As deer season kicks into high gear across La Crosse, WI, we always see one thing spike this time of year—car vs. deer accidents. If you drive anywhere near Highway 16, County B, Holmen, Onalaska, West Salem, or the rural roads around Vernon & Jackson County, you know exactly what we’re talking about.
At Preferred Insurance Agency, we help local drivers every single week with claims caused by deer strikes. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe, stay covered, and avoid expensive surprises this fall and winter.
🦌 Why Deer Season Causes So Many Accidents
Deer are most active during:
-
Dusk and dawn
-
Breeding season (October–December)
-
Harvest time, when crops get cut and deer start moving
-
Cold snaps that push deer toward roads and salt
Wisconsin consistently ranks top 5 in the U.S. for car-deer collisions, and La Crosse County is one of the higher-risk counties in the state.
🚗 What Insurance Covers When You Hit a Deer
The number one question we get this time of year:
“Does insurance cover it if I hit a deer?”
➡️ YES — IF you have comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive pays for:
-
Damage from hitting a deer
-
Damage from swerving and hitting a ditch or tree
-
Broken headlights, grills, and bodywork
-
Towing
-
Windshield damage
Liability-only policies will NOT pay for deer damage.
If you’re not sure what you have, call us or text our office—99% of the time we can update your coverage the same day.
🛑 Should You Swerve?
The safest move is usually:
DON’T SWERVE. BRAKE STRAIGHT.
Swerving causes more serious injuries than the deer itself, especially on:
-
33 by Goose Island
-
Scenic Drive
-
108 by Mindoro
-
County F in West Salem
-
Back roads near Bangor & Stoddard
Keep control of the wheel, slow down, and stay in your lane.
🧰 What to Do If You Hit a Deer
Here’s your quick checklist:
-
Pull off safely
-
Turn on hazard lights
-
Don’t approach the deer
-
Take photos
-
Call the non-emergency line if needed
-
Contact us at Preferred Insurance Agency to start your claim
We can help you get your vehicle into a La Crosse or Onalaska repair shop fast.
✔️ Make Sure You’re Covered Before You’re on the Road
Fall is the #1 time of year we help drivers upgrade from liability to full coverage.
With repair costs skyrocketing, a deer hit can easily run $3,000–$8,000—sometimes more with new vehicles.
If you’re unsure what your current coverage looks like, we’ll review it for free and give honest recommendations.
📍 Serving La Crosse, Onalaska, Holmen, West Salem & All of Western Wisconsin
Preferred Insurance Agency is your local, independent insurance agency—meaning we shop multiple carriers to get you the best price and coverage, especially for:
-
Auto Insurance
-
Home Insurance
-
RV & ATV Insurance
-
Cabin & Property Insurance
When deer season hits, having the right coverage matters.
📲 Need Help or Want a Quick Quote?
Call or text us anytime — we’re right here in La Crosse.
Preferred Insurance Agency
📍 La Crosse, WI
📞 608-881-6566
🌐 preferredlax.com
Stay safe this deer season — and if you have questions, we’re here to help.
Filed Under: Auto Insurance | Tagged With: #AutoInsurance, #claim, #Collision, #deer, progressive