Hit and Run Insurance Claims: What to Do and What Your Policy Covers
A car accident is never fun. In addition to a damaged vehicle, there's a risk of injuries to you and your passengers. You'll look to auto insurance to cover the accident, but what happens if the other driver flees the scene? Who will pay for your losses?
Unfortunately, hit-and-run crashes are a fairly common phenomenon that adds an extra layer of stress to an already upsetting event. This guide explains how to handle the collision's aftermath, from filing a hit-and-run insurance claim to understanding what coverages may apply — and whether you may be on the hook for some of the costs.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
In a hit-and-run collision, one driver leaves the scene without exchanging personal information or insurance details with others involved in the crash. It's an illegal action that can have serious legal consequences for the perpetrator. Some states categorize hit-and-runs as a felony violation, particularly if the accident resulted in fatalities or substantial property damage.
Why would someone flee the scene of an accident? They could be driving on a suspended license, have a history of reckless driving and insurance claims, or be worried about DUIs and insurance. Regardless, if caught, a hit-and-run driver may be required to purchase high-risk car insurance like an SR-22. They can also face heavy fines and legal penalties.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run
It may be tempting to follow a driver fleeing the accident scene, but that's a mistake. Doing so may break your state's laws or put you at risk of a confrontation. Instead, take these steps.
1. Call the Police
Notify law enforcement of the hit-and-run accident. Share any details you have, such as the vehicle's make, model, and color, and its license plate number if you have it.
Tell them where the accident occurred so they can send officers to help you. Ask for an ambulance if you need immediate medical care.
2. Talk with Witnesses
Did anyone see the accident and stop to help? Ask them for their name and contact information. A witness statement may come in handy for a hit-and-run car insurance claim or to help police complete their investigation.
3. File an Insurance Claim
Hit-and-run accidents may be covered under your insurance policy. Follow your insurer's process to initiate a claim for damages.
Key Insurance Coverages That May Apply
Insurers offer several types of coverage that help pay the costs of an insurance claim for hit-and-run. Review your policy to determine whether you have them and what they cover.
- Collision Policy: Collision coverages pay to repair or replace your vehicle, regardless of who is responsible for the accident. It kicks in after you file a claim and pay the deductible.
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD): Some states (but not all) allow drivers to file a hit-and-run claim for vehicle repairs under a UMPD policy.
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI): Your UMBI policy may pay for necessary medical care following a hit-and-run accident. Like UMPD, coverage rules vary from state to state.
- Medical Payments: If your coverage includes a Med Pay component, it pays for medical costs up to your policy's limits.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This type of no-fault accident insurance pays for medical expenses and lost wages that arise from a collision.
Filing a Hit and Run Insurance Claim
Most insurance companies provide an online portal or customer service hotline you can use to file a claim. Be sure to contact them as soon as possible so they can start the process. Share all relevant facts about the accident — where it occurred and what happened.
Law enforcement will continue to search for the hit-and-run driver. If police can't locate them, your insurer will advise you on the next steps. Depending on what coverages you have in your policy, the insurer may pay for your medical expenses and vehicle repair costs.
Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Costs
You'll likely owe a deductible before your insurer picks up any expenses covered under your policy. The deductible depends on your policy's terms, but typically ranges from $500 to $1,000 for a collision claim.
Those without adequate coverage may have to pay accident costs out of pocket.
Will a Hit-and-Run Affect Your Insurance Premiums?
Filing a hit-and-run claim for insurance can increase your policy premiums. That's because insurers consider your claims history when setting your rates. If you have a recent claim (even if the accident wasn't your fault), insurers view you as a riskier customer and charge extra for coverage.
Claims history is just one factor that affects your premiums. On the other hand, a lack of traffic tickets on your insurance record can keep policy costs reasonable. Ask for discounts, too — you may be eligible for savings that lower your bill.
What If the Driver Is Later Found?
Many roads and highways have cameras that capture traffic footage. Police can use the footage to locate hit-and-run drivers and hold them accountable for their actions.
If the driver doesn't have insurance, it's harder to recover anything. Seek an attorney's advice to understand your legal options.
Compare Coverage Options to Stay Protected
The right combination of insurance coverage can protect you in a hit-and-run accident. Consider buying a policy that includes comprehensive coverage for vehicle repairs and a bodily injury component like Med Pay or personal injury protection.
EverQuote can help you locate a policy that fits your budget. Our free service includes a custom comparison of rates from multiple insurance providers. It only takes a few minutes to get started — see how much money it can save you today!