NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Tennessee drivers face a 1-in-129 likelihood of filing an insurance claim after colliding with an animal, according to State Farm’s latest annual analysis.
More than 40,000 animal-collision claims are estimated to have involved Tennessee drivers between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. State Farm said it used claims data to calculate the figures.
The number is an estimate of insurance claims, not the same as a state count of crashes reported to law enforcement.
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Tennessee recorded 8,036 deer-related crashes in 2024, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Those crashes included 465 injury crashes and five fatal crashes; 7,571 involved property damage only.
The state data covers deer-related crashes reported during the calendar year, while State Farm’s estimate includes collisions and claims involving a broader range of wild and domestic animals during a different 12-month period.
The new report comes as deer activity increases in the fall.
A deer with its fawn early Thursday morning, June 25, 2026. State Farm estimates Tennessee drivers faced a 1-in-129 likelihood of filing an animal-collision claim in its latest annual analysis. (Mike Rudd/7News)
Tennessee’s early archery deer season began Sept. 26 and runs through Oct. 30 before another segment in early November, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
State Farm estimated more than 1.6 million animal-vehicle collision claims nationwide during its July 2025-June 2026 study period. The company said it paid $1.9 billion in animal-collision claim costs.
West Virginia had the nation’s highest likelihood of an animal-collision claim, at 1 in 46, State Farm said.
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Animal strikes can cause more than vehicle damage.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported 210 people died in U.S. motor vehicle crashes involving collisions with animals in 2024, based on federal fatal-crash data.
Tennessee safety officials urge drivers to slow down and stay alert, particularly in rural areas and around dawn and dusk. If an animal enters the roadway, officials advise drivers to brake firmly and stay in their lane instead of swerving, which can lead to a more serious crash.
Drivers should also use high beams when it is safe to do so, watch for additional deer when one is spotted and wear seat belts.