RICHMOND—Fall is prime time for deer collisions, and a drive home without watchful eyes on the road can become a financial nightmare in a flash.
The chances of colliding with deer peak in the fall, when hunting and mating seasons drive droves of deer into roadways throughout the day and night.
“You can almost set a clock to deer claims,” remarked Roby Young, physical damage manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “We usually see the largest influx starting around mid- to late-October, but it really gets full swing in November.”
VFBMIC handled a total of 2,682 deer claims resulting in over $13 million in losses from August 2024 through August 2025.
“Vehicle complexity increases the cost of repairs these days,” noted Anne Baskette, VFBMIC director of claims administration. “The average loss for a deer strike in 2019 was $3,240, compared to $4,866 in 2024 and 2025.”
And industry-wide repair costs for vehicles 3 years old or newer have increased by around 46%, according to CCC Intelligent Solutions.
Motorists can avoid costly deer collisions by:
- Simply slowing down and staying alert—especially on roads with previous deer sightings. Keeping hands off the phone, radio, GPS and avoiding other distractions is key to preventing any type of collision, and seatbelt safety is paramount to preventing injuries.
- Next to utilizing headlights and fog lights, switching on high beams when there’s no oncoming vehicles can help illuminate lurking deer at night.
- If a deer is spotted on or near the road, slow down, and consider coming to a complete stop. Remember that deer typically don’t travel alone, and there likely will be another one.
“Never assume the deer standing on the side of the road are going to stay there, because once they see a vehicle approaching, they’re going to try to get to the other side,” Young cautioned.
And deer mating season, commonly known as “rut,” causes erratic activity. When bucks are chasing does, they likely aren’t looking both ways before crossing the road.
Those living in rural areas and near farmland also should stay mindful of potential livestock on roadways.
In the event of a deer collision, pull over where it’s safe to do so and ensure the vehicle is safe to drive. If there’s fluid leakage, other visible issues or any uncertainty, call a tow truck to avoid further damaging the vehicle.
VFBMIC insureds should immediately call their insurance agent for further guidance.
“That’s what we’re here for,” Young encouraged. “File the claim and let us guide you and do whatever we can to take out all of those additional steps and headaches.”
It’s also important to call the police in case there’s a carcass obstructing the road or a future need for an incident report.
Baskette encourages all vehicle owners, including those with older models, to acquire Other Than Collision Coverage to help with common claims like glass breakage, deer damage and any other animal strikes.
-Virginia Farm Bureau