West Virginia continues to lead the nation as the state where you are most likely to hit an animal while driving. Montana, Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania round out the five worst states for animal collisions, according to a just-released State Farm report.
The odds of striking an animal while driving are 1 out of 139, and it’s not uncommon to see deer around roadways during deer season, which runs from October to December. But overall, every state saw a slight decline in animal collision claims compared to the prior year.
Which states are the worst for animal vehicle collisions?
West Virginia continues to top State Farm’s annual list of the states that are worst for animal/vehicle collisions.
Top states for animal/vehicle collisions:
- West Virginia (1 in 40)
- Montana (1 in 53)
- Wisconsin (1 in 58)
- Michigan (1 in 61)
- Pennsylvania (1 in 62)
West Virginia remains the most dangerous state for animal collisions, holding the top spot for over 10 years.
Pennsylvania recorded the highest estimated number of claims at 147,000, followed by Michigan (126,000), North Carolina (88,000), Texas (86,000), and Ohio (80,500).
The months drivers are most likely to collide with a large animal in the U.S. are the fall months of October, November and December, accounting for around 650,000 — 41% of all animal collision claims.
Which states have the lowest odds of animal collisions?
On the other end of the spectrum, the states with the lowest odds of hitting an animal include the following states:
- Nevada (1 in 966)
- Hawaii (1 in 907)
- The District of Columbia (1 in 794)
- Alaska (1 in 661)
- Arizona (1 in 577)
Which animals get hit by cars most often?
The top 5 animals involved in animal collisions most often are:
- Deer
- Unidentified animals
- Rodents
- Dogs
- Raccoons
Tips for avoiding animals on the road
State Farm says that there are things drivers can do to avoid hitting animals while driving: Slow down and maintain a constant lookout for animals. Use extra caution in known animal crossing zones.
Here are a few tips:
- Stay alert: Mind “deer crossing” and “wildlife crossing” signs and be cautious near woods or water.
- Use high beams: Flashing your high beams at an animal on the road may cause the animal to run away. High beams also help illuminate dark roads.
- Don’t swerve: If a crash is inevitable, maintain control of your vehicle and never veer off the road.
- Brake and honk: If you can avoid hitting the animal, reduce your speed, honk your horn, and tap your brakes to warn other drivers. If there are no drivers behind you, brake hard.
- Remember, peak season is in the fall: Animal collisions happen most during October through December, which is hunting and mating season.
- Watch out at mealtime: Watch for animals between dusk and dawn.
- Watch for herds: If you see one deer, there are probably more nearby.
- Don’t use a whistle: No scientific evidence supports that car-mounted deer whistles work.
- Wear seat belts: Always obey posted speed limits and wear seat belts.
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What to do if you hit an animal
If you hit an animal while driving, there are a few things to do but above all, remain calm:
- Move to safety: Pull your vehicle off the road and switch on your hazard lights.
- Call the police: Report the incident if the animal is blocking traffic or poses a danger to other drivers.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the road, your surroundings, and any damage to your car.
- Keep your distance: Injured animals can be unpredictable and dangerous. Do not try to move or approach them.
- Check your car carefully: Inspect for leaking fluids, loose parts, flat tires, broken lights, or other issues before driving away.
- Notify your insurer: File your claim as soon as possible. Comprehensive coverage usually pays for animal collision damage after your deductible.
Comprehensive car insurance covers you if you hit an animal
To be covered if your vehicle strikes an animal, you’ll need comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive auto insurance also covers theft, vandalism, hail, fire and other incidents beyond your control.
If you swerve to miss a deer and are successful but crash, say, you hit a tree or guardrail, that damage is covered by collision insurance. If your vehicle doesn’t contact the animal the damage is considered a collision claim because you hit another car or object.
Comprehensive claims don’t generally raise your rates unless you have recently filed additional claims, but your coverage will only pay out up to the actual cash value of your car, and you will have to pay the deductible.
“In general, drivers expect that making a claim will cause their rates to go up, which isn’t always the case. Most insurance companies will only increase your rates if you’ve had a lot of other recent claims with them,” says Ian Lang, senior car advice editor for Bumper.com, a website to help consumers in their car-buying experience. “Hitting an animal once and making a claim through your comprehensive coverage when you’ve had an otherwise uneventful driving history shouldn’t raise your rates. This, like policy restrictions, is evaluated on a per driver, per incident basis.”
Read more: Will insurance pay for a car accident caused by an animal?
Resources & Methodology
Source
State Farm Newsroom. “New State Farm data reveals fewer animal collisions, but autumn months remain most dangerous.” Accessed September 2025.
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