State Farm reports Illinois drivers now rank 4th in the nation for the number of animal collisions claims, including deer, dogs, and farm animals.

Illinois drivers have a 1 in 141 chance of colliding with an animal while driving.

Compared to the previous 12 months, State Farm reported a decrease of 2 percent in Illinois animal collision claims.

From July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, State Farm paid out for 17,729 auto claims with animals in Illinois. T

Nationally, the insurance industry paid for an estimated 1.9 million animal collisions over the past 12 months, a 5.5% decrease compared to the previous 12-month period.

  • The state with the most auto animal collision claims was Pennsylvania, with 155,000 insurance claims and a likelihood of 1 out of 58 for licensed drivers to hit an animal while being behind the wheel.
  • The state where drivers have the highest likelihood of hitting an animal is West Virginia, with a probability of 1 in 35.

The months drivers are most likely to collide with an animal in the U.S. are, in this order:

  1. November
  2. October
  3. December

Top 10 States for State Farm Animal Collision claims

  1. Pennsylvania – 28,227 claims
  2. Michigan –21,891 claims
  3. Georgia –18,869 claims
  4. Illinois –17,729 claims
  5. Texas –17,462 claims
  6. Ohio – 15,824 claims
  7. Virginia –13,787 claims
  8. Minnesota –13,108 claims
  9. Missouri –12,375 claims
  10. South Carolina – 12,131 claims

State Farm released the following Animal Collision Safety Tips – Animals are unpredictable, especially when faced with glaring headlights, blowing horns and fast-moving vehicles. They often dart into traffic.

  • Know your insurance coverage. Before a collision occurs, make sure you’re protected with the right type of insurance. Damages from auto-animal crashes typically are covered under comprehensive insurance, not collision.
  • Slow down.  Reduce your vehicle’s speed and maintain a constant lookout for animals. Travel at a speed that will allow you to stop in time if an animal comes into the beam cast by your headlights
  • Use extra caution and slow-down in known animal crossing zones.
  • Dusk to dawn are high-risk times; use high beams when appropriate.
  • Scan the road and avoid swerving when you see an animal. Brake firmly when you notice an animal in or near your path, but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.
  • Always wear your seatbelt. Safety belts saved an estimated 114,955 lives in 2017.
  • Turn on high beams at night. When driving at night, use high beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of any deer on or near the roadway.  If you encounter a deer or other animal, switch your headlights to low beam so the animals are not blinded and will move out of your way.

After-crash tips

  • Move your vehicle to a safe place: Pull to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights.
  • Call police: If an animal is blocking traffic and could be create a threat for other drivers.
  • Document: Take photographs of the road, your surroundings and damage.
  • Stay away from the animal: A frightened, wounded animal could use its legs and hooves to harm you. Do not attempt to move an animal.
  • Don’t assume your vehicle is safe to drive: Look for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights and other hazard.
  • Contact your insurance company: Quickly file your insurance claim