dead – in both cases we recommend the Arrival of the hunter or forester waiting. This then takes care of the wild animal.
Important: The game that has been hit must not be completely removed from the scene of the accident, for example in your trunk, as this could result in a poaching complaint.
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5. Have wildlife accidents documented
Get one from the police or the responsible hunter Game damage confirmation exhibit. You will need this as proof and for submission to the motor vehicle insurance company. Otherwise the insurance company can refuse you benefits. The incident must be reported to the auto insurance company within five days, in the case of serious damage within 48 hours.
Important: In the case of most accidents involving wildlife, the insurance company then calls in an expert to assess the damage. Avoid pre-washing the cart or you will remove important evidence. In this case, the insurance can even refuse the payment.
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What costs does the insurance cover in the event of a wildlife accident?
In order for the insurance to cover the damage caused by game, you need one Partial or fully comprehensive coverage. the Motor vehicle liability only applies to damage to the vehicles of other road users caused by your accident.
When you take out your insurance, make sure that Accidents with wildlife are covered – ideally even with animals of all kinds, such as birds, small and domestic animals. With a suitable insurance contract, in the event of a wildlife accident you only pay the amount specified in the policy Deductible. The prerequisite is that you can prove the accident with a wildlife damage confirmation, otherwise the partial comprehensive insurance will reject the application.
Tip: Incidentally, with fully comprehensive insurance you are best covered against damage caused by game. This is also effective in the event of damage caused, for example, by an evasive maneuver.
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What problems can arise after a wildlife accident?
If your car is damaged in a wildlife accident and the animal then disappears from the scene of the accident, it can Difficulties in providing evidence give. In this case, the insurance company can refuse to provide services for the settlement of the damage – unless the hunting tenant certifies the incident of a known deer movement at the said accident site. If your car is damaged by small animals such as rabbits or foxes, you will receive the cost of the Damage normally not replaced.
Where and when do the greatest dangers lurk?
Most of the wildlife is in the Dawn and dusk looking for food. Therefore, the likelihood of encountering game on the road is highest between 5:00 p.m. and midnight and 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Even during the Mating season between July and February extreme caution is required in forest and field areas.
Can the wildlife accident be reported retrospectively?
Many drivers are in shock shortly after a wildlife accident. So it often happens that the collision does not take place at first and the scene of the accident is left immediately – without reporting the collision. But even afterwards, as soon as the first shock has passed, the wildlife accident can still be reported. This step should under all circumstances be undertaken, otherwise you will not receive any proof of the claims settlement of the insurance and in extreme cases on the Cost of repairing the damage remain seated. In addition to the lack of a certificate, legal consequences and fines may follow, as in some German federal states there is a Duty to report in the event of a wildlife accident consists.
This is how you prevent a wildlife accident
Whether at dawn, at night or during the day – you always drive forward-looking and attentive on country roads or through the forest. You should be particularly careful with warning signs for deer crossing, take your foot off the accelerator and be ready to brake.
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An animal leaps into the street brake carefully and stay on your lane. Because especially changing lanes or an evasive maneuver can quickly lead to a dangerous accident. Draw attention to yourself and honk your hornso that the animal continues to walk.
Conclusion: It depends on the insurance
At any time of the day or season, drivers in forest sections and on country roads have to reckon with an increased risk of accidents from game. Therefore, special care is always required to ensure that you reach your destination safely and undamaged. If there is a collision with a wild animal, the fully comprehensive insurance offers you comprehensive protection. Incidentally, both types of insurance are included in the car subscription offers on LeasingMarkt.de – motor vehicle liability and fully comprehensive insurance. So you are well protected!
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