German driver left stunned after reindeer crash reveals insurance loophole
A German driver encountered an unexpected financial burden after colliding with a reindeer in Norway. The accident left the car severely damaged, but the motorist's auto insurance refused to cover the costs. The issue stemmed from a legal distinction in German car insurance policies that excluded reindeer from standard wildlife protection.
The incident occurred during a trip through a reindeer-populated region. Upon filing a claim, the driver discovered that their partial coverage car insurance quotes did not recognize reindeer as 'game'—a term defined under German law. Unlike deer, wild boar, or fallow deer, reindeer fell outside this classification, leaving the motorist responsible for repair expenses.
The driver could have pursued a claim through comprehensive car insurance, but this would have resulted in a loss of their no-claims bonus. Some insurers do offer 'extended coverage' policies that include collisions with any animal, but standard plans often leave drivers exposed to such risks. German law, specifically the Bundesjagdgesetz (BJagdG), limits the definition of 'game' to species like roe deer, red deer, and foxes. Reindeer, not being native to Germany, are not included, creating a gap in coverage for motorists travelling in regions where these animals roam.
The accident highlights the importance of checking insurance terms before driving in areas with non-standard wildlife. Without extended protection, drivers may face significant out-of-pocket costs for collisions involving reindeer. Experts advise reviewing policies in advance to avoid similar financial surprises.
