If it feels like there are more deer on the road this month, you’re right. November is the heart of the rut across much of Georgia, and bucks chasing does pay little attention to headlights.
The latest numbers
State Farm’s 2026 study covers claims from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026:
- 1 in 115: the odds a Georgia driver collides with an animal, compared with 1 in 145 nationally.
- 1.6 million+: estimated animal-vehicle collision claims across the U.S.
- $1.9 billion: what State Farm paid on those claims.
In the previous study year, State Farm estimated more than 70,000 animal-collision claims in Georgia, ranking the state 9th nationally by number of claims. Deer are by far the most commonly struck animal.
These crashes can be deadly. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety counted 210 deaths in U.S. crashes involving animals in 2024.
When the risk peaks
Nationally, about 41 percent of animal-collision claims in the 2024-25 study year happened from October through December. Georgia DNR and University of Georgia rut-timing research put the peak for Cobb, DeKalb, Henry, Rockdale and Walton counties at November 3-9.
Deer are most active from dusk to dawn, which is also when visibility is worst.
How to avoid a collision
- Slow down after dark, especially near woods, creeks and field edges.
- Use high beams when there’s no oncoming traffic.
- Expect more than one. If one deer crosses, others often follow.
- Brake, don’t swerve. Swerving can send you into a tree or oncoming traffic.
- Buckle up, every trip.
If you hit a deer
Get to a safe spot and turn on your hazards. Call police if the animal is blocking the road. Don’t approach an injured deer. Photograph the damage and call your insurer.
Georgia requires liability insurance but not comprehensive coverage, and comprehensive is what usually pays for animal strikes. It’s worth checking your policy before you need it.
The long-term fix
Fewer deer near roads means fewer crashes. In suburban areas where deer numbers are far above what the land can support, permission-based hunting is the tool Georgia DNR relies on. Our service is free to landowners, and the venison goes to Georgia Hunters for the Hungry.
Sources: State Farm 2026 animal collision data · Atlanta News First · Georgia CEO · Repairer Driven News · WSB-TV rut timing
Too many deer on your property?
Our deer removal service is free for Georgia landowners, and the venison is donated to Georgia Hunters for the Hungry. Call 404.312.0368 or request a free assessment.