New claims data from Suncorp Group’s AAMI shows that regional and rural roads remain the most dangerous areas for vehicle-animal collisions in Australia.
Between July 2024 and June 2025, the insurer processed 23,840 wildlife-related crash claims.
Kangaroos were the most commonly involved species, although wallabies, wombats, deer, dogs, and livestock were also frequently struck.
Nearly 20% of vehicles involved in these crashes were written off, with average repair costs of about $8,000.
The data also pointed to dusk as the riskiest time for drivers, when wildlife is more active and road visibility is reduced.
Victoria reported the highest number of wildlife collisions nationally at 7,851 incidents, followed by New South Wales with 7,126.
Regional centres including Dubbo, Sunbury and Broken Hill ranked among the top national hotspots.
Tim Buckett, AAMI’s executive general manager of motor claims customer, said the figures highlight ongoing safety and cost issues.
“Not only do these accidents pose a significant risk to motorists and their vehicles, but they also have a tragic impact on our native wildlife,” he said. “We urge all drivers to exercise extreme caution, especially when driving during dawn and dusk, and in known wildlife areas.”
Wildlife Information, Rescue, and Education Service (WIRES) also reported higher numbers of calls relating to car strikes.
Chief executive officer Leanne Taylor said its rescue line received more than 20,000 wildlife collision reports during the past year.
She said weather extremes were forcing animals closer to roads.
“Extreme weather events over the past 12 months continue to impact our native animals, especially in regional Australia with many regions affected by ongoing drought, severe floods, and bushfires,” Taylor said. “This is further compounded by ongoing loss of habitat through development and land clearing with many species including kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and koalas being displaced and vulnerable to car strikes as they search for new habitat.”
The group advised motorists to stay alert in known wildlife corridors, to carry basic roadside rescue kits, and to report injured animals to WIRES or local wildlife services.
Other insurers have reported similar experiences.
RAC Insurance in Western Australia handled 2,648 animal crash claims in the first half of 2025, following 5,190 claims in 2024, up nearly 10% on the prior year. Kangaroos remain the primary cause of claims, followed by birds and emus.
In South Australia, RAA Insurance received more than 2,100 kangaroo-related claims in the past 12 months – a 44% increase compared with two years earlier. While most came from regional roads, incidents are increasingly being recorded on suburban fringes.
Insurance and road safety experts have advised drivers to brake firmly and avoid swerving when animals cross the road.
RAC Insurance spokesperson Glen Walker said: “Motorists should always be on the lookout for wildlife warning signs and be prepared to act.”
RAA’s Charles Mountain added that drivers should sound their horn when safe and check for injured wildlife only after pulling over safely.
