Michigan Drivers, Your Insurance Might Not Cover Hitting a Deer
You pay your car insurance bill every month, so you’d like to think you’re covered if a deer runs out in front of you. But depending on your policy, you could be stuck paying for the damage yourself.
And with deer running around everywhere this time of year, it’s probably worth checking before you find out the hard way.
What Insurance Covers Hitting a Deer in Michigan?
Michigan insurance officials recently reminded drivers to check their coverage before a deer crash leaves them with a big repair bill.
If you have what most people call full coverage, you probably have comprehensive coverage. That’s the part that generally pays for damage from hitting a deer. Just double-check your policy to be sure.
If you’re only carrying the insurance Michigan requires, damage to your own car from hitting a deer generally isn’t covered.
Even if you’re covered, you’ll usually have a deductible. Say the covered repairs cost $3,000 and your deductible is $500. You pay $500, and insurance picks up the other $2,500.
Check Your Michigan Car Insurance Before a Deer Crash
The state says deer crashes happen more often in fall, and repairs can run into the thousands. Finding out you’re paying for all of it yourself would make an already crappy situation a whole lot worse.
Take a minute to check your policy or call your insurance agent. Make sure you’re covered for hitting a deer and find out how much you’d have to pay out of pocket.
Better to figure that out now than while standing next to your car with the front end smashed in.
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