Wild animal collisions cost German insurers €1.2 billion

Wild animal collisions on German roads are causing significant economic and safety concerns. According to the German Insurance Association (GDV), these accidents cost motor vehicle insurers approximately €1.2 billion last year, representing a seven percent increase compared to the previous year. While the number of accidents remained relatively stable at around 276,000, the average cost per repair rose to approximately €4,400 due to increasing prices for spare parts and labor.

Statistically, a wild animal collision occurs in Germany nearly every two minutes, with more than 750 incidents reported daily. High-risk periods include the early morning hours (05:00–07:00) and late evening (21:00–23:00), as well as during autumn when seasonal changes increase animal activity.

Geographically, regions such as Franconia and Northern Baden face high risks due to dense forested areas like the Spessart and Odenwald. Common species involved in collisions include deer, red deer, and fallow deer, followed by smaller animals like hares and foxes. Collisions with wild boar are noted for causing particularly severe vehicle damage due to their mass.