Steps to Take After a Hit and Run
Get the facts down while they're fresh, report it to the police and your insurer, and let your insurer deal with the other driver if they're found.
Write down everything you can before it fades
Stop if it's safe to, then get down whatever you saw. The other car's plate, even a partial. The color, make and any damage you noticed. Which direction it went. If there were witnesses, ask for their names and numbers before they drive off, because you won't find them again later.
Call the police and file a report, even if the damage looks minor. Your insurer will likely ask for the report number before they'll process a claim, and some states require you to report it regardless of what your insurer needs. Once the report is filed, call your insurer and tell them what happened.
Whether you have uninsured motorist or collision coverage changes what happens next
If the other driver is never found, your own coverage decides whether you're paid for the damage. Uninsured motorist property damage coverage, where it's offered, is built for exactly this. Collision coverage also pays out regardless of who's at fault, though you'll owe your deductible either way.
If you don't carry either one, you may be left paying for repairs yourself unless the other driver is identified and their insurer accepts responsibility. This is worth checking on your policy now, not after it happens again.
Some states also have funds for uninsured or hit and run victims. Your insurer or your state's insurance department can tell you if yours does and how to apply.
A hit and run claim usually doesn't raise your rate the way an at-fault accident does
Because you weren't the one who caused the crash and didn't flee it, insurers generally treat a hit and run claim differently from a standard at-fault claim. Many won't surcharge you for filing one, especially if you're using uninsured motorist coverage.
That said, filing any claim can still affect your rate at renewal, and the rules vary by insurer and by state. Ask your insurer directly how they handle hit and run claims before you decide whether to file through your own policy or pay out of pocket for minor damage.
If the other driver is later identified and found at fault, your insurer may adjust the claim and go after their insurer for the cost. That can mean you get your deductible back.
Questions people ask about this
What if I can't get the other driver's license plate?
File the police report anyway with whatever details you have, since partial plates, car descriptions and witness statements can still help an investigation. Your insurer can also still process an uninsured motorist claim without the other driver ever being identified.
How long do I have to report a hit and run?
This is set by your state and sometimes by your policy, so check both rather than assuming you have time. Reporting right away also means the details are accurate and any witnesses can still be reached.
Will my insurance pay if the other driver is never found?
Only if you carry uninsured motorist property damage or collision coverage, since liability coverage alone doesn't cover your own vehicle. Check your declarations page or ask your insurer which of these you have before assuming you're covered.
Should I get my car fixed before the claim is settled?
Wait until your insurer has reviewed the damage and approved the claim, since repairing it first can make it harder to document what happened. Take photos of the damage from several angles as soon as you can, before any repairs begin.
Can I still be at fault in a hit and run I didn't cause?
Being hit and fled from doesn't make you at fault, but how you respond afterward can matter, such as whether you stopped safely and reported it promptly. If there's any dispute about how the crash happened, the police report and witness accounts become important.
See how different insurers handle claims like this before you decide who to call first.
Get the police report filed this week if you haven't already, since most insurers will ask for the report number. Pull up your policy or call your insurer to confirm whether you have uninsured motorist or collision coverage, and ask how a hit and run claim is handled under each. Keep the photos, witness contacts and any notes you took at the scene together in one place. If the damage is minor, ask your insurer whether filing is worth it given your deductible and their policy on rate changes for this type of claim.
