Auto Insurance Claims: Accident w/deer, auto body shop, nissan maxima

Question
Wednesday night about 10:30 p.m. I was traveling home with my 3 kids in my 93 Nissan Maxima.  A deer jumped out and hit my car.  Damage was to the front driver's side quarter panel and the hood.  It didn't appear extensive; all I could see was the dented quarter panel, hood, and a broken reflector/blinker.  I called the police and they said I didn't need a police report.

Thursday afternoon I called an auto body shop.  I described the situation to him over the phone and he told me most insurance companies usually treat deer hits as "Acts of God" and cover all repairs, without requiring deductible payments or changes in insurance rates.  I realize I made a mistake in not calling the insurance company at this point, but again I didn't think it would be very expensive.

When I took the car to the auto body shop, he gave me an estimate for over $2000 using new parts.  He said we could look for used parts and bring the price down, but the insurance company may total the car (retail value around $2500).

I called the insurance company from there.  The earliest appointment for an adjuster is Monday a.m.  The phone rep reminded me that I have a $500 deductible and they would cover expenses over that.

So, I hope I have given you enough background to ask the following questions:
1) Can I expect the insurance company (USAA) to treat this as an "Act of God" and not charge me anything?
2) What are my options if the answer to that is "no?"  I don't want to sink a lot of money into this car; it's paid for and I wanted to make it last another year without any payments.
3) A couple of people I have talked to have mentioned that if the car is totaled, I have the option to "buy it back" from the insurance company...what does that mean?  I already own the car, why would I need to buy it back?
4) Any advice?

Thanks,
Ray

Answer
Hi Ray,

A deer hit claim is paid under your Comprehensive coverage if you have that coverage. Comprehensive coverage usually has a deductible that you would have to pay. You should look at your policy declarations page to see if you have the coverage and is so, what the deductible is.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh