We no longer live in a time when people leave a note after damaging a car in a parking lot. What changed? Is it a decline in personal responsibility – “It’s not wrong if I don’t get caught”? Or maybe digital-age detachment, where our online habits bleed into real-world behavior? Hard to say. Sometimes it’s just a lack of understanding about what’s legally required and how insurance works.
Here’s what the law says:
If you hit a properly parked vehicle in Michigan – even if no one is injured – you are legally required to provide your name, address, the vehicle owner’s name, your registration number, and show your driver’s license. Your auto insurance pays for the damage. We all carry this mandatory coverage.
Yes, reporting the claim may affect your insurance.
Filing the claim takes about as long as ordering a pizza. You won’t pay anything up front, but it will be considered an at-fault accident. That could lead to higher premiums, and you might also get a ticket that adds points to your driving record.
If your car is hit and the other driver disappears…
Your own insurance will cover the damage depending on the type of Collision Coverage you have. If you have Standard Collision Coverage you will need to pay your deductible. With Broad Form Collision, you might not even owe a deductible. With Limited Collision, your policy might not pay anything (that’s why it’s called “limited!”). You’ll need to report the damage within about and provide details like the date, time, location, and repair estimate. Multiple claims of this kind may attract extra scrutiny from your insurance company.
What if the person offers to “just pay you”?
Be careful and still get their information from their driver license, insurance card and registration. They may change their mind when they see the estimate – or vanish altogether. If too much time passes, your insurer might not honor your claim at all.
Bottom line?
Be careful in parking lots… and if you cause damage, do the right thing. It’s not just about insurance – it’s about integrity.
Questions? Contact an agent here.
