vaporize when ya hit 'em. Comprehensive will cover hitting a critter and it doesn't go in as an accident. On the other hand if you swerve and hit a sign, pole or something stronger it's called an accident, goes against your insurance record wich can lead to higher rates and maybe cancellation. Braking is OK. Hit a raccoon doing 80, screwed up the facia and some of the mounting hardware. 0$ deductable on comprehensive covered the whole thing. I might actually swerve to hit a rat.