State Farm data shows fewer animal collisions
State Farm data shows there were fewer animal collisions last year than the year before, according to a press release.
The data estimates 1.7 million insurance claims from animal collisions between July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, a decline from 1.8 million the previous year.
U.S. drivers faced odds of 1 in 139 of being involved in an animal collision, an improvement from the 1 in 128 national average the year before.
“After 20 years of tracking animal collisions, State Farm has learned that understanding when and where crashes happen can help drivers prepare —and help inform ways to prevent them,” State Farm says in a separate release. “Looking ahead, better infrastructure, wildlife crossings, vehicle technology, driver awareness, and data-informed decisions can all play a role in reducing risk.”
Deer-related incidents led with more than 1.1 million claims, State Farm says. Unknown animals were second, followed by rodents, dogs, and raccoons.
West Virginia led in animal collisions, with a 1-in-40 chance of an animal-involved collision, followed by Montana, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
Farmers Insurance also collects state data on animal collisions. It also puts Montana at the top of the list with a 74% chance of an animal collision. Michigan comes in second, followed by Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota. West Virginia, State Farm’s riskiest state, is sixth on the Farmers Insurance list.
While West Virginia has the highest odds of an animal collision, State Farm says that Pennsylvania reported the highest number of estimated industry claims at 147,000.
However, State Farm notes that all states experienced a slight decrease in claims compared to the previous year.
States with the lowest odds are Nevada at 1 in 966, with Hawaii, the District of Columbia, Alaska, and Arizona following.
Autumn, including the months of October, November, and December, pose the highest risk of animal collisions, State Farm says. The three months account for an estimated 650,000 incidents, or 41% of all animal collision claims, it adds.
Driver animal safety tips include reducing the vehicle’s speed and maintaining a constant lookout for animals.
State Farm suggests traveling at a speed that will allow you to stop in time if an animal comes into the beam cast by your headlights and to use extra caution in known animal crossing zones.
High beams should be used when appropriate from dusk to dawn or during other high-risk times.
Drivers should not swerve but brake firmly when they notice an animal in or near their path.
“Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars,” the press release states.
Drivers should also always wear their seatbelts.
After a crash, drivers should move their vehicle to a safe place on the side of the road and turn on their hazard lights.
The police should be called if an animal is blocking traffic and could be creating a threat to other drivers. However, people should stay away from the animal, as it could use its legs and hooves to harm those who approach it.
Drivers should take photographs of the road, surroundings, and damage.
State Farm advises drivers to not assume their vehicle is safe and to look for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights, and other hazards.
“Quickly file your insurance claim,” the release states. “Comprehensive coverage typically covers repairs for collisions with animals after your deductible.”
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Feature photo courtesy of Michael-Tatman/iStock
Embedded photos courtesy of State Farm