Which coverage under a personal auto policy compensates for damage to the insured vehicle caused by a deer?

The correct answer is comprehensive coverage. This type of insurance is designed to cover damages to the insured vehicle that are not the result of a collision with another vehicle or object. When an insured vehicle is damaged as a result of hitting a deer, it falls under the category of non-collision incidents, which comprehensive coverage specifically addresses.

Comprehensive coverage typically includes damages caused by animal strikes, theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters. It provides financial protection for incidents that can happen outside of typical driving situations, making it essential for comprehensive coverage to be a part of a well-rounded personal auto policy.

Other coverage types, such as collision coverage, focus exclusively on damages from accidents involving other vehicles or objects, while liability coverage is related to damages or injuries that the insured is responsible for causing to others. Therefore, comprehensive coverage is the appropriate choice for this situation involving a deer.