Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident is frustrating and frightening. The other driver has fled the scene, leaving you with vehicle damage, possible injuries, and no one to hold accountable. Fortunately, your own auto insurance can help in this situation, but the specific coverage depends on your policy and your state.
Immediate Steps After a Hit-and-Run
If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run, there are critical steps to take immediately. Stay at the scene and call the police right away. Try to remember any details about the other vehicle, including make, model, color, license plate number, and direction of travel. Look for witnesses who may have seen the incident or captured it on camera. Check nearby businesses for surveillance cameras that might have recorded the accident. And document the scene with photos of your vehicle damage, the location, and any debris left by the fleeing vehicle.
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Helps
Uninsured motorist coverage is your primary protection in a hit-and-run situation. Since the other driver can’t be identified, they’re treated as uninsured for insurance purposes. Your UM bodily injury coverage can pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some states, your UM property damage coverage can also pay for repairs to your vehicle.
This is one of the most compelling reasons to carry uninsured motorist coverage, even in states where it’s optional. Without it, you’d have limited options for recovering your losses from a hit-and-run.
Collision Coverage for Vehicle Damage
If your uninsured motorist coverage doesn’t include property damage, or if you don’t carry UM coverage at all, collision coverage is your next line of defense. It will pay to repair your vehicle minus your deductible, regardless of who caused the accident.
In some states, if you file a hit-and-run claim under your collision coverage and the other driver is later identified, your insurer may waive your deductible since you weren’t at fault.
Medical Payments and PIP Coverage
If you’re injured in a hit-and-run, your Medical Payments coverage or Personal Injury Protection can help pay for medical expenses. These coverages apply regardless of fault, making them valuable in situations where the responsible driver can’t be identified.
Will a Hit-and-Run Claim Raise Your Rates?
In most cases, filing a claim as the victim of a hit-and-run should not increase your insurance rates. Since you’re not at fault, the claim is treated differently than an at-fault accident. However, insurance company practices vary, so check with your insurer about their specific policies regarding hit-and-run claims.
