ASK AN EXPERT

by John and Theresa Kightlinger
In November, drivers need to be alert for deer
Q. Will my insurance cover vehicle damage from a car-deer accident?
                                                                                                     — Sandy W., Munith
A. With deer hunting set for this month, this is a question that should be on everyone’s mind. Deer are on the move because of rut and the hunting season. According to Michigan State Police, there are about 50,000 car/deer accidents each year in Michigan.
Deer accidents are so frustrating because they often occur without fault of the driver and it’s not like the deer have an insurance company you can negotiate with. Rumors fly about deductibles being waived because a deer accident is an act of God, or that the state pays your deductible because of the high number of deer. Neither is true in any state or for any insurance company.
Whether or not a deductible applies depends on how you originally purchased the policy.  So, as not to leave you in suspense: The answer is yes, your insurance will cover vehicle damage from a car-deer accident. It also will pay for hitting an animal such as a dog, raccoon, etc., but only if you have comprehensive insurance.
Here’s the thing: Comprehensive car insurance is not required by law in Michigan. Comprehensive car insurance is optional and covers damages to your car caused by fire, flood, hail, theft, vandalism and other losses that are often considered as acts of God. This is an optional coverage that you can add to your own insurance policy and it is usually purchased along with collision coverage.
Comprehensive coverage also pays for damages caused by hitting an animal, such as a deer. If you have a deer claim, and only have liability coverage, you are probably out of luck. But the damage to your vehicle from hitting a deer may be covered under the comprehensive coverage, or a policy add on, sometimes referred to as “other than collision” — though in this case, it helps you in the case of a collision, too!!
All of this can be very confusing and it’s best to discuss your policy with your insurance agent to make sure you are properly covered. Make sure you ask your agent about comprehensive coverage, as well as un-insured and under-insured motorist coverage.
Remember that all insurance companies are not the same and neither are all body shops. Do your research and choose wisely. Your family’s personal safety and economic well-being may depend upon it.
A good tip is to never swerve for a deer, as you may go into another lane and hit another car, or go off the road and hit a tree, resulting in bodily injury to yourself or others. Once a car strikes anything other than the deer, it is a collision claim and not a comprehensive claim.
It is deer season and they are on the move; stay alert and drive safely!
FYI: According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, nearly 47,000 Michigan motorist collided with deer in 2016, killing 14 people and injuring more than 1,200. Nearly 20% of these crashes happened in November. Furthermore, one-third of all traffic accidents in November 2016 were because of a vehicle hitting a deer. 
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