Randolph County is deer country. Between the crop fields along State Road 32 and the wooded stretches around the county, drivers in Winchester, Union City, and Farmland hit deer, raccoons, and the occasional livestock every year, and the damage runs deeper than a dented hood. Conn's Collision specializes in animal damage repair, restoring vehicles from the front bumper cover back to the firewall.

Why deer strikes are different

A deer weighs 100 to 200 pounds and usually hits above the bumper. The impact folds the hood, breaks the grille and headlights, and often pushes the radiator support, condenser, and cooling fans back into the engine bay. Fluid leaks, airbag deployment, and sensor damage are common. The car may look drivable, and often is not.

What we check first

Radiator, condenser, and coolant hoses for leaks and cracks
Headlight housings, mounting tabs, and wiring
Hood latch and hinge alignment
Radiator support and upper apron alignment
Forward sensors and cameras used by driver-assistance systems
Windshield and A-pillar damage if the animal came over the hood

Repair process for animal collisions

Assessment. We photograph the damage and note the animal type and impact point for your claim.
Teardown. The front end comes apart so we can measure the structure and find damage behind the cosmetic parts.
Repair. Bent structure is aligned, damaged panels and lights are replaced, and cooling components are restored.
Refinish and reassemble. Painted parts are refinished with PPG materials and blended, then everything goes back together.
Calibration. Forward cameras and sensors are calibrated so safety features work as designed.

Insurance and animal strikes

Hitting an animal is normally a comprehensive claim, not a collision claim, which means it does not count as an at-fault accident and usually carries a lower deductible. Take photos at the scene if it is safe, and file a police report if the deer is still on the roadway. Bring the vehicle to us and we will send the estimate to your carrier.

Animal damage questions

When are deer strikes most common in Indiana?

October through December, during the rut, and especially at dawn and dusk. Slow down on rural roads near fields and tree lines.

Should I swerve to avoid a deer?

Brake firmly and stay in your lane. Swerving causes more serious crashes than the deer itself.

The car still drives. Do I need to bring it in?

Yes. Hidden cooling-system and structural damage can turn a repairable auto body repair job into a much bigger problem if it is driven for weeks.