A determined deer can wreak havoc on your garden and landscaping, and even cause physical damage to your home. Whether it breaks a screen door, finds its way into your garage, or puts an antler through a window, do you know if your Tennessee homeowners insurance would cover the damage?

Fortunately, you're not alone when it comes to understanding the coverage in your home insurance. Working with a Tennessee independent insurance agent, you have an expert on your side that's dealt with all types of situations, including deer invasions. Here's how an agent can help. 

What Is the Deer Population In Tennessee?

The state of Tennessee is around 41,000 square miles with plenty of room for the more than one million deer species that currently occupy the state. Deer are found throughout the state, including the urban and suburban areas. 

Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover Deer Invasion and Destruction in Tennessee?

Yes and no. Tennessee homeowners insurance is made up of two types of coverage, dwelling, and contents. 

Dwelling coverage is designed to protect the structure of your home and any other structures on your property. Contents coverage protects your personal property.

Examples of deer destruction that would be covered: 

• If a deer is walking on your deck and runs into your screen door, damaging the door.
• If a deer gets into your garage and causes damage to the walls.

Examples of deer destruction that would not be covered:

• If a deer tramples through your yard, destroying your plants.
• If the deer in your garage chews through the wire on your lawnmower.

Your Tennessee independent insurance agent can help you understand the coverage you have in your homeowners insurance.

Are Deer a Threat to My Tennessee Property?

While deer are typically timid animals, if spooked or intrigued they can become quite destructive. Should a curious deer find itself on your property foraging for food or in the mood to cause damage, it could result in some ruined property.

A deer invasion can result in the following damage to your property:

• Ruined landscaping or gardens
• Chewed up trees and plants
• Broken animal feeders or bird feeders
• Ripped screens on doors or windows
• Damage to a garage or shed if the deer makes it inside
• Damage to your vehicle
• Broken glass if the animal is spooked near a window

In Tennessee, the Wildlife Resource Agency will not remove nuisance animals, including deer, which means it's up to you to educate yourself on how to help prevent an invasion.

How Can I Keep Deer and Other Invasive Species Off My Tennessee Property?

The easiest way to keep deer off your property is to understand what attracts them and work to build a landscape that is less attractive to wild species.

Typically this includes planting deer-resistant shrubs, plants, and trees. Below is a sampling of deer-resistant plants specific to the state of Tennessee.

Deer-resistant plants for Tennessee homeowners

Some other ways to keep deer and other species off your property include:

• Repellents:  These typically don't work on their own, but in conjunction with other options can be effective.
• Scare tactics: The most common types of scare tactics are dogs, fireworks, propane cannons, loud noises, and bright lights. 
• Fencing: For high-risk areas, you can install electrical fencing.

While there are ways to help manage deer invasion, not all strategies and tactics guarantee that species won't enter your property. It's best to be prepared and educate yourself on safely living alongside wild animals.

How Can a Tennessee Independent Insurance Agent Help?

Tennessee independent insurance agents are experts in home insurance and know the type of coverage you need for your Tennessee home. Agents will chat with you, free of charge, to help get you insured.

If your home is at high risk of deer invasion, they'll work with you to make sure your deductible is set at a proper limit to receive adequate coverage if you have to file a claim.