West Virginia Leads Nation in Animal Collisions
State Farm's yearly reporting ranks West Virginia first for animal-related vehicle crashes, with local repair shops seeing a surge in damaged vehicles.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Car Types
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State Farm reported that West Virginia led the nation in animal-related collisions in its yearly reporting. One in 46 West Virginia drivers had an animal-related collision last year, compared with a national average of one in 145.
Why it matters
The high rate of animal collisions means many West Virginia drivers face repair costs and safety risks on the road. Local body shops are seeing the effects directly, with a significant rise in business during the fall.
One in 46 West Virginia drivers had an animal-related collision last year, roughly three times the national rate of one in 145. Lewis Automotive Group's Beckley body shop handles 50 to 60 vehicles per month, with 60 to 70% showing animal-related damage.
The players
State Farm
State Farm is a major American insurance company that publishes yearly reporting on auto claims and collision trends.
Lewis Automotive Group
Lewis Automotive Group operates a body shop in Beckley, West Virginia, that repairs vehicles damaged in collisions.
The details
Lewis Automotive Group's body shop reports that 60 to 70% of the vehicles it handles each month carry animal-related damage. The shop sees a significant increase in business during the fall, when deer mating season raises the number of animal crossings on roads.
Timeline
Last year: One in 46 West Virginia drivers had an animal-related collision.
Fall: Body shop sees a significant increase in business.
Car Types
State Farm's yearly animal-collision reporting shows West Virginia at the top of the national ranking, and the state's roads, with frequent deer crossings, make its drivers more exposed than the national average. Vehicle types that sit higher off the ground or carry more weight can face different collision outcomes, which affects repair patterns at local shops.
West Virginia drivers face a much higher chance of an animal collision than the national average, so keeping comprehensive coverage and knowing where repair shops are located can reduce the cost of a crash. Drivers should keep their lane and brake when a deer appears rather than swerving, which lowers the risk of a more serious accident.
The takeaway
Drivers in West Virginia should expect animal crossings, especially in the fall, and should brake firmly and keep their lane rather than swerving. Staying alert during deer mating season can prevent costly damage.
Further reading
For more on how different vehicle designs handle collisions, explore our Car Types section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WOAY-TV.
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Do you change how you drive at night during deer season?
