If you’ve just bought a new car, the last thing you want to be in is an auto accident. This time of year, many people across the U.S. have to be concerned about collisions with deer and other wildlife, as animals begin to prepare for winter and hunting seasons open.

Deer are most active in the spring and fall, and dawn and dusk are peak times to see them. In a recent news release, Freemont Insurance noted that the average car-deer crash results in about $2000 in vehicle damage, usually to the front end.

Freemont Insurance also offers these driving safety tips to help you avoid deer-car collisions: 

• Stay aware, awake, and sober. (Combat Distracted Driving.)
• Always wear a safety belt. It is your best defense against injury in any roadway crash. 
• Pay attention to deer crossing and speed limit signs. Deer are creatures of habit and signs are installed at known deer-crossing areas to alert you.
• Be aware that deer are herd animals that frequently travel single file. If you see one whitetail deer, watch for others. 
• Remain vigilant, even if you have a “deer whistle” on your vehicle. Multiple independent studies have shown that whistles are not effective at warding off deer.

If a crash is unavoidable, Freemont Insurance gives this advice:

• Don't swerve. Brake firmly, stay in your lane, hold onto the steering wheel, and bring your vehicle to a controlled stop.
• Pull off the road. Turn on your emergency flashers and be cautious of other traffic if you leave your vehicle.
• Don't try to remove a deer from a roadway unless you are convinced it is dead. A wounded deer can cause serious injuries.
• Report the crash to the nearest police and your car insurance agent. 

Safe travels!

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Vehicle Insurance Programs from Automakers | 9 Ways to Lower Auto Insurance Costs

You don’t plan specifically to cause a car accident (or to be in one at all, for that matter!). Nevertheless, in most states, you still must plan for how you’ll pay for injuries and property damage done to others if you cause an auto accident.

While there are a number of auto insurance carriers out there, we wanted to let you know about several programs that are available directly from the automakers or from their associated finance companies. These programs will help you be prepared in case of an accident – while also providing you some nice auto owner-specific benefits.

Automakers offering car insurance programs include:

• Audi
• BMW
• Chrysler Group (Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles)
• Ford Motor Company (Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury Vehicles)
• General Motors (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC Vehicles)
• Subaru

By buying car insurance from your automaker or its finance company, you’re often able to take advantage of special group discount rates on the price of your insurance. In many cases, you’ll also receive towing or other concierge services that go beyond what other auto insurers might provide. By bundling your auto and home insurance coverage together, you’ll likely receive further discounts. In addition, most auto insurance programs from the automakers require body shops to make collision repairs using only genuine manufacturer replacement parts.

For specific information on each of these programs, check out our article Vehicle Insurance Programs from the Automakers.

Related Stories:  9 Ways to Save on Auto Insurance | Automaker Perks and Programs

Did you know that if you purchase a Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep^® vehicle that you can buy auto insurance from the automaker, too? Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep-branded auto insurance programs are offered through Chrysler Financial Services and provided by 21st Century Insurance.

Some of the benefits include:

• Roadside assistance program.
• $100 deductible waiver on insurance repairs made through an authorized Chrysler, Jeep, or Dodge dealership.
• All insurance repairs made with original manufacturer parts from Mopar that are specifically engineered for your vehicle, not replacement or generic parts.
• Insurance repairs are guaranteed for the life of the vehicle (non-transferable).
• Average savings of around $400 a year on auto insurance costs as compared to other carriers.

The above benefits are exclusive to insured Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles, but other vehicles in your household also can be insured through these programs regardless of make and model.

Want to know more or request a quote, visit cf.com/insurance.

Read more: Ways to Save on Auto Insurance | Automaker Perks and Programs.