A deer in the headlights.

What to do when you hit a deer

Even if you're vigilant, auto-deer collisions can happen. Learn what to do next.

Even if you're vigilant about avoiding animal collisions, the risk of hitting a deer with your vehicle heightens in the late fall and early winter. State Farm® estimates over 1.5 million animal collision insurance claims in the United States between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020.

What to do after a deer collision

  1. Move your vehicle to a safe place. If possible, pull over to the side of the road, and turn on your hazard lights. If you must leave your vehicle, stay off the road and out of the way of any oncoming vehicles. Deer are most active at dusk and dawn — times when you or your vehicle may be less visible to other motorists.
  2. Call the police. Alert authorities if the deer is blocking traffic and creating a threat for other drivers. If the collision results in injury or property damage, you may need to fill out an official report. This report also can prove useful when filing your insurance claim.
  3. Document the incident. If it's safe to do so, take photographs of the roadway, your surroundings, damage to your vehicle and any injuries you or your passengers sustained. If witnesses stop, take down their account of what occurred, and ask for their contact information.
  4. Stay away from the animal. A frightened, wounded deer could use its powerful legs and sharp hooves to harm you.
  5. Contact your State Farm agent. The sooner you report damage or injuries, the sooner your agent can file and process your claim. You can also report a claim online at statefarm.com®, by calling 1-800-STATE-FARM 800-782-8332(800-782-8332) or through the State Farm mobile app.
  6. Don't assume your vehicle is safe to drive. Double-check that your car is drivable after colliding with a deer. Look for leaking fluid, loose parts, tire damage, broken lights, a hood that won't latch and other safety hazards. If your vehicle seems unsafe in any way, call for a tow.

Before a collision occurs, make sure you're protected with the right type of insurance. Damages from auto-deer crashes typically are covered under comprehensive insurance, not collision. Contact your State Farm agent to learn more.

Is it illegal to hit a deer and drive off?

In some states it may be fine to leave the scene after hitting a deer and in other states it may be considered a crime. Know the laws in your state. If you aren't sure what to do, play it safe and call your local authorities.

What to do if you hit a deer and it runs away

If you hit a deer and it runs away, take pictures of any blood/hair and then look at your car to inspect for damage. If there is damage, call the authorities. If there is no damage, you may drive your car.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.

Start a quote

Select a product to start a quote.

Find agents near
you or contact us

There’s one ready to offer personalized service to fit your specific needs.

Related articles

Can you drive safely in severe weather?

It's helpful to know how to drive safely in ice, snow, rain, fog and other inclement weather.

Avoid these risks or you may fall asleep at the wheel

Drowsy driving can impair reflexes and lead to disaster. Try these tips to stay alert.

What to do when your teenager has a car accident

A teenager’s first car accident can be traumatic. Consider these tips to help prepare your teen before an accident happens and what to do if one occurs.

Driving distractions and how to avoid them

Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous driving distractions, but here are some others.