Deer Collision Repair

How many deer collisions occur each year in Wisconsin?

According to the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation, there were over 16,000 deer-vehicle collisions reported in 2020 -- three times as many as alcohol-related crashes. From mid-October through November, an average of 7,000 deer-vehicle accidents occur in the state, and this can be attributed to less dense foliage, higher animal activity levels, and earlier setting sun. Unfortunately for drivers and the deer, this leads to over 150 accidents per day during the seasonal peak, with more than 400 personal injuries on an annual basis.

How Much Damage Can A Deer Collision Cause?

Ask anyone who has hit a deer and they will agree that there's really no such thing as a “minor” deer-vehicle crash.

"When a deer smacks into your car, they collide with significant force,” says James Anderberg, manager at Ball Body Shop, a division of Smart Motors. He says the average hit can cost between $2,500 and $6,000 with some smash-ups resulting in a total loss. And to make matters worse, these costs are going up.

A local Insurance company recently announced the national reported cost per claim from hitting a deer rose 6% to more than $4,100 from about $3,900 in 2014 and then rose to $4,341 in 2018. And while a driver’s comprehensive insurance coverage should absorb these costs, many drivers elect not to carry it, and therefore, have to pay out of pocket. This situation is unfortunate, of course, but we can assure you our Ball Body Shop has the expertise required to fix any deer crash incident; regardless of type of vehicle you drive or who manufactured it. In fact, you can take a closer look, and learn more about every step in our repair process.

What can I do to avoid a collision with a deer?

• Always use caution when driving -- especially at dusk and into the evening hours, as deer become more active when the sun goes down.
• Stay alert and pay attention to the road ahead. If possible, try to ensure you are familiar with the roads you are traveling, and the landscape/environment surrounds them.
• Deer generally travel in small groups. If you see one cross the road, there is a strong chance that there are additional deer nearby that may be following behind.
• Sometimes it makes sense to hit the deer. This might sound cruel, but if it comes down to hitting a deer or swerving into on-coming traffic, your best bet is to hit the deer, as the latter can cause significantly more damage and pose more of an injury threat.
• Keep your lights, brakes, and tires well-maintained for optimal performance. Buckle up, don't tailgate, and remember to always abide by the speed limit and pay attention to the yellow “deer” road signs.