Animal collisions while driving can be alarming and hazardous. According to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) are associated with more than 200 human deaths and roughly 26,000 injuries each year, with total annual costs exceeding $10 billion. Insurance datasets show the broader scale of incidents: State Farm’s most recent analysis indicates nearly 2 million animal-collision insurance claims in a typical 12‑month period, with the highest risk in the fall and the greatest likelihood per driver in states like West Virginia, with Montana and Pennsylvania also frequently high-risk (State Farm; see summary at the Insurance Information Institute). To safeguard yourself and your vehicle, it helps to know where, when, and how these crashes happen—and what your policy actually covers.
Damage to your car is common in these collisions, especially with larger animals like deer or elk. Thus, having the best car insurance matters for repair costs (minus your deductible). Industry and regulator guidance align on a key rule: striking wildlife is generally a comprehensive (other-than-collision) claim, while swerving to miss an animal and hitting another object is a collision claim; see the Insurance Information Institute, Progressive, and GEICO. Consider a deductible you can afford and add-ons that smooth repairs (rental reimbursement, roadside assistance, OEM-parts endorsements); these can be especially useful after front-end impacts that require ADAS calibration.
With vehicle miles traveled stabilized at or above pre‑pandemic levels, exposure to WVC risk remains high. Risk is highly seasonal and time-specific: fall (October–December, with November often the peak month) and low‑light hours (dusk through dawn) dominate U.S. animal‑strike crashes and claims (IIHS; State Farm). Spring migrations can create a secondary window in some regions (USGS). Environmental change is also shifting wildlife movement and timing: drought, altered snowpack, and habitat disturbances are affecting ungulate migrations and green‑up timing in parts of the West, which can subtly move local peak‑risk windows (USGS migration synthesis; broader migratory timing pressures summarized by CMS).
Even cautious drivers can encounter WVCs. Animals, particularly deer, are unpredictable. The assertion that deer account for most traffic accidents in many states is not supported by authoritative safety data; rather, deer dominate the subset of animal‑strike crashes, which themselves represent a small share of all traffic crashes. Verified patterns show risk is highest from October to December—with November the single highest month for fatal animal‑involved crashes—and many fatal events occur on rural roads in low light (IIHS). Claims analyses consistently place West Virginia at the top for per‑driver likelihood, with Montana and Pennsylvania often among other high‑risk states (State Farm; III).
This report explores how to prepare for a WVC, how technology and road‑side mitigations are evolving, and what to do—legally and from an insurance standpoint—if one occurs (FHWA Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program).
What To Consider Before Getting Behind The Wheel
Animal collisions can occur anytime, anywhere. Urban areas report increased deer sightings near parks, and even bears venture into cities. Expansion at the suburban fringe funnels wildlife along greenways and riparian corridors toward busy roads, which is why agencies are investing in wildlife crossings, fencing, and detection systems to reduce crashes (FHWA Wildlife Crossings Program; UC Davis Road Ecology Center). Roads that bisect migration routes or breeding grounds pose additional risks, with pronounced autumn peaks and localized spring surges (USGS).
| Considerations | Actions |
| Know local wildlife | Scan for deer and other wildlife near forest edges, riparian corridors, and parks; insurer data show elevated odds in deer‑rich states (e.g., WV, MT, PA). |
| Active animal times | Highest risk at dusk/dawn/night; fall (Oct–Dec) is the peak season, with a smaller spring window in some regions. |
| Defensive driving | Slow down in signed wildlife corridors; watch shoulders and the edge of your high beams for eye shine; expect trailing animals if you see one. |
| Vehicle maintenance | Keep windshields clean and headlights properly aimed/working; ensure forward sensors and cameras are unobstructed for ADAS performance. |
| Avoid distractions | Stay focused; avoid phone use or eating while driving, especially in high‑risk corridors and low‑light conditions. |
| Group travel | Animals often move in groups—scan for followers after the first animal crosses. |
| Stop, swerve, or strike? | Brake firmly and stay in your lane; swerving can cause severe crashes with oncoming traffic or fixed objects. |
| Use high beams | Use high beams when legal/safe to extend detection; reduce speed and tap the horn if needed. If equipped, enable large‑animal detection/AEB or night‑vision features; roadside animal‑detection signs may activate in hotspots. FHWA does not list devices like “deer whistles” among proven countermeasures. |
What Should I Do If I’ve Collided With A Wild Animal?
In the event of a collision, remain calm and follow these steps:
- Ensure everyone is uninjured; call 911 if there are injuries or hazards. Obey any posted wildlife warnings or temporary controls consistent with the MUTCD (11th Edition).
- Move to safety and activate hazard lights.
- Notify police if a large animal blocks traffic, and report the crash as required by state law when injuries occur or when property damage exceeds the state’s reporting threshold.
- Document the scene with photos (damage, location, signage) and note the time; this helps both claims and wildlife reporting.
- Before moving or salvaging the animal, check state wildlife rules: e.g., Washington requires an immediate online permit for eligible species (WDFW roadkill salvage), and Oregon allows deer/elk salvage by permit with conditions (ODFW). Never salvage threatened/endangered species; report to your state agency and, if applicable, USFWS.
- Contact your insurance company promptly and ask whether a police or wildlife report is recommended for animal‑strike claims in your state; check for hidden vehicle damage (leaks, tires/suspension, sensor obstructions) before driving.
What Should I Do If I’ve Collided With Someone’s Pet?
Hitting a pet can be distressing. Here’s what to do:
- Safely move off the road and turn on flashers; avoid handling an injured animal if unsafe—contact animal control.
- Check for tags and contact the owner when possible; follow local reporting rules for domestic animals.
- Report to animal control if the owner is unknown; in some jurisdictions, police reporting is required when certain domestic animals are involved.
- Inspect your car for damage. Your own vehicle damage from striking a domestic animal is typically comprehensive; if you swerved and hit another object, it’s collision. The pet owner’s veterinary/animal loss may fall under their property liability or your liability depending on negligence and local law; consult your insurer’s guidance and the NAIC consumer guide.
Will My Car Insurance Cover Damage Caused By Hitting An Animal?
Check if your insurance covers animal collisions. Hitting a wild animal is generally covered by comprehensive (other‑than‑collision) coverage, while swerving to avoid an animal and striking another object is typically a collision claim; see the Insurance Information Institute, Progressive, and GEICO. Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) can help with injuries to you and your passengers; liability never pays to repair your own car.
Comprehensive coverage is part of many full‑coverage policies and is often less expensive than collision. Comprehensive animal‑strike claims are frequently treated as not‑at‑fault, but surcharge rules vary by state and insurer—review your carrier’s policies and state rules using the NAIC guide. Consider add‑ons that mitigate disruption: rental reimbursement (body‑shop backlogs), roadside assistance/towing, OEM‑parts endorsements (useful for ADAS calibration), and gap/new‑car replacement for newer or financed vehicles. Given that claims spike in October–December and are elevated in deer‑dense states (State Farm; III), carrying comprehensive with a deductible you can afford is prudent if you regularly drive at dusk/dawn or through rural corridors.
The Bottom Line
Wildlife‑vehicle collisions impose a substantial toll—more than 200 deaths, about 26,000 injuries, and over $10 billion in annual costs nationwide—while insurers tally nearly 2 million animal‑collision claims each year (FHWA; U.S. DOT; State Farm). Risk concentrates in the fall and in deer‑abundant states, especially at dusk and dawn (IIHS). Preparation (defensive night driving, clean/aimed headlights, and the right coverages), attention to evolving roadside mitigations (crossings, fencing, detection signs), and modern in‑vehicle aids (large‑animal detection/AEB, night vision) can reduce danger. As drought, wildfire, and shifting green‑up alter migration timing in some regions (USGS), stay alert to local advisories. If a collision occurs, follow safety, reporting, and wildlife‑law steps—and work with your insurer to document and resolve the claim.
