Missouri Insurance Department Cautions Drives to Look Out for Deer

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance is cautioning drivers to be on the lookout for deer and other wild animals as temperatures drop and nights become longer.

“Dawn and dusk are the most susceptible times to experience deer collisions,” said Chlora Lindley-Myers, Director of the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance. “Always be cautious and regularly scan both sides of the roadway. Keep in mind some accidents are unavoidable, so it’s always best to be prepared by contacting your agent or carrier to discuss appropriate insurance coverage.”

In 2023, Missouri reported more than 3,500 crashes involving deer, equating to one deer strike occurring approximately every 2 hours and 30 minutes in the state.

In these crashes, there were four fatalities, and 420 people were injured, DCI said.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates damage caused by deer accidents alone results in about $1 billion of uninsured losses annually.

Damage to a vehicle from an accident with an animal is covered under an auto policy’s optional comprehensive coverage, DCI said. Drivers who only have collision or liability coverage will not be covered for damage from an animal collision.