SLOW DOWN: Deer Season Is Here

Fall driving comes with a few familiar sights: colorful leaves, earlier sunsets and deer that apparently never attended a single traffic safety class. Unfortunately, that last one can turn an ordinary trip into an expensive and dangerous encounter.

According to State Farm’s latest annual analysis, American drivers face a 1-in-145 chance of an animal collision. The insurer estimates more than 1.6 million animal-related collision insurance claims occurred nationwide between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Those national odds improved from 1 in 139 the previous year, but this remains a substantial problem. State Farm alone paid $1.9 billion in animal-vehicle collision claims during the study period.

The 10 Highest-Risk States

State Farm lists these states as having the greatest likelihood of an animal collision:

1. West Virginia: 1 in 46.
2. Montana: 1 in 54.
3. Wisconsin: 1 in 62.
4. Pennsylvania: 1 in 64.
5. Michigan: 1 in 68.
6. Iowa: 1 in 81.
7. Mississippi: 1 in 81.
8. Virginia: 1 in 81.
9. Maine: 1 in 85.
10. South Dakota: 1 in 86.

West Virginia has held the highest-risk position for more than a decade. Pennsylvania, meanwhile, recorded the largest estimated number of industry claims, approximately 141,000. Having the worst odds and having the most claims are two different distinctions, and neither belongs on a state tourism brochure.

State Farm lists Texas drivers as having a 1 in 223 chance of an animal-vehicle collision, and in California, a 1 in 430 chance. 

When Drivers Should Be Most Alert

State Farm ranks November first for collisions involving large animals, followed by October and December. Extra attention is especially important between dusk and dawn.

Deer lead the insurer’s animal categories, followed by rodents, unidentified animals, dogs, raccoons, cattle, cats, turkeys, coyotes and hogs. One clarification: State Farm says its rodent figures include damage such as chewed wiring, so those claims do not all represent animals struck on the road.

Steps That Can Help Prevent A Collision

State Farm recommends these precautions:

• Slow down and keep scanning. Give yourself time to react, particularly around animal-crossing signs.
• Use high beams when appropriate. Better visibility can help you spot trouble on dark roads.
• Brake instead of swerving. A sudden steering maneuver can send you into another vehicle or cause you to lose control.
• Expect company. One deer may have others following nearby.
• Skip the deer whistles. State Farm says scientific evidence does not support their effectiveness.
• Buckle up. Every occupant should wear a seat belt.

The temptation to jerk the wheel is understandable, but keeping control of the vehicle deserves your attention when an animal suddenly appears.

If You Hit An Animal

Even a careful driver can encounter a deer with remarkably bad timing. State Farm’s guidance includes:

1. Move to a safe location, if possible, and activate your hazard lights.
2. Call for emergency assistance when needed, and notify police if the animal creates a traffic hazard.
3. Photograph the scene and damage when it is safe.
4. Keep your distance from an injured animal.
5. Report the incident to your insurer.
6. Check the vehicle before continuing. Leaks, damaged tires, broken lights or a hood that will not latch can make driving unsafe. Arrange a tow if necessary.

Check Your Insurance Before You Need It

State Farm identifies hitting an animal as a loss generally covered by comprehensive insurance, subject to policy provisions and the applicable deductible. Comprehensive and collision serve different purposes, so review what you actually carry. Ask your agent to explain your protection before a deer gives you an unplanned reason to find out.

Source: State Farm’s annual animal-collision analysis and its related driver safety and insurance guidance.