How does insurance cover hit-and-runs?

Key points

• A hit-and-run occurs when someone crashes into a vehicle, person or object and leaves the scene without sharing contact information or insurance details.
• Collision insurance and uninsured motorist property damage coverage can help cover the cost of your vehicle damage after a hit-and-run accident. 
• Your car insurance rates probably won’t increase if you file a hit-and-run claim, but it will go on your insurance record and claim frequency can impact your rates. 

There’s no such thing as a “preferable” car accident. But if you were to get into one, you’d hope the other driver would stick around to exchange car insurance information with you. When that doesn’t happen, an unfortunate situation becomes more complicated. 

While there is no specific hit-and-run insurance for you to rely on if the other driver is never found, there are car insurance coverages that can help manage hit-and-run-related expenses. 

What is a hit-and-run?

A hit-and-run is a type of car accident in which someone hits a vehicle, person or other type of property and leaves the scene. 

This can happen while you’re in the vehicle — such as someone running a stop sign, hitting your vehicle and fleeing. Or the hit-and-run might occur when you’re not in the vehicle — such as someone hitting your car while it’s parked.

Damages from a hit-and-run can range from minor dents and dings to totaled vehicles and bodily injuries. 

Ideally, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance would cover your accident-related costs, such as medical treatment and car repairs. But without their contact or car insurance information, you might be left footing the bill.  

Hit-and-runs are illegal and are usually considered misdemeanors unless someone was hurt as a result. In that case, the liable driver could face a felony charge.

Does car insurance cover hit-and-run accidents?

Some types of car insurance will cover a hit-and-run, but only if they were part of your policy at the time of the accident. Check your car insurance policy to make sure you have adequate amounts for these types of coverage.

Collision insurance

Collision coverage is an optional type of car insurance that pays for repairs or a vehicle replacement if your car was damaged after colliding with another vehicle or object, regardless of who was at fault. 

If the hit-and-run driver can’t be located, you can file a collision claim and your insurer will cover the cost of repairs, up to your policy limit. Your deductible will be subtracted from your claims payment. 

Uninsured motorist 

Depending on where you live and the policy you have, you may be able to file an uninsured motorist claim after a hit-and-run. 

There are two types of uninsured motorist coverage: 

• Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD). This type of coverage is designed for drivers who are in an accident and the at-fault driver doesn’t carry car insurance, but in some states you can also use it to cover damages from a hit-and-run. A deductible may be required. 
• Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI). This coverage pays medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers if you are injured in a hit-and-run. It typically doesn’t carry a deductible.

Medical payments 

Medical payments coverage, or MedPay, covers accident-related injuries for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault. This includes injuries caused by a hit-and-run accident. It does not carry a deductible. MedPay is usually sold in small amounts, like $1,000 to $5,000. 

Personal injury protection

Like MedPay, personal injury protection, or PIP, covers medical expenses for you and your family members if you are injured in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. 

PIP will also cover lost wages, funeral expenses, survivor benefits and replacement services, such as child care or cleaning services, if injuries prevent you from carrying out those duties. 

PIP deductibles vary by state, and some states forbid insurers from applying a deductible to PIP coverage. 

Steps to take after a hit-and-run accident

How to handle a hit-and-run depends on the location and severity of the accident as well as whether or not you or any passengers were in the vehicle when it happened. These tips can help you stay safe, gather information and documentation and file a claim. 

1. Evaluate the safety of the situation

See if you are injured and check on any passengers. Call 911 right away if you or someone else is hurt. 

If you are in traffic and it’s safe to move to the side of the road, do so. If not, carefully exit the vehicle and move out of traffic and into a safe area. 

2. Contact the police

You should always call the police, even if you and your passengers are unharmed. The police can file an accident report, which you will need to file an insurance claim. 

3. Gather information 

In addition to the police report, it’s also helpful to have a description of the vehicle and driver, photos of your vehicle and the date, place and time the incident occurred.

4. Contact your car insurance company 

It’s best to contact your insurer as soon as possible. Ensure you have the coverages to cover a hit-and-run accident and start the insurance claim. Doing so can help you navigate the repair or car replacement process faster. 

How a hit-and-run insurance claim works

Filing a successful hit-and-run insurance claim will depend on the coverage types you have in your car insurance policy. 

If the hit-and-run accident resulted in property damage, these coverages can help:

• Collision insurance.  
• Uninsured motorist property damage. 

If the accident caused bodily injuries, you’ll look to these coverages:

• Uninsured motorist bodily injury.
• Personal injury protection.
• Medical payments.

When you file your claim, your insurer can provide information about your coverage, any required deductibles, the claims process and information about any transportation benefits you may have, such as rental reimbursement. 

The insurance company will also tell you when you will hear from the adjuster, or the personnel who will evaluate your vehicle damage and provide a repairs estimate. 

If the accident resulted in bodily injuries that have been treated in a medical facility, you’ll need to provide your insurer with documentation and receipts.

You can contact the insurance company at any time during the claims process to request status updates, provide additional information or ask any coverage questions you may have. 

Once the claim is resolved, your insurer will issue a claims check, minus any applicable deductibles.