Jablonski Insurance urges Illinois drivers to check deer-strike coverage before peak season

The Fox Lake agency is reminding drivers in Lake County and the Chain O'Lakes area to review auto policies ahead of Illinois' peak deer-crash months. The warning comes as state data shows November is the highest-risk month and comprehensive coverage is typically what pays for deer-related vehicle damage.

Why it matters: - Deer crashes surge in late fall across Illinois, and many drivers do not check coverage until after a collision. - A policy gap can leave drivers paying out of pocket for repairs after a deer strike. - The risk is especially relevant for Fox Lake-area commuters who drive wooded and lakefront roads at dawn and dusk.

What happened: - Jablonski Insurance is urging drivers across the Chain O'Lakes region and Lake County to review auto policies in October before peak deer-crash weeks. - The Fox Lake agency says it writes auto coverage for local drivers, including comprehensive coverage that typically pays for damage from striking a deer. - The agency is also directing drivers to request an auto coverage review by phone or through its website.

The details: - Illinois recorded 14,436 deer crashes in 2024, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. - Of those crashes, 13,733 caused property or vehicle damage, 698 caused injuries, and five were fatal. - October, November and December accounted for 6,027 deer crashes, or 42% of the year's total. - November was the highest-risk month with 3,037 crashes. - IDOT said 79% of deer crashes happened at twilight or at night. - Lake County ranked among Illinois' top five counties for deer crashes with 353 in 2024. - Neighboring McHenry County recorded 381 deer crashes. - Route 12 and the two-lane roads around the Chain O'Lakes leave drivers near wooded stretches where deer are common, especially around dawn and dusk. - State Farm estimates U.S. drivers filed 1.7 million animal-collision claims from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. - Deer were involved in more than 1.1 million of those claims. - October, November and December made up 41% of all animal-collision claims. - Liability-only auto coverage, including Illinois minimum limits, does not pay to repair the policyholder's vehicle. - Comprehensive coverage generally covers animal strikes, plus hail, flooding, fire and theft. - Collision coverage typically applies when a driver swerves to avoid a deer and hits another vehicle, a tree or a guardrail. - Each coverage has its own deductible. - Drivers with financed or leased vehicles are typically required by lenders to carry both comprehensive and collision coverage. - Jablonski Insurance reviews auto policies for drivers in Fox Lake, Antioch, Johnsburg, Spring Grove, Round Lake Beach and nearby communities. - The agency also writes home, boat, motorcycle and snowmobile coverage. - Clients have access to 24/7 claims support. - The office assists clients in English, Spanish and Romanian. - Jablonski Insurance is located at 37 South Street 12 Ste 2 in Fox Lake and was founded in 2009. - The agency says it has 11 team members and offers auto, home, condo, renters, landlord, life, boat, motorcycle, ATV, flood and business insurance.

Between the lines: - The timing of the reminder tracks with state and national claims data showing deer collisions spike in the fall. - The message is aimed at making drivers think about coverage before a deer strike creates an immediate repair bill. - The reminder also reinforces that avoiding a deer can still lead to a claim if the driver hits another object. - For many drivers, the deductible matters as much as the coverage type when deciding whether to file a claim.

What's next: - Drivers can review coverage, confirm deductibles and verify whether comprehensive and collision coverage are included before winter driving conditions worsen. - IDOT recommends slowing down, braking firmly and staying in lane if a deer appears. - After a crash, IDOT advises drivers to pull onto the shoulder, turn on hazard lights and call 911. - IDOT also warns drivers not to approach or move an injured deer. - Photos of the vehicle, road and surroundings can help support an insurance claim. - More information is available on the agency's auto insurance page or on Jablonski Insurance's website.