Deer-Vehicle Collisions: When They Happen, Where They Spike and What They Cost

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 Jared Staver

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A deer crosses a busy highway full of vehicles.

After years of steady increases, deer-vehicle collisions in the United States fell in 2024-2025. Repair costs hit record highs in the same period. Insurance companies processed 1.7 million animal collision claims between July 2024 and June 2025, down 5.6% from 1.8 million the previous year, according to State Farm and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) data. 

Insurance claims represent about 81% of actual collisions. Many drivers don't file claims for minor damage or lack comprehensive coverage. Researchers estimate actual deer-vehicle collisions total around 2.1 million a year. Total damage costs over $10 billion.

Scientists at the University of Washington analyzed over 1 million collisions from 1994 to 2021 and found that making daylight saving time permanent would prevent 36,550 deer deaths, 33 human deaths, 2,054 human injuries and $1.19 billion in collision costs each year. Collisions spike 16% in the week following the fall time change, when evening rush hour suddenly shifts into darkness.

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KEY FINDINGS
  • U.S. drivers have one-in-139 odds of hitting an animal, compared with one-in-128 odds the previous year.
  • Deer account for 1.1 million claims (65% of all animal collisions).
  • Average claim in high-risk regions: $5,620 in 2024, up from $5,000 in 2023.
  • Total economic losses: $10 billion a year.
  • November has the highest collision claims nationwide.
  • Nearly 10% of annual collisions occur during the two-week period around the fall time change.
  • Collisions occur 14 times more often in the two hours after sunset than before sunset.

States With the Highest and Lowest Risks for Deer (Animal) Collisions

Deer-vehicle collision risk varies by state based on deer population density, habitat, road networks and geographic location within time zones.

Highest-Risk States

West Virginia
1 in 40

Highest risk for a decade

Montana
1 in 53
Large rural road network
Wisconsin
1 in 58
High deer population
Michigan
1 in 59
Forest-highway proximity
Pennsylvania
1 in 61
148,000 claims (most in nation)

Pennsylvania has the highest estimated number of claims nationwide at 148,000 a year, followed by Michigan (126,000), North Carolina (88,000), Texas (86,000) and Ohio (80,500).

Wisconsin's high deer collision risk drives up car insurance costs compared to the national average.

Lowest-Risk States

Nevada
1 in 834

Urban development, limited deer habitat

Hawaii
1 in 775
Island geography
Alaska
1 in 619
Low population density
Arizona
1 in 509
Desert habitat
California
1 in 456

Dense urban development, few rural crossings

Most Dangerous Seasons and Times

Animal collision risk rises from late October through early December, the height of deer mating season (the rut). Deer are more active during this period and less cautious about crossing roads at any hour.

November has the highest collision claims, at 14 per 1,000 insured vehicle years in 2021. That's roughly triple the rate in the lowest-risk months. The three autumn months together account for 650,000 incidents, or 38% of all animal collisions a year, according to State Farm.

November

12–14

Highest
October

10–11

High
December

9–10

High
April
4
Lowest
August
4
Lowest

Peak Collision Times

Deer are most active during twilight hours, and 76% of deer-vehicle collisions happen at night. Roads are nine times more deadly after dark than during the day.

Highest-risk periods:

  • Dusk to evening (sunset to two hours after): Collisions happen 14 times more often than before sunset
  • Dawn (before and shortly after sunrise): Second-highest risk period
  • Full-moon nights: Brighter moonlight draws deer farther from cover and across more roads

During fall and winter, earlier sunsets push rush hour into darkness. Most collisions happen in that window.

The Daylight Saving Time Connection

University of Washington researchers analyzed over 1 million deer-vehicle collisions from 1994 to 2021. Deer collision risk is 14 times higher in the two hours after sunset than before it. When evening rush hour shifts from daylight into darkness during the November time change, collision rates spike 16%.

Deer breeding season (the rut) increases deer movement by up to 50% during late October and November. Nearly 10% of annual deer collisions occur in the two-week period around the fall time change, according to the University of Washington study published in Current Biology.

Permanent Daylight Saving Time Would Save Lives

Permanent daylight saving time would shift more rush-hour traffic into daylight. The research predicts it would prevent 36,550 deer deaths, 33 human deaths, 2,054 human injuries and $1.19 billion in collision costs a year.

States in the northern U.S. and on the eastern edge of time zones would see the greatest reductions. The University of Washington found counties at northern latitudes experience 1.86 times more collisions than southern counties after adjusting for population density. Counties on the eastern edge of time zones would see 1.35 times more collisions than western counties in the same time zone. Maine could experience an 8.3% drop in deer collisions.

Permanent Standard Time Would Make It Worse

Permanent standard time would increase deer-vehicle collisions. The research predicts permanent standard time would add 73,660 deer-vehicle collisions, 66 human deaths, 4,140 human injuries and $2.39 billion in costs a year.

The U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act in March 2022 to make daylight saving time permanent, but the bill has stalled in the House of Representatives. Medical professionals debate the health effects of permanent daylight saving time versus standard time. Road safety is now part of that debate.

How to Avoid a Deer Collision

Deer follow predictable patterns. Be most cautious from October through December, especially in the two weeks after the fall time change. Stay alert between dusk and dawn. If you spot one deer, assume others are nearby and slow down immediately.

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    Understand Deer Behavior

    Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, especially during mating season from late October through December. They frequent wooded areas, water sources and highways cutting through forests. If you spot one deer, slow down immediately. Deer travel in groups.

    During the rut, male deer are less cautious and dart into roadways without warning. Female deer often lead small groups, so one crossing means others will follow. State data shows 30% to 50% of drivers who hit wildlife were on paved rural roads with little traffic and low light.

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    Reduce Speed in High-Risk Areas

    On rural highways and suburban roads near forests or agricultural zones, reduce your speed by 10 to 15 mph below the posted limit, especially at night. State data shows speed determines the severity of damage and injuries. At 40 mph, a collision often causes repairable damage. At 55 mph, the same impact can total the vehicle.

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    Watch for Deer Crossing Signs

    Deer crossing signs mark proven danger zones based on historical collision data. Slow down and scan the roadside when you see one, especially on stretches with dense vegetation or tree lines close to the shoulder. State research shows 30% to 50% of drivers ignore these signs.

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    Use Lighting Effectively

    Use high beams on dark, rural roads when no oncoming traffic is present. Look for the reflection of deer eyes or silhouettes on the road. Check that headlights are properly aligned to illuminate road edges where deer are likely to appear.

    A quick flick of the high beams can push a deer away from the roadway. Most collision detection systems and automatic emergency braking aren't calibrated to recognize deer, so don't count on them in high-risk areas.

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    Avoid Distractions

    Distracted driving reduces reaction time, especially in deer-prone areas. Keep both hands on the wheel with your eyes on the road. Put away your phone and set up GPS before you drive.

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    Don't Swerve

    If a deer jumps into your path, brake firmly and stay in your lane. Swerving can send you off the road or into oncoming traffic. Many of the most serious crashes happen when drivers swerve, not when they hit the deer. At reduced speed, a direct hit is far safer than swerving.

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    Honk to Deter Deer

    When a deer is near the road, use one long blast of your horn to scare it off. This works better than flashing headlights, which can freeze deer in place. Keep honking until the deer clears the road. No scientific evidence supports car-mounted deer whistles as effective deterrents.

What to Do if You Hit a Deer

After hitting a deer, get to safety and document the scene for your insurance claim. Quick action protects everyone in the vehicle and speeds up the claims process.

  1. 1
    Check for Injuries

    Immediately check yourself and all passengers for injuries. Even if the collision seemed minor, the impact can cause injuries that aren't obvious at first. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.

  2. 2
    Move to Safety

    If your vehicle is drivable, carefully pull over to the roadside or a safe area away from traffic. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers. If the vehicle can't be moved, remain inside with seatbelts fastened until help arrives.

  3. 3
    Never Approach the Deer

    Don't approach an injured deer. Even a badly injured deer can kick or thrash violently. If the deer is alive and blocking the roadway, keep a safe distance and report the animal to authorities.

  4. 4
    Call 911 and Report the Incident

    Notify local law enforcement or wildlife authorities about the accident. Not every state requires a police report for deer collisions. Still, an official report strengthens your insurance claim. Law enforcement will document whether the deer blocks traffic or poses other hazards. Officers will also arrange carcass removal.

    Some states require accident reports to the Department of Motor Vehicles if damage exceeds certain thresholds, usually $1,000 to $2,000. Check your state's requirements.

  5. 5
    Assess Vehicle Damage

    Once in a safe location, inspect your vehicle for broken headlights or taillights, windshield cracks, hood damage, fluid leaks (coolant, oil, brake fluid), damaged radiator or grille and tire damage. Don't drive if fluid is leaking, the hood is damaged or the vehicle is making unusual noises. Call for a tow truck through your roadside assistance coverage.

  6. 6
    Document the Scene

    Photograph everything from multiple angles: vehicle damage, the deer's position from a safe distance, skid marks or debris, road conditions and signage, and the surrounding scene. Photos are your primary evidence when filing a claim. Get wide shots of the overall scene and close-ups of specific damage.

    Personal injury attorney Jared Staver, who has over 25 years of experience representing accident victims, outlines three steps:

    1. Call 911 and report the accident even if the deer runs away.
    2. Document what happened using a notebook or your phone, and take photos.
    3. Call an attorney. A recent study found that victims with legal representation received better compensation in 91% of cases.
  7. 7
    Contact Your Insurance Provider

    Inform your insurance company about the collision within 24 hours if possible. Have your policy number, photos and police report number ready when you call. Your insurer will explain the next steps and may suggest approved repair shops.

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HIT OR SWERVE: TWO DIFFERENT CLAIMS

Jared Staver, Personal Injury Attorney with 25+ years of experience representing motor vehicle accident victims

"If your vehicle comes into physical contact with the deer, it's covered under comprehensive. If you swerve and crash without hitting the deer, your claim becomes a collision claim. Without comprehensive coverage and medical payment insurance, it will be tough to get compensation for a deer-car accident."

Insurance Coverage for Deer Collisions

Know what your policy covers before you need to file a claim.

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    Comprehensive vs. Collision Insurance

    Comprehensive car insurance covers damage caused by deer collisions, including repairs and replacement if the car is totaled. It also applies to unexpected losses outside the driver's control, including weather damage and animal strikes.

    Liability or collision coverage won't cover a deer hit. Collision insurance applies only to accidents with other vehicles or stationary objects such as guardrails or utility poles.

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    Claims Process

    When filing a claim, provide:

    • Date, time and location of the accident
    • Description of how the accident occurred
    • Photos of vehicle damage and the accident scene
    • Police report number if filed
    • Witness contact information if applicable

    Your insurance company will review the information and may send an adjuster to inspect the damage. The company determines whether to repair the vehicle or declare it a total loss when repair costs exceed the vehicle's value. Most claims process within a few days to two weeks. Complex cases or extensive damage take longer.

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    Impact on Insurance Premiums

    Deer collisions are no-fault accidents, and most insurers won't raise rates for a single deer collision claim.

    Rate increases can still happen. Adjustments depend on your insurer's policies, your state's rules and your claims history. Multiple comprehensive claims in a short period could trigger a rate increase. If that happens, comparing quotes and raising the deductible are the fastest ways to cut costs.

    Important exception: If you swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle, tree or fixed object, the claim goes under collision coverage and can count as an at-fault accident.

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    Deductibles

    Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance covers the rest. Comprehensive deductibles run from $250 to $1,000, with some policies offering lower or higher limits.

    If your deductible is $500 and repair costs total $5,620 (the 2024 regional average), you pay $500 and insurance covers $5,120. If damage comes to only $400, you'd pay the full amount since it's below your deductible. For minor damage below your deductible, paying out of pocket keeps your claims record clean.

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    Coverage Costs and Considerations

    Comprehensive costs more than liability-only. In deer-prone states, that difference pays off after one claim. It adds $150 to $400 to annual premiums based on your state and vehicle.

    In West Virginia, where one in 40 drivers hits an animal each year, comprehensive is worth carrying. Even in lower-risk states, one deer collision with $5,000 or more in damage can far exceed years of full coverage premiums.

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    Medical Coverage Options

    If you or passengers are injured in a deer collision, two coverage types may apply:

    Personal injury protection (PIP) covers medical expenses, lost wages and other costs up to policy limits, regardless of fault. PIP is required in some states and covers you and your passengers.

    Medical payments coverage (MedPay) pays medical expenses for you and passengers up to policy limits. It can supplement your health insurance and cover deductibles, copays and costs your health plan doesn't pay.

Repair Costs

Average claim costs in high-risk regions reached $5,620 in 2024, up from $5,000 in 2023, according to AAA East Central data covering Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Individual repairs range from $4,000 to over $11,000 based on damage severity.

Deer collisions commonly damage headlights, windshields, hoods, radiators, grilles and bumpers. Coolant systems are also frequently hit.

Federal Safety Data and Policy Context

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), animal-involved crashes resulted in 164 fatalities in 2021, the most recent year with complete federal data. FARS data shows most of these fatal crashes happen from October through December on rural roads with speed limits of 55 mph or higher, between 6 p.m. and midnight. Those rural corridors overlap with states with the highest rates of risky driving.

The Federal Highway Administration funds wildlife crossing structures and related safety measures through its Wildlife Crossings Program. Wildlife crossings and fencing cut collisions by 85% to 95% in treated areas. Few roads have them, according to federal research.

Around 36 million deer populate the United States as of 2023, roughly equal to precolonial numbers. Roads and development break up deer habitat. Deer pushed out of their habitat have to cross roads to reach food and mates.

The Path Forward

Collision numbers are falling. Costs are rising. The gap puts pressure on drivers, insurers and policymakers. Claims dropped 5.6% from 2023-2024 to 2024-2025. It's too early to say whether that's a lasting trend.

The decline may reflect:

  • Higher driver awareness
  • Improved vehicle safety features
  • Changes in deer population management
  • Shifts in driving patterns since the pandemic

University of Washington research suggests making daylight saving time permanent could prevent thousands of annual traffic deaths. Researchers estimate the change would save $1.19 billion a year in collision costs, with no new infrastructure required. The debate over time change continues in Congress and state legislatures.

Drivers in West Virginia, Montana and Pennsylvania file a disproportionate share of annual deer collision claims.

About the Data

MoneyGeek combined State Farm's 2024 to 2025 seasonal collision trends with historical monthly claim patterns from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) and wildlife-movement research from the University of Washington to create the Monthly Animal-Collision Risk Index. Scores run on a 0-to-100 scale, with November as the peak risk month.

About Myryah Irby

Myryah Irby, Writer and Data Journalist

Myryah Irby is a writer and data journalist at MoneyGeek. Her work spans original data studies and how-to guides covering auto, home and health insurance, consumer costs and transportation safety.

Research and Analysis

Since joining MoneyGeek in late 2025, Irby has produced data studies on insurance costs, consumer spending and transportation risk. Her published work includes a 50-state analysis of winter driving danger using fatality and weather severity data; research tracking the relationship between rhodium commodity prices and catalytic converter theft rates, including state-level theft trends and what those rates mean for insurance costs; a state-by-state comparison of winter home heating costs; and an analysis of the full cost of having a baby in America: hospital bills, insurance and out-of-pocket expenses.

Career

Irby has more than 20 years of editorial and writing experience. Since 2005, she has run Irby x Irby, her own editorial and copywriting practice, with clients including The New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, OpenAI and the National Park Service. From 2019 to 2023, she served as Senior Managing Editor and then Copywriting Manager at Callisto Media, a nonfiction publisher acquired by Penguin Random House in May 2023, where she led a team of writers and graphic designers.

Before that, she spent nearly 11 years at QuinStreet, a performance marketing company that runs content and comparison sites in insurance and personal finance. She rose from Managing Editor to Senior Managing Editor between 2010 and 2016. Earlier in her career, she edited at Collabrys for nearly four years and tutored doctoral candidates on dissertation writing at the University of San Francisco.

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