Car insurance for a hit-and-run: What you need to know
Key takeaways
- A hit-and-run accident occurs when one of the drivers involved leaves the scene without exchanging information with the other driver.
- If you are involved in a hit-and-run, your first responsibility is to get assistance for any injuries, then contact police.
- Several types of car insurance, including uninsured motorist coverage and collision insurance, may help pay for hit-and-run costs.
Perhaps one of the most frightening types of accidents is a hit-and-run. These occur when one of the drivers involved in the accident does not stop to exchange information with the other driver. This is illegal in all states, and can lead to severe penalties if the driver is caught. If you are involved in an accident, whether you are at fault or not, you are required to stay on the scene, exchange information and help secure emergency services if needed. Bankrate’s insurance editorial team reviewed hit-and-run legislation, as well as insurance for hit-and-run accidents, to help you understand what to consider if you are involved in one.
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Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
What to do if you were involved in a hit-and-run
Hit-and-run accidents can be stressful, even if the damage is minimal. If you are a victim of a hit-and-run, knowing how to react and what steps to take could make the process less stressful and help you get your insurance claim processed as quickly as possible.
Get medical attention
Your first priority after a hit-and-run is to ensure that anyone needing medical attention receives the appropriate care as quickly as possible. If you or anyone in your car is injured in the accident — even if you’re not sure of the extent of the injury — it is imperative that you call for medical assistance by dialing 911.
Call the police
It may also be in your best interests to call the police so that an official police report on the accident can be created. Even if damage is minor, this may protect you and ensure that damage is covered by your policy. The police can interview any witnesses and survey the situation. If you file a claim for the accident, this police report can be an important document for your insurer to review. In addition, a police report may be required to get your claim processed.
Get as much evidence as possible
Once you have made sure any injuries are accounted for and have called the police, it can be helpful to gather evidence by taking pictures of your car or property. Only do so, however, if your vehicle is safely off the road and you are in no danger of being hit by another vehicle. It’s easy to forget the details after a frightening experience such as a hit-and run, so any photographic evidence may help you to provide the necessary information to your insurance company to process your claim.
Call your auto insurance company
If you decide to file a claim on your auto insurance policy, you will need to call your carrier or agent, or file the claim online or through an app. Provide the carrier with your photos and notes, the police report number or an actual copy of the police report, if you have it. Calling to file a claim as soon as possible after an accident can be beneficial; some insurance companies and states have regulations surrounding how long after an accident you can file a claim.
Car insurance for a hit-and-run accident
Depending on the coverage you carry on your auto insurance policy, you may have coverage for the damage to your own vehicle caused by hit-and-run accidents. While “hit-and-run insurance” is not its own policy type, there are several coverage types that could cover the expenses associated with this type of accident. Keep in mind that the optional coverage that protects you from hit-and-run losses varies by state regulations and your specific policy terms.
- Collision: Collision coverage is not mandatory in any state, but is considered part of a full coverage insurance policy. It pays for repairs to your vehicle following an accident, and may be required if you have a car loan or lease. Collision includes a deductible that you must pay out of pocket before the coverage kicks in. Collision also typically covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage: This coverage, which is optional in many states, pays for medical expenses incurred by you or your passengers if you are hit by a driver who has no insurance. Some states and insurers use this type of insurance to pay for costs following a hit-and-run insurance claim. Exactly how this coverage may be used, however, can vary from state to state and from carrier to carrier.
- Uninsured motorist property damage coverage: This option, which is only available in a handful of states, pays for damage to your vehicle caused by someone without insurance, and may possibly be used for a hit-and-run accident. Just like with uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage, this option may require proof that the at-fault driver is uninsured.
- Medical payments coverage: This coverage pays for your medical bills and your passenger’s medical bills, no matter who is at-fault. It is not available in all states.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): This coverage is similar to medical payments coverage and helps pay for medical expenses for both you and your passengers, no matter who is at fault for an accident. PIP is also not available in all states, but if you live in a no-fault insurance state, this coverage is mandatory.
Understanding your current policy and how it covers a hit-and-run situation could be beneficial. Hopefully you will never be the victim of a hit-and-run, but if you are, having the knowledge about how your insurance policy might protect you could help make the recovery process easier.
How a hit-and-run affects your car insurance rate
You may be wondering, does a hit-and-run affect your insurance? Although it is possible that you would be considered not at fault in a hit-and-run accident, you may still see an increase in your premium rate. You might also lose an accident-free discount or your eligibility for accident forgiveness. The increase might be minor, however, and it is likely to be less than it would be if you were found to be at fault in the accident.
If you are the cause of a hit-and-run accident and are found afterwards, the penalties are likely to be higher. You may face civil fines or fees, possible points on your license, or other penalties. In some cases, you may have legal fees to handle, and could face criminal charges, which could lead to jail time. Your insurance rate will almost certainly increase, although the amount of the increase will vary depending on your carrier. If you have other moving violations on your license, your insurer may be reluctant to renew your policy, or you may need to file an SR-22 insurance certificate, or an FR-44 certificate in Florida and Virginia.
How to save on car insurance after a hit-and-run
Although you may have an increase in your car insurance premium after a hit-and-run, there are ways that you could potentially lower your rates:
- Shop other carriers: It’s generally a good idea to shop around for your policy regularly. Many insurance experts recommend that you gather a handful of quotes every year, when your policy is up for renewal. Asking for quotes from multiple insurance companies may lead you to find savings over your current policy.
- Utilize discounts: Most insurance companies provide discount opportunities to policyholders. If you have another insurance policy, like a homeowners or renters insurance policy, you may qualify for a bundling discount if you insure it with the same carrier. Other common car insurance discounts include paid-in-full, vehicle safety features and paperless billing.
- Maintain a clean driving record: Avoiding at-fault accidents and traffic violations can help to keep your insurance costs from increasing due to surcharges that could last for three to five years. If you have already seen an increase on your policy due to a hit-and-run, keeping your record clean could help you to avoid further increases.
Although hit-and-runs are stressful and could increase your auto insurance premiums, understanding how your insurance policy covers these situations can help you to find opportunities to save. If you have questions about the type of coverage you have or if you would be covered should you be the victim of a hit-and-run, talking to your agent or a representative from your insurance company could help you to understand your policy.
Frequently asked questions
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The best auto insurance company is different for everyone depending on their coverage needs and budget. Whether you are a victim of a hit-and-run or guilty of causing one, you may want to look for an insurance company with high claim and customer service reviews, plentiful discounts and the coverage you require. Drivers found guilty of hit-and-runs may have difficulty finding an insurance policy with standard carriers—getting quotes from companies specializing in high-risk drivers or offering SR-22s and FR-44s may give them more options.
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The amount of car insurance you need depends on many factors, such as your financial situation, the state’s insurance requirements and the coverage mandated by your bank if you finance your car. Many states consider hit-and-run driving a severe violation. Drivers who need SR-22s or FR-44s to reinstate their drivers licenses may need liability limits higher than the required state minimum limits. To minimize the chances of paying out of pocket for a potential hit-and-run, consider adding optional coverages such as collision, uninsured motorist liability or uninsured motorist property damage coverage to your policy. Talk to your agent for help narrowing down the right coverage for your situation.
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Multiple factors impact the price you pay for your auto insurance. In the U.S., the average annual premium for minimum coverage as of January, 2024 is $740, while a full coverage policy, which includes collision and comprehensive insurance, averages $2,542 a year. Your own rate will be unique to you and your circumstances, since your insurer will take into account numerous rating factors such as the age, make and model of your car, your own driving history, your age and credit record (in most states) and where you live.
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The answer to this question depends on several factors. You may see an increase if it was a hit-and-run accident and you file a claim with your own insurer, even if you are not at fault and were parked legally. If you have accident forgiveness, however, you may not see an increase. If you know who hit you, on the other hand, you may be able to file a claim against the other person’s insurance policy. In that case, your own insurer will not have to pay out the claim and is unlikely to increase your rate.
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