How Insurance Works After a Hit-and-Run

Hit-and-run insurance at a glance

What to do at the scene: the next 20 minutes matter

After a hit-and-run, what you do in the first few minutes determines how strong your insurance claim will be. Work through this in order:

1. Call 911. A police report is required to file a UM claim in most states, and it must typically be filed within 24 hours. Don't skip this step even for minor damage.
2. Document everything on your phone. Photograph all damage, your surroundings, any skid marks, nearby CCTV cameras, road signs and the position of vehicles.
3. Look for witnesses. Get names and phone numbers from anyone who saw the incident — their accounts can corroborate your version.
4. Check for dashcam footage. Lock the file immediately so loop-recording doesn't overwrite it.
5. Look for CCTV. Note any shops, ATMs, traffic cameras or parking lots nearby. Police can request that footage.
6. Write down everything you remember about the other vehicle — colour, make, approximate model, partial plate, direction of travel.

Which insurance coverage pays?

In a standard hit-and-run where the other driver is never identified, your own insurance is your only recourse:

1. Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD): covers repair or replacement of your vehicle. Available in most states but not all. Usually comes with a small deductible ($200–$500).
2. Collision coverage: if you have it, collision pays for your vehicle damage regardless of fault, minus your deductible. If you don't have collision, UMPD is your only option for vehicle damage.
3. Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI): covers your and your passengers' medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering if you're injured. Required in 22 states; highly recommended everywhere.
4. MedPay / PIP: medical payments coverage or personal injury protection also pays medical bills regardless of fault — useful if your UMBI limits are low.

What happens if the driver is later identified?

Sometimes police track down the hit-and-run driver after you've already filed a UM claim. Notify your insurer immediately. The claim typically converts to a standard third-party liability claim against the other driver's policy, and if you've already been paid under UM, your insurer will seek subrogation (reimbursement) from the at-fault driver or their insurer. Your UM deductible may be refunded.

Filing the claim: common pitfalls

1. Missing the police-report window: most states require reporting within 24 hours for a UM claim to be valid. Don't wait.
2. Repairing the car before the adjuster sees it: get written approval or at least photograph all damage thoroughly before repairs begin.
3. Not noting witness details: a single corroborating witness can make a disputed claim straightforward.
4. Assuming a small dent isn't worth reporting: hit-and-run damage can include frame issues not visible on the surface. Have it inspected.

Does a hit-and-run claim raise my rates?

Filing a not-at-fault claim generally should not raise your premium, but practices vary by state and insurer. Some states prohibit rate increases for not-at-fault claims; others allow them. If your insurer does raise your rate after a not-at-fault hit-and-run claim, shop around — you should not be penalised for someone else's crime.