A hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling shaken and unsure of what to do next. One moment you’re driving or parked, and the next you’re dealing with damage—or worse, injuries—while the other driver has vanished.
The good news is, you’re not powerless. Knowing the right steps to take and understanding how your insurance can help makes a huge difference in protecting yourself financially and legally.
First Things First: Stay Calm and Stay Safe
After a hit-and-run, your priority should always be safety.
If you’re driving, pull over to a safe spot.
Check yourself, passengers, and others for injuries.
Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Staying calm helps you think clearly and gather the details you’ll need later.
Step 1: Gather Evidence
Even if the other driver is gone, you can still collect useful information:
Take Photos: Snap pictures of the damage, surrounding area, skid marks, and debris.
Write Down Details: Note the time, location, and anything you remember about the other car (make, model, color, partial plate).
Look for Witnesses: Ask if anyone saw the accident and get their contact information.
Check for Cameras: Nearby businesses, traffic lights, or even doorbell cameras may have caught footage.
The more evidence you have, the stronger your insurance claim will be.
Step 2: Contact the Police
Always file a police report after a hit-and-run. It provides an official record that your insurer will likely require for your claim.
Give officers all the details you collected.
Ask for a copy of the report or a case number for your records.
If the other driver is found later, this report helps with accountability.
Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your insurer as soon as possible to start the claims process. Be ready to share:
The police report number.
Photos and witness statements.
A description of what happened.
Your insurer will walk you through next steps, including getting an estimate for repairs.
How Insurance Covers a Hit-and-Run
Coverage depends on the types of insurance you carry. Here’s how it usually works:
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM or UIM)
Treats the hit-and-run driver as “uninsured.”
Covers medical bills, lost wages, and sometimes property damage.
Required in some states, optional in others.
Collision Coverage
Pays for repairs to your car, regardless of fault.
You’ll likely pay your deductible, but you won’t be left covering the full cost.
Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers.
Available in certain states, regardless of who caused the accident.
Liability Coverage
Won’t help in a hit-and-run, since liability only covers damage you cause to others.
Without UM or collision coverage, you may have to pay for your own repairs. That’s why these add-ons can be so valuable.
Step 4: Repair and Recovery
Once your claim is filed and approved, you can:
Take your car to a repair shop approved by your insurer.
Use claim funds to pay for repairs or a replacement if the car is totaled.
Submit medical bills to your insurer for reimbursement if you have UM, MedPay, or PIP.
Keep receipts and records for everything—it helps if questions come up later.
Step 5: Follow Up
Don’t just assume everything is handled. Stay in touch with your insurer and the police.
Ask the police if they’ve made progress identifying the other driver.
Check your claim status regularly.
Keep copies of all communication in case of disputes.
Tips to Protect Yourself Before a Hit-and-Run Happens
Add UM Coverage: In states where it’s optional, strongly consider it.
Carry Collision Coverage: Especially if your car is newer or valuable.
Install Dash Cams: Affordable cameras can provide crucial evidence.
Park Smart: Choose well-lit areas near security cameras.
Real-World Example
Imagine Sarah, who is rear-ended at a stoplight late at night. The other car speeds away before she can get the license plate.
She calls the police and files a report.
Her uninsured motorist coverage pays for her injuries and missed work.
Collision coverage pays for the $3,000 in car repairs, minus her deductible.
Without UM and collision coverage, Sarah would have been left covering everything on her own.
Final Thoughts
A hit-and-run accident is frustrating, but knowing how to respond puts you back in control. File a police report, gather evidence, and contact your insurer right away.
The right insurance coverage—especially uninsured motorist and collision—can save you thousands and give you peace of mind. Protecting yourself before an accident happens is the smartest move any driver can make.
