voiture qui a heurté une biche

I’ve hit a wild animal. What should I do?

A boar charges out of the forest, crosses the road... and hits your bumper before you’ve had time to react. Rest assured, you are covered if you have purchased OptiDrive car insurance. We've put together a step-by-step guide of what to do.

Author: AXA LuxembourgCreation date : 05/11/2024

What you need to remember at a glance

Your situationFirst thing to do
Vehicle immobilisedFind a safe spot, notify the local authorities, and call AXA Assistance on +352 45 30 55 (24/7)
Vehicle still safe to driveContinue your journey and make a claim as soon as possible
Accident report/ProofA police report is not necessary – a claims assessor is assigned straight away
Privilège planPick-Up & Delivery service available: we take care of everything

Step 1: Assess the situation
 

Your car isn’t drivable

  • Find a safe spot and notify the local authorities of the situation (whether the animal is still on the road or not).
  • Call AXA Assistance on +352 45 30 55, available 24/7.
  • Have your number plate and the exact location of the accident to hand.
  • AXA Assistance will organise the recovery and repatriation of your vehicle.
  • A replacement vehicle may be made available to you for up to 10 days, depending on the duration of the repairs.
     

Your car is safe to drive

  • Continue your journey carefully.
  • Contact your advisor as soon as possible to make a claim.
     

Pick-up & Delivery service

As part of the Privilège plan, we pick up your car, lend you a replacement vehicle, and return your vehicle once it’s repaired at a date, time and location of your choosing, saving you several trips to the garage.

Step 2: Make a claim
 

You should follow two easy steps to complete your file:
☐ Download the claims form on axa.lu and fill it in, specifying the circumstances of the accident and the nature of the damage.
☐ Attach at least two photos (one overview and one close-up of the damage). Need help? Your advisor is at your service.
☐ If you would like to take advantage of the Pick-up & Delivery service, indicate the desired time and place for dropping off the vehicle.
☐ Send your file to claims@axa.lu or directly to your intermediary.

Step 3: Claims assessment

A claims assessor is automatically assigned by AXA Luxembourg to verify that this claim does indeed fall under “animal collision” cover.

Did you know?
A police report is not necessary for this type of claim. The claims assessor appointed by AXA will confirm the damage in a simple administrative step.

Bonus: How to limit the risks
 

Boars come out at dawn and dusk, mainly in autumn and winter. Here are a few tips:

  • Slow down when approaching “boars crossing” signs and the edges of forests.
  • Keep a keen eye on the verge, particularly at dawn and dusk.
  • If an animal suddenly appears, brake firmly rather than trying to swerve out of the way, as braking is the safest manoeuvre.
  • Animals often move in groups: stay vigilant when you see one, as others may follow.

 

This information is provided for information purposes only. Always check the general terms and conditions of your OptiDrive policy.