The rush is in the fall, and many drivers only find out after an accident that their mandatory insurance does not cover damage to their own car. This article explains who pays for what and when, and what you need to do at the scene of an accident.
• 2026-09-23
It’s an October evening, a road winding through the woods, and it’s foggy. A shadow emerges from the darkness on the right—an elk. It’s too late to brake. After the collision, the front bumper is crumpled, the radiator is leaking, and the car won’t go any further. The first thought for most drivers: “I have mandatory insurance; everything will be covered.”
Unfortunately, no.
Every fall, during the deer rutting season, the number of such collisions increases significantly. And the same thing happens every time—it’s only after the accident that the driver learns that compulsory insurance does not cover damage to their own car. This article explains who pays and when, what kind of insurance you need to have, and what you must do at the scene of the accident to ensure you receive any compensation at all.
A collision with an animal (deer, elk, wild boar) results in damage to your own vehicle, which is NOT COVERED by mandatory third-party liability insurance. Such damage is covered only by comprehensive (CASCO) insurance that includes “animal” risk coverage. At the scene of the accident, you must call the police (dial 112) and obtain a police report—without it, your comprehensive insurer may refuse to pay the claim.
Compulsory civil liability insurance (TPVCA) has one purpose—to compensate for damage that YOU cause to others: another car, a fence, or a pedestrian.
But when you hit a moose, you’re the one who suffers. The “culprit” is a wild animal that belongs to no one and has no insurance. So the liability mechanism simply doesn’t kick in.
The question “Does compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance cover animals?” comes up all the time, and the answer is always the same: No. Compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance does not cover damage to your own vehicle under any circumstances.
In reality, there is only one option—comprehensive (KASKO) insurance that includes coverage for collisions with animals.
Most standard comprehensive insurance policies in Lithuania cover this risk. But not all of them, and not automatically. In cheaper or more limited coverage options, the “wildlife” risk may not be included or may be subject to additional conditions. Therefore, before signing a policy, it is essential to verify whether a collision with an animal is indeed classified as an insured event.
What about the government or the forestry agency? In theory, you can claim damages from the entity that manages the area, but in practice, this rarely works out. You would have to prove that a warning sign was not placed where it was required to be, or demonstrate some other form of negligence. Such cases are lengthy, expensive, and usually end in nothing.
If you hit a deer or an elk, the most realistic path to compensation is not a lawsuit against the state, but a well-chosen comprehensive auto insurance policy.
Whether your comprehensive insurance provider pays out at all depends on your actions in the first few minutes. If even one document is missing, the payout may be reduced or denied.
Let’s say you hit a deer, and the damage to your car is €4,000. How much you’ll receive depends on your comprehensive insurance deductible (excess), i.e., the amount you cover yourself.
| Deductible | Amount of damage | Your share | Insurer’s payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| €150 | €4,000 | €150 | 3,850 € |
| 300 € | 4,000 € | 300 € | 3,700 € |
| 600 € | 4,000 € | 600 € | €3,400 |
The lower the deductible, the more you’ll get back after an accident. But the policy itself will also be more expensive. Herein lies the catch: a very low deductible isn’t always worth it if it makes the policy significantly more expensive. Strive for a balance.
The figures are provided as examples—specific amounts, deductibles, and terms vary by insurer and vehicle.
Relying solely on mandatory insurance. This is probably the most common mistake. A driver has valid TPVCA coverage and believes they are protected. In reality, however, their own vehicle is not insured.
Failing to read the comprehensive insurance (KASKO) terms and conditions. Some policies cover animal-related risks only with certain exceptions. For example, an official report may be required, or a higher deductible may apply specifically in cases involving animals.
The driver leaves the scene of the accident—especially if the damage appears minor. Later, hidden damage is discovered, but by then there is no evidence left.
Delaying the report. If you miss the deadline specified in the policy, the insurer may reduce the payout.
Before signing a policy, it’s worth checking a few things.
First—is a collision with a wild animal actually included in the covered events? Second—what deductible applies to this risk? Third—what are the documentation requirements (is a police report required)? Fourth—are additional services available, such as towing, if the car is no longer drivable after the collision?
Comparing the terms of several insurers manually is complicated. Draudykle.lt lets you view comprehensive insurance (KASKO) offers from the most popular Lithuanian insurance companies in one place, clearly showing the differences in prices, deductibles, and coverage. And if you have questions about specific exclusions, a DI consultant will explain in plain language what’s covered and what isn’t—in Lithuanian, at any time of day.
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Draudykle.lt will help you compare offers from the most popular Lithuanian insurers and purchase insurance online.
Compare prices →Does mandatory insurance cover a collision with an animal? No. TPVCA covers damage you cause to others, but not damage to your own vehicle. If you hit a moose or an elk, compulsory insurance will not pay.
What type of insurance do you need to cover damage caused by a moose or a deer? Comprehensive (KASKO) insurance that includes coverage for collisions with animals. Before purchasing a policy, make sure this coverage is actually included.
Is it necessary to call the police? Yes, it is strongly recommended. A police report is usually a mandatory requirement for the comprehensive insurance provider to pay compensation. Without it, you may not receive any compensation.
Can I seek compensation from the government or the forestry agency? Theoretically—sometimes, if you can prove specific negligence (for example, the absence of a required warning sign). In practice, such lawsuits are rare and difficult to win.
What if the animal ran away after the collision? Report the incident anyway and call the police. Take photos of the damage, road signs, and any traces of fur or blood. The more evidence you have, the easier it will be for the insurance company to acknowledge the incident.
A collision with an animal results in damage to your own vehicle, which isn’t covered by mandatory insurance. The only real way to protect yourself is with comprehensive insurance (KASKO) that includes animal risk coverage. At the scene of the accident, the most important thing is to call the police and document everything: without a police report, even a good insurance policy may not help. Make sure you’re protected in advance—on fall roads, there often isn’t a second chance.
