The number of wild boar collisions in Finland is still small compared to Sweden, where they have become a serious problem. Photo: Thomas Fuhrmann / Wikimedia Commons
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The number of road accidents involving animals in Finland has climbed to its highest level since 2018, according to insurance company If. The increase has been attributed to mild winter conditions, higher traffic volumes, and growing deer populations.
Between January and March 2025, If registered more wildlife collisions than during any comparable period in the last seven years.
The company warned that such accidents are no longer limited to the darker months of the year.
“Warm weather made it easier for animals to move around. At the same time, traffic volumes and average driving speeds increased on snow-free roads,” said Johanna Johansson, Claims Manager at If Insurance.
Deer and roe deer are the most common animals involved in collisions. Although moose accidents once dominated, deer and roe deer incidents now outnumber them. In response, If has updated its policies: what was once labelled “moose collision coverage” is now “animal collision coverage,” reimbursing damages regardless of the species.
A secondary collision peak has emerged in spring due to the rapid expansion of deer populations.
“Drivers shouldn’t assume wildlife is only a hazard in the autumn darkness. Collisions can happen at any time,” Johansson said.
Wild boar now part of collision statistics
While wild boar crashes remain rare in Finland, the number is rising. According to Statistics Finland, 24 wild boar collisions were recorded in 2024. Most occurred near Mäntsälä, Heinola and Lappeenranta.
In terms of population ratio, about one in every thousand Finnish wild boars was involved in a road accident last year.
Sweden has seen far more severe impacts. Its wild boar population is roughly 100 times larger, and authorities registered over 10,000 collisions involving wild boars in 2024 — close to Finland’s annual total for deer and roe deer combined.
Repair costs climbing
Repairing vehicles after animal collisions has also become more expensive. If estimates the average cost per accident at €3,700, a 20 percent increase compared to five years ago.
“Deer and roe deer tend to damage the front of the car, where critical electronics, sensors, and cameras are located,” Johansson explained.
She also warned about the risks associated with wild boar collisions.
“If you hit a wild boar, understand that the animal might be dangerous if injured. Treat it like an encounter with a large predator — stay in the car, don’t approach the animal or attempt to move it. Turn on your hazard lights, move the vehicle to a safe spot, call emergency services on 112, and wait for help,” Johansson advised.
The warning comes ahead of the busy Easter travel period, with insurers urging caution on all roads — not just during late autumn but throughout the year.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
