Deer Collision Season Is Here: What DuPage Drivers Should Know

By EZ Tech Team | Published Oct 8, 2026

Deer collision season has arrived, and new State Farm figures show why DuPage drivers should stay alert. In its annual analysis, the insurer estimates that U.S. drivers filed more than 1.6 million animal-vehicle collision claims between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Deer were again the animal struck most often, and State Farm says the riskiest months for hitting a large animal are November, October and December.

State Farm, which has studied this data for 20 years, says these crashes “aren’t as unpredictable as they may seem,” because they follow patterns of place and season.

What the new numbers show

Nationally, the odds improved slightly: State Farm puts a driver’s chance of an animal collision at 1 in 145, down from 1 in 139 a year earlier. The company says it paid $1.9 billion in animal-collision claim costs during the study period.

Illinois sits below the national average. On State Farm’s interactive state map, Illinois drivers have a 1 in 195 chance of an animal-related claim, which ranks the state 35th out of 51 (the 50 states plus Washington, D.C.).

Out of state, the risk climbs. West Virginia has the highest odds at 1 in 46, followed by Montana (1 in 54), Wisconsin (1 in 62), Pennsylvania (1 in 64) and Michigan (1 in 68). Wisconsin and Michigan are an easy drive from DuPage, so keep their odds in mind on fall road trips.

The harm goes beyond bent metal: citing the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, State Farm reports that 210 people died in 2024 in motor vehicle crashes involving animals.

Safety tips

State Farm’s advice comes down to a few habits:

• Slow down and stay focused so you have time to react.
• Take animal-crossing signs seriously, especially near woods and water.
• Be most watchful from dusk to dawn, when animals are active and visibility drops. Use high beams when traffic allows.
• If one deer crosses, assume others are close behind.
• If an animal is in your path, brake firmly and stay in your lane when you can. Swerving can cause a loss of control or a crash with another car.
• Wear your seatbelt on every trip.

What this means for you

When a car hits a deer, the front end usually takes the blow: a cracked bumper cover, a broken grille, damaged headlights, and dents in the hood or fenders. We handle front bumper repair and headlight replacement for this kind of damage.

Some damage is hidden. Many newer vehicles mount radar or camera sensors behind the bumper or grille for driver-assist features. After front-end repairs, the automaker’s procedures may call for ADAS calibration after a collision so those systems work as designed. Our guide on whether a minor crash needs calibration explains more.

Not every dent needs paint. A hood or fender dent with unbroken paint may be a candidate for paintless dent repair; cracked paint usually means bodywork. An inspection decides.

On insurance, State Farm says comprehensive coverage typically covers animal collisions, subject to the policy terms and deductible. Coverage varies, so check your policy. This is general information, not legal or insurance advice.

Hit a deer? Next steps

• Move to a safe spot if you can and turn on your hazard lights.
• Call the police if the animal is blocking traffic or creating a hazard.
• Don’t approach the animal, especially if it is hurt or frightened.
• When it’s safe, photograph the scene and the damage.
• Before driving off, check for leaking fluids, damaged tires, broken lights or other hazards.
• Report the collision to your insurance company.
• Have the damage inspected. You can request a free estimate online or call us toll-free at (833) 439-8324 to reach our Naperville, Glen Ellyn and Downers Grove shops.

Source

• State Farm Newsroom, “20 Years of Animal Collision Data, One Goal: Safer Roads Ahead,” Bloomington, Ill., September 2026.
• State Farm Simple Insights, “How likely are you to have an animal collision?,” September 15, 2026, including its interactive state map.