Motorists warned as deer collisions spike in spring
04/16/2025
Spring has sprung but motorists are being warned to be extra vigilant as fawning (birthing) season leads to a 45% surge in deer vehicle collision claims, according to Zurich’s claims data.
63 claims were recorded in April and May 2024 compared to a low of just 11 collisions recorded in January and February 2025.
The average cost of a claim in 2024 was £4,317. Due to rising car part and labour costs for repairs, this figure looks set to increase by over £250 in 2025 to £4,584.
According to the Forestry Commission, the UK’s deer population has rapidly increased over the last 40 years and is currently estimated at around 2 million. This is the highest number of deer seen in 1,000 years, which may explain the increase in deer vehicle collisions in the past few years.
Not only can a collision be costly, but hitting a deer can also be extremely dangerous and very distressing for both drivers and passengers. Research indicates that over 74,000 deer-vehicle collisions occur every year, with the majority sadly resulting in the deer’s death.
Taking extra care this spring
Zurich is urging motorists to take extra care this spring when driving through rural areas that are known hotspots for deer herds, like the New Forest, the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands.
James Nicholson, Chief Claims Officer at Zurich UK comments: “The fawning season can be particularly dangerous for young deer. Deer vehicle collisions are more prevalent during this time when the fawn is left in long grass for protection while the mother forages, wandering into oncoming traffic. Couple this with the increasing volume of electric and hybrid model cars on the road and hitting a deer sadly becomes even more likely.
“It’s a very distressing situation to harm a deer. Not only that, but a deer vehicle collision can cause injury to drivers and passengers. During these months we advise drivers to be extra vigilant whilst driving near forested and rural areas, especially at dawn and dusk when deer are more active. Keep a lookout for road warning signs that indicate animals are nearby and, when safe to do so, use full beams at night to increase visibility on the road.”
'Tens of thousands' of collisions a year
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “The number of collisions involving deer is believed to be in the tens of thousands every year, so drivers who use rural roads need to be constantly aware of the risk.
“While signs are positioned in known danger areas, the sheer prevalence of deer means they could be encountered anywhere in the countryside, or even on the edge of towns. In the event of spotting a deer in or near the road, our advice is to brake but not to swerve as this could lead to a serious collision with an oncoming vehicle.
“With foliage now growing rapidly due to the spring weather, important signs warning of deer and speed limits could be obscured, so it’s more important than ever for motorists to be vigilant and drive at an appropriate speed.”
Top deer tips for drivers:
1. Beware during the peak danger periods between sunset and midnight and just before and after sunrise when deer are most active.
2. Drive with caution and be on the lookout for deer - if you see one, you’re likely to see more.
3. Use full-beam lights when there is no opposing traffic. But, if you see a deer or any other animal on the road, dim your headlights so you don’t startle them. This can cause them to freeze rather than leave the road.
4. If you hit a deer, keep yourself and anyone with you as safe as you can and park your car in a safe place with hazard lights on.
5. Call the RSPCA’s 24-hour emergency line (0300 1234 999) if the animal is injured. Be cautious approaching an injured animal, as it might scratch or bite
6. Call an ambulance if human injuries warrant it and call the Police.
7. If you spot an injured deer on the road, pull over at a safe place and call the police - give as precise a location as you can.
8. Do not try to assist or move the deer as this can put you in danger.
9. If your car is damaged, record the evidence, seek details from any witnesses, and report it to your insurer as soon as possible.
Zurich has made free counselling available to motorists involved in crashes with animals. Under its claims support, customers and their immediate family members aged over 18 can access five free counselling sessions with a qualified mental health specialist. The service is available across all claims submitted by Zurich customers, from victims of theft right through to flooding and any other incident.
