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Understanding Hit-and-Run Insurance Coverage

Does Insurance Cover Hit-and-Run Accidents?

Remaining at the scene of an accident is not only courteous but also a legal requirement. Unfortunately, not everyone abides by this law. If a driver leaves after damaging your vehicle or injuring you or your passenger, will your insurance policy cover you? The answer depends on your state’s rules and the type of coverage you have. Let’s explore the kinds of coverage that can help minimize or eliminate out-of-pocket expenses after a hit-and-run accident.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is mandatory in nearly every state, but it won’t cover your expenses after an accident—hit-and-run or otherwise. Its purpose is to protect other drivers from injuries and damage you cause when you’re at fault in a crash.

Collision Coverage

Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle, regardless of who is at fault. Including it in your policy can reduce out-of-pocket expenses after an accident with a hit-and-run driver. Note that collision coverage is optional unless you have an auto loan or lease, in which case your lender or leasing company will likely require it. You must pay your deductible before your insurer will cover repairs.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage comes in two types: bodily injury and property damage. It’s mandatory in some states, optional in others, and not available everywhere. If you have UM coverage, your insurer will likely treat a hit-and-run incident like an accident with an uninsured driver. UM bodily injury coverage typically doesn’t have a deductible, but UM property damage does.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments (MedPay) coverage kicks in for injuries you and your passengers suffer in an accident, no matter who is at fault. You’re covered even if the driver doesn’t stick around. MedPay is mandatory in some states and optional in others, but it isn’t available everywhere.

Personal Injury Protection

Personal injury protection (PIP) covers injuries you and your passengers suffer during an accident, regardless of fault. Depending on your state, it may also cover lost wages or services you can’t perform while recovering from your injuries. PIP is mandatory in some states and optional in others, but it isn’t available in all states. PIP usually has a deductible.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive insurance doesn’t cover injuries or vehicle damage from crashes unless you’re in a crash with a deer or other animal. It helps pay for damage from non-accident-related incidents, such as severe weather, theft, vandalism, and falling objects.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

The steps you should take after a hit-and-run accident are similar to those you’d take after an accident with a driver who doesn’t leave the scene.

• Get to safety: Don’t follow the driver. If your car is drivable, pull over on the shoulder and assess your and your passengers’ injuries. If you or someone else needs immediate medical attention, call 911.
• Call the police: When they arrive on the scene, let them know what happened and file an accident report. Provide as many details as possible about the other car and driver.
• Get witness statements: Gather information from anyone who saw the accident and can verify what happened.
• Document the damage: Take photos of the damage your car sustained and keep copies of your medical bills if you seek treatment.
• Contact your insurance company: Let them know what happened as soon as possible. If you need clarification on whether your policy will cover the incident, your insurance company can review your coverage with you and help you decide whether filing a claim makes sense.

How a Hit-and-Run Insurance Claim Works

If your policy covers hit-and-runs, you can file a car insurance claim with your insurer to get reimbursed for medical bills and vehicle repairs. Here’s how:

• Contact your insurer: Depending on the company, you may be able to file a claim online, over the phone, or through your provider’s mobile app. If multiple coverages may apply, your insurer can help you decide which type of claim to file.
• Pay your deductible: If the coverage has a deductible attached to it, you must pay it before your insurance kicks in. You may want to get a repair estimate before filing a claim. If your deductible is close to or exceeds the total cost of the claim, it might be best to pay for the repairs or medical bills out of pocket and skip filing a claim.
• Receive payment: After you file the claim and pay your deductible, if applicable, your insurance company will cover repair costs and medical bills up to the policy’s limit. If the insurance company or police locate the hit-and-run driver, your insurer may be able to file a claim with their insurance company, so the claim doesn’t show up on your insurance record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding how your auto insurance applies to hit-and-run accidents isn’t always straightforward. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

• Will a Hit-and-Run Claim Raise My Insurance?
• Do I Have to Pay the Deductible for a Hit-and-Run?
• Will Insurance Cover a Hit-and-Run on a Parked Car?

The Bottom Line

Car insurance can help you pay for injuries and damage after a hit-and-run if you have the right kind of coverage. However, no matter what coverage you have, your policy will only pay for injuries and damage up to the established limits. Reviewing your policy at least once or twice a year to ensure it still meets your needs and provides adequate financial protection is crucial. If it doesn’t, it’s important to adjust it right away. Maintaining adequate car insurance is essential for protecting your financial health.

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