![\"\"](\"https:\/\/morgancountyusa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/buck.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThat’s according to an analysis of claims from 2006 to 2018 conducted by the Highway Loss Data Institute.<\/p>\n
Animal-strike-related insurance claims are more than twice as frequent as the yearly average in November, when the search for a mate keeps the big bucks on the move.<\/p>\n
The severity of claims, measured in dollars insurers pay to cover losses, also soars during the peak month.<\/p>\n
The cost of deer crashes has been increasing steadily, mostly due to higher-priced cars and components.<\/p>\n
In 2018, the average cost of an animal strike claim was $3,875, compared with $2,424 in 2006.<\/p>\n
The five states with the highest November claim frequencies were West Virginia, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Michigan.<\/p>\n
The claim frequency in West Virginia \u2013 47.8 claims per 1,000 insured vehicle years \u2013 was more than three times the national average for the peak month.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe claims follow a very consistent pattern in line with the mating and hunting season over the years, rising rapidly in October, peaking in November, and then dropping off in December and January,\u201d says Matt Moore, senior vice president of HLDI.<\/p>\n
Animal strike claims are lowest in August.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdapting pedestrian crash prevention systems to detect animals as well as people in the roadway could help avoid many of these collisions,\u201d says Moore.<\/p>\n
Automated braking systems that recognize pedestrians are becoming more common.<\/p>\n
Some automakers say their systems can also detect animals, but IIHS hasn\u2019t tested these claims.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
West Virginia leads the nation in animal strike related insurance claims in November. That’s according to an analysis of claims from 2006 to 2018 conducted by the Highway Loss Data Institute. Animal-strike-related insurance claims are more than twice as frequent … Continue reading