How to Report a Hit and Run
Call the police before you do anything else, then document everything you can while it's fresh.
Call the police and file a report
Report a hit and run to the police right away, even if the damage looks minor. A written police report is what your insurer will ask for, and in most states it's required when there's property damage or injury.
While you wait for an officer or file online, write down what you remember. The other car's color, make, direction, any part of the plate, anything the driver looked like. Take photos of your car, the scene, and anything the other car left behind.
Whether the other driver is found
If the driver is identified, their insurance should cover your damage the same as any other accident. The police report is what connects the claim to them, so the sooner you file it, the better your chances.
If the driver is never found, your own policy has to cover it instead, usually through uninsured motorist coverage or collision coverage if you carry it. Check your policy or ask your agent which of these you have, since not every policy includes uninsured motorist coverage automatically.
Some states require insurers to offer this coverage and let drivers decline it in writing. If you're not sure whether you declined it at some point, your insurer can tell you what's actually on your policy now.
What your insurer needs from you
Call your insurer after you've filed the police report, not before. They'll want the report number, and most claims move faster once that's in hand.
Tell your insurer exactly what happened, including that the other driver left. Don't guess at details to fill gaps. If you didn't get a plate number or a good look at the car, say so.
Ask your insurer directly whether a hit and run claim affects your rate differently than an at-fault accident would. This varies by insurer and by state, so it's worth asking rather than assuming either way.
Questions people ask about this
What if I didn't see the other car at all?
You can still file a police report describing the damage and what you know, even without a description of the car. Officers sometimes find witnesses or nearby cameras you wouldn't have access to. Your insurer can still process a claim based on the report, even without a suspect identified.
Will a hit and run raise my insurance rate?
It depends on your insurer and whether you're found at fault, which you generally aren't when the other driver fled. Many insurers treat these differently from a standard at-fault claim, but the specifics vary, so ask your insurer directly how they classify it.
Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run claim?
Most hit and run claims involving only property damage don't require a lawyer. If you were injured, or your insurer disputes the claim, it may be worth having someone review your options. Your state bar association can refer you to someone if you decide you need one.
How long do I have to report a hit and run?
This is set by your state and sometimes by your insurance policy, so check both rather than assuming. Reporting as soon as possible gives police the best chance of finding the driver and keeps your claim on solid footing.
What if the hit and run happened in a parking lot?
Report it to the police the same way you would on the road, even though parking lot accidents sometimes feel less official. Look around for security cameras nearby and ask the business if they'll share footage. Your insurer will still want a police report before processing the claim.
See how this kind of claim might affect what you'd pay with a different insurer.
File the police report first, and get the report number before you call your insurer. Write down everything you remember about the other car while it's still clear in your mind, and photograph the damage and the scene. Ask your insurer which coverage applies if the driver isn't found, since this depends on what's on your policy. If you're waiting on a claim decision, ask directly how a hit and run is classified so you know what to expect before your next renewal.
