Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough — but when the other driver flees the scene, it can leave you feeling angry, confused, and unsure of what to do next. A hit-and-run accident is not only traumatic, but it also complicates the process of filing an insurance claim.
The good news is that there are clear steps you can take to protect yourself, report the incident properly, and get the insurance coverage you need to repair your vehicle and pay any related expenses. This guide walks you through how to handle insurance claims after a hit-and-run accident, from the moment it happens to finalizing your claim.
What Is a Hit-and-Run?
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in a car accident leaves the scene without stopping to identify themselves, offer help, or provide insurance information. This can include:
- A moving vehicle hitting your car and driving off
- Someone damaging your parked car and failing to leave a note
- A driver hitting a pedestrian or cyclist and fleeing the scene
In most jurisdictions, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense, especially if there are injuries involved.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Needs
Immediately after the accident:
- Move to a safe location if your vehicle is drivable
- Check yourself and passengers for injuries
- Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency assistance if needed
- If someone is hurt, do not attempt to move them unless there’s an immediate danger (e.g., fire)
Getting police and medical personnel on the scene is crucial — both for safety and for documentation purposes.
Step 2: Call the Police and File a Report
One of the most important things you can do is file a police report immediately. Even if the damage seems minor, having an official report:
- Creates a legal record of the hit-and-run
- Helps with the investigation to find the other driver
- Is often required by your insurance company when filing a claim
When the police arrive, give them as much information as possible about the fleeing driver and vehicle, such as:
- Make, model, and color of the car
- License plate number (even partial)
- Direction the vehicle fled
- Description of the driver
- Any nearby surveillance cameras or witnesses
Be honest, detailed, and calm. The more you remember, the better the chances of identifying the hit-and-run driver.
Step 3: Document the Scene
While waiting for the police — or immediately after — gather your own evidence. Take photos or videos of:
- Your vehicle’s damage (close-ups and wide shots)
- The accident scene (location, road conditions, traffic signs)
- Skid marks, debris, or paint transfers
- Any visible injuries
If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Their statements could support your insurance claim or help locate the driver.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company
As soon as possible — preferably within 24 hours — contact your insurance provider and report the hit-and-run. Many insurers have mobile apps or 24/7 hotlines to make this easier.
Provide:
- The police report number (if available)
- Time and location of the incident
- Photos and documentation
- Details of the fleeing vehicle (if known)
- Any witness contact info
Your insurer will open a claim and assign an adjuster to investigate and guide you through the process.
Step 5: Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Whether or not you’re covered for a hit-and-run depends on the types of coverage in your policy. Here’s what may apply:
1. Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD)
- Covers vehicle damage caused by an uninsured driver or hit-and-run.
- Not available in all states.
- May have a deductible.
2. Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI)
- Covers your medical expenses and lost wages if you’re injured.
- Usually available and required in many states.
3. Collision Coverage
- Covers damage to your vehicle regardless of who’s at fault.
- Requires paying a deductible.
- Can be used in hit-and-run cases if UMPD isn’t available.
4. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or MedPay
- Covers medical expenses, regardless of fault.
- Not related to fault or identifying the other driver.
Important: Standard liability insurance (which covers damage to others) does not cover your own damage in a hit-and-run.
If you don’t have UMPD or collision coverage, you may have to pay for repairs out of pocket unless the fleeing driver is identified and found liable.
Step 6: Cooperate With the Investigation
Your insurance adjuster will review:
- The police report
- Your photos and documentation
- Witness statements
- Damage estimates from repair shops
Stay in contact with your adjuster, respond promptly to information requests, and keep records of all communication. In some cases, insurers may delay or deny claims due to lack of information, so be as thorough as possible.
Step 7: Pay Your Deductible (If Applicable)
Even if you’re not at fault, you may still need to pay a deductible under collision or UMPD coverage. If the hit-and-run driver is later identified and has insurance, your provider may pursue them for reimbursement and potentially refund your deductible.
Ask your insurer about:
- Your deductible amount
- Repair timeline
- Whether a rental car is covered
Step 8: Follow Up With Law Enforcement
Unfortunately, many hit-and-run drivers are never caught. But if you provided identifying information (like a license plate), there’s still a chance police will locate the offender.
You can follow up with the investigating officer or department for updates. If the suspect is found and charged, you may be eligible for restitution or a civil lawsuit to recover damages beyond your insurance payout.
What If Your Car Was Hit While Parked?
If you return to your parked car and find it damaged with no note or witness, it’s still considered a hit-and-run. Follow similar steps:
- Document the damage with photos.
- Look for nearby surveillance cameras.
- File a police report.
- Notify your insurance company.
This situation may also fall under UMPD or collision coverage, depending on your policy.
Final Thoughts
A hit-and-run accident is deeply unsettling, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Acting quickly, gathering evidence, and understanding your insurance coverage can help you file a successful claim and minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.
Here’s a quick recap of what to do:
- Prioritize safety and call 911
- File a police report
- Gather documentation and witness info
- Notify your insurance company
- Review your coverage (UMPD, UMBI, collision)
- Cooperate with the investigation
- Keep track of all expenses and communication
While not every hit-and-run case gets resolved, taking these steps increases your chances of getting the support and compensation you deserve.