DEER & WILDLIFE COLLISION REPAIR · CLINTON COUNTY, IL

Hit a Deer? We'll Tow It, Fix It, and Handle the Insurance

On the rural roads around Bartelso, a deer can step out of a field with no warning. Mickelson’s Auto Body has been repairing deer and wildlife damage for Clinton County drivers since 1985, and our 24-hour towing means you’re never stuck on the shoulder waiting until morning. From a cracked grille to major front-end and frame damage, we restore your vehicle and work directly with your insurance company.

Deer standing near the center of a tree-lined rural road

Deer Collisions in Illinois: The Numbers

  • Illinois recorded 14,436 crashes involving deer in 2024, according to IDOT. (source)
  • 42% of those happened in October, November, and December, and November is the highest-risk month.
  • 69% occurred in rural areas, and 79% happened at twilight or after dark.

That’s exactly the kind of driving most of our customers do every day on Route 161, Route 50, and the county roads between our towns.

What to Do If You Hit a Deer in Illinois

  1. Pull over safely, turn on your hazard lights, and call 911 if anyone is hurt or the vehicle is blocking traffic. IDOT advises staying in your vehicle and not approaching an injured deer.
  2. Report it if required. Illinois requires a crash report when property damage is $1,500 or more, and most deer hits on modern vehicles exceed that. A police report also makes your insurance claim go smoother.
  3. Don’t drive it if it’s unsafe. Leaking fluids, a warning light, broken headlights, or a hood that won’t latch are signs to call for a tow. Call us 24/7 at (618) 765-2115.
  4. Photograph the damage and the scene.
  5. Call your insurance company to open a comprehensive claim, then choose your shop. In Illinois, the choice is yours.
Car with a crumpled front fender, broken headlight, and damaged bumper
Deer crossing a road at night illuminated by vehicle headlights

Damage We Repair After Animal Strikes

A deer impact often does more damage than it looks like from the outside. Our complete inspection checks everything behind the bumper cover:

  • Bumpers, grilles, and hoods
  • Headlights, fog lights, and mirrors
  • Radiators, condensers, and cooling components
  • Fenders, doors, and quarter panels (side strikes are common)
  • Parking sensors, cameras, and other driver-assist components
  • Frame and structural damage on heavy impacts
  • Windshields cracked by an animal rolling over the hood

We repair damage from deer, coyotes, bobcats, wild hogs, and other wildlife on cars, pickups, SUVs, vans, and RVs.

We Handle the Insurance

  • Wildlife collisions are generally covered under comprehensive, not collision coverage.
  • We prepare a detailed, photo-documented estimate for your adjuster and file supplements if hidden damage turns up.
  • You get text and email updates with photos throughout the repair.
  • Every vehicle leaves with a complimentary wash and interior cleaning.
Several deer crossing a winding road beside a grassy hillside

What Our Customers Say

We just picked up our Rogue after hitting a deer and they did a magnificent job! Couldn’t be happier! They washed it and detailed it for us too. Courteous and get right back in touch whenever you text them. Never in the dark! A+ in our book!

Kim M.

A deer hit my passenger quarter panel, and I had Mickelson’s do the work. Let me tell you, they did fantastic work. I would highly recommend them for any auto body work you need done.

Michael F.

Why Choose Mickelson’s Auto Body After a Deer Hit

  • 24-hour towing with flatbed and wrecker trucks
  • Family-owned in Bartelso since 1985
  • Complete inspection so hidden damage isn’t missed
  • I-CAR trained technicians and AASP member
  • Lifetime guarantee on repairs for as long as you own your vehicle

Serving: Bartelso, Breese, Carlyle, Aviston, Germantown, Trenton, Albers, Centralia, Okawville, Nashville, and surrounding Clinton County communities.

Deer & Wildlife Collision FAQs

Does insurance cover hitting a deer in Illinois?

Yes, if you carry comprehensive coverage. Hitting a deer or other animal is typically a comprehensive claim, so you pay your deductible and your insurer covers the rest. Liability-only policies don’t cover damage to your own vehicle.

Illinois requires a crash report when damage is $1,500 or more, or when someone is injured. Because repairs on most modern vehicles exceed that amount, it’s best to call law enforcement after a deer strike.

The driver has first right to the deer, but anyone who takes possession must report it to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources within 24 hours. Only law enforcement may put down an injured deer.

Not always. If you see leaking fluid, a warning light, a damaged headlight, steam from the engine, or a hood that won’t close, call for a tow. We offer 24-hour towing at (618) 765-2115.

No. IDOT advises braking firmly and staying in your lane. Swerving can send you into oncoming traffic or off the road, which is often more dangerous than the deer itself.

Minor front-end damage may take a few days. Repairs involving radiators, sensors, or structural work can take longer depending on parts availability. We’ll give you a timeline with your estimate.

October through December, peaking in November during mating season, especially at dawn, dusk, and after dark.

Ready to Get Back on the Road?

Call (618) 765-2115 or send photos for a free estimate. We’ll take it from there.