Being involved in a car accident isn’t ideal, but there are certain factors, like a driver hitting your car and then leaving the scene, that can make it worse. Exchanging contact and insurance information after an accident is required in California, but some drivers flee the scene, making it a more complex — and potentially more expensive — issue for the victims.

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If you’re involved in a hit-and-run in California, there are some steps you can take to help remedy the issue. Additionally, if you have full coverage car insurance, you may have some recourse, as your policy may still extend coverage for car repairs and medical bills. Here’s what else you can do after a hit-and-run accident in California.

Hit-and-runs in California

An accident is considered a hit-and-run if the at-fault driver flees the scene without stopping to exchange insurance and contact information with the other party. In California, drivers are required by the California Traffic Code to move their vehicles out of the traffic flow to stop, exchange information like their name, current address, and vehicle registration number, and offer “reasonable assistance” to the injured.

Hit-and-run accidents in California are common in the state and the issue appears to be growing. According to data from the most recent California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) annual report, fatal hit-and-run crashes increased 10.49 percent, while injury hit-and-run crashes increased 19.25 percent from 2020 to 2021.

California hit-and-run laws

When it comes to insurance, California hit-and-run laws differ from other states. Specifically, drivers can’t use uninsured motorist insurance to pay for damage to their vehicle if they can’t identify the other driver. There are, however, stiff legal penalties for the other driver if they are found. Those penalties depend on the amount of damage they caused. Here’s a quick overview of California hit-and-run laws:

  • Property damage after a hit-and-run: If the driver who left the scene damaged property but no one sustained injuries, they face up to six months of imprisonment in a county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
  • Injuries after a hit-and-run: In this case, if caught, the driver who left the scene faces up to one year in a state prison or a county jail and/or a fine of between $1,000 and $10,000.
  • Deaths or permanent injuries after a hit-and-run: According to California hit-and-run statute, the hit-and-run driver who gets caught faces two to four years in a state prison or a fine of up to $10,000.

California hit-and-run law states that this offense can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Generally, property damage results in a misdemeanor and fatalities almost always result in a felony charge.

How hit-and-runs impact car insurance rates in California

The increase of hit-and-run accidents can affect car insurance rates throughout California, even if the drivers aren’t caught. That’s because car insurance companies may still pay for car repairs and medical costs related to hit-and-run accidents if the driver has full coverage car insurance. When these costs become too high, insurance companies may file for rate increases. As of 2020, California instituted a rate freeze on insurance companies due to the pandemic, but things may change in the future.

But even with the rate freeze, other circumstances can impact your car insurance premium. For example, if hit-and-run drivers are caught, their car insurance premiums can increase, in addition to the other penalties that they may face. They may also be considered high-risk drivers, which could require them to file an SR-22 form, which could lead to a surcharge or insurers declining to insure.

Four things to do after a hit-and-run in California

Drivers who are victims of a hit-and-run can take certain steps to protect themselves after the accident, including:

1. Make sure everyone is safe.

Move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic and check on yourself and any passengers. Your priority should be to call for medical attention if anyone needs it.

2. Call the police and have them come to the scene to file a report

When it comes to a hit-and-run, you’ll want to involve law enforcement to raise the chances of finding the other driver and gathering evidence of what happened. If the driver who left the scene is found, they’ll need to pay for the damages to your car and any medical bills related to the accident. You may also need a police report in order to file an insurance claim.

3. Gather evidence

Take notes on everything you can remember about the other driver and vehicle while the information is fresh in your mind. See if any eyewitnesses can contribute and ask them to stay and talk to the police. If they can’t or won’t stay at the scene, get their contact information. Take pictures of the damage and look for pieces of the other driver’s car to help identify them, but don’t move the evidence if you find it. It’s best not to touch anything and let the police collect any evidence at the scene.

4. Contact your auto insurer

They will let you know what information is needed to file a claim.

Will insurance cover a hit-and-run?

Whether or not your insurance will cover a hit-and-run will depend on what coverage is included in your car insurance policy. Drivers in California are required to carry at least a minimum amount of bodily injury and property damage liability coverage, but it only extends to the other party that you hit in an at-fault accident. It does not insure you or your vehicle if someone hits you.

If you have additional coverage, like collision and comprehensive coverage, then you will have some coverage for your car against a hit-and-run driver, as these types of coverage will pay to repair your vehicle. However, you will still be responsible for your deductible unless the other driver is found. If you have medical payments coverage as part of your policy, it could also go toward hospital bills. Medical payments coverage doesn’t have a deductible.

It’s also important to note that both of these coverage types are optional and are not likely to be included in a standard auto insurance policy. It can be tempting to skimp on coverage since auto insurance in California is already more expensive than in many other states. Still, the minimum level of state-required liability insurance is unlikely to cover all the costs associated with an accident. When shopping for an auto policy, it’s a good idea to research the cheapest and best car insurance companies, then speak with a licensed insurance professional before purchasing to ensure you have adequate coverage.

Frequently asked questions

    • According to the California Annual Report of 2021, California hit-and-runs are on the rise. Having the right coverage in your car insurance policy could help with minimizing the financial impact if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident.
    • The best car insurance companies are the companies that offer what you need and want from both your car insurance policy and the company itself. Whether you’re looking for affordable premiums, a wide variety of optional coverage or you want a fully mobile experience, exploring the different options available can be advantageous.
    • In California, most driving offenses will affect your rate for three to five years, but depending on the severity of your hit-and-run, it could affect you for up to ten years. During this time, you will likely pay higher car insurance premiums and you may be required to file an SR-22. Once the violation is removed, your car insurance rate should decrease, barring any other changes to driving record or claim history.