What Type of Coverage Pays for Hit-and-Run Damage?
Two types of coverage can pay for hit-and-run damage: collision coverage and uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage.
Collision coverage: Pays for damage to your car when you collide with another vehicle or object, regardless of who's at fault. Since the at-fault driver in a hit-and-run can't be identified, collision treats it like any other collision and covers the damage. You'll pay your collision deductible (typically $500–$1,000).
Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD): Covers damage to your car when the at-fault driver is uninsured or can't be identified (as in a hit-and-run). Not all states offer UMPD, and it's optional where available. Deductibles are often lower than collision ($250 or $0 in some states).
Liability insurance does NOT cover hit-and-run damage. Liability only pays for damage you cause to others. If you only carry the state-required minimum liability coverage, you'll have to pay for hit-and-run damage out of pocket.
If you have both collision and UMPD, you can choose which to use. UMPD may have a lower deductible and less impact on your rates, but not all states offer it.
Collision vs. Uninsured Motorist Property Damage
Both coverages pay for hit-and-run damage, but there are differences:
Collision coverage: Available in all states. Covers damage from any collision, including hit-and-runs, single-car accidents, and at-fault crashes. You choose your deductible ($500, $1,000, etc.). Filing a claim may raise your rates, even if you weren't at fault.
Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD): Available in about 20 states. Only covers damage caused by uninsured or unidentified drivers (hit-and-run). Deductible is often lower ($250 or $0). Less likely to raise your rates because it's not an at-fault claim. Not available in all states (e.g., California, Texas, Florida don't offer UMPD).
Check your policy or call your insurer to see if you have UMPD. If you do, it may be the better option for hit-and-run claims because of the lower deductible and smaller rate impact.
What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run
If you're the victim of a hit-and-run, taking the right steps can strengthen your insurance claim and help police find the driver.
1. Stop and assess. Pull over to a safe location if you're driving. Check for injuries. Do not pursue the fleeing driver—that's dangerous and illegal in some states.
2. Call 911. Report the hit-and-run to police immediately. Provide details about the other vehicle (color, make, model, license plate if visible), direction of travel, and any identifying features (bumper stickers, damage, etc.).
3. Document the scene. Take photos and videos of your car's damage, the accident location, skid marks, debris, and any other evidence. If the hit-and-run occurred in a parking lot, check for surveillance cameras.
4. Gather witness information. If anyone saw the accident, get their names, phone numbers, and a brief statement. Witnesses can corroborate your account and help police.
5. File a police report. Your insurer will require a police report to process your claim. Get the report number and the officer's contact information.
6. Notify your insurance company. Call your insurer as soon as possible—ideally within 24 hours. Provide the police report number and all documentation.
If you have a dashcam, the footage can be invaluable. It can capture the other driver's license plate, vehicle details, and the accident itself—making it much easier to file a claim or help police identify the driver.
How to File a Hit-and-Run Claim
Once you've gathered documentation, here's how to file your claim:
1. Contact your insurer. Call your insurance company's claims department or file online. Provide your policy number, police report number, photos, and witness information.
2. Choose which coverage to use. If you have both collision and UMPD, ask your insurer which makes more sense based on deductibles and potential rate impact.
3. Get a damage estimate. Your insurer will send an adjuster to inspect your car, or you can take it to a repair shop for an estimate. Some insurers use photo-based estimates via mobile app.
4. Pay your deductible. You'll pay your deductible to the repair shop. The insurer pays the remaining repair costs.
5. Complete repairs. Take your car to a licensed repair shop. Keep all receipts and documentation.
File your claim as soon as possible. Most policies require claims within a reasonable timeframe (often 30–60 days). Delays can complicate the process or even result in denial.
What Happens If the Hit-and-Run Driver Is Found?
If police identify and locate the hit-and-run driver, your claim process changes.
Their liability insurance pays: If the driver has insurance, their liability coverage will pay for your damages. You won't need to use your collision or UMPD coverage, and you won't pay a deductible.
Subrogation: If you've already filed a claim and received payment from your insurer, your insurer will pursue reimbursement from the at-fault driver's insurance (called subrogation). If successful, you may get your deductible refunded.
Uninsured driver: If the driver is found but has no insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage (if you have it) will cover your damages. Otherwise, you can sue the driver personally, but collecting payment can be difficult.
Will My Rates Go Up After a Hit-and-Run Claim?
Unfortunately, your rates may increase after a hit-and-run claim—even though you weren't at fault.
Collision claims: If you file under collision coverage, insurers often treat it like any other collision claim, which can raise your rates by 10–40%. This is true even for not-at-fault collisions in many states.
Uninsured motorist claims: Filing under UMPD (where available) is less likely to raise your rates because it's classified as a not-at-fault claim.
State laws: Some states prohibit rate increases for not-at-fault claims. California, Oklahoma, and a few others have such protections.
Accident forgiveness: If your policy includes accident forgiveness, your first at-fault or not-at-fault claim may not raise your rates.
If damage is minor and repair costs are close to your deductible, it may be cheaper to pay out of pocket to avoid a rate increase. Run the numbers before filing.
How to Prevent Hit-and-Run Situations
While you can't control other drivers, you can reduce your risk:
- Install a dashcam (front and rear) to capture evidence
- Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas when possible
- Avoid parking at the end of rows in parking lots (less visibility)
- Use a parking garage or covered spot if available
- Be aware of your surroundings and note suspicious behavior
A dashcam is the single most effective tool for hit-and-run protection. Models with parking mode can record even when your car is off, capturing hit-and-runs in parking lots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you have collision coverage or uninsured motorist property damage coverage. Collision pays for damage to your car regardless of who's at fault. UM/UMPD covers you when the at-fault driver can't be identified or lacks insurance.
Yes, if you use collision coverage. You'll pay your collision deductible (typically $500–$1,000). If you use uninsured motorist property damage (where available), the deductible may be lower ($250 or $0).
It depends. If you file under collision, your rates may increase—even though you weren't at fault—because it's considered a collision claim. If you file under uninsured motorist coverage, it's less likely to raise your rates. Some states prohibit rate increases for not-at-fault claims.
Stop safely, call 911, file a police report, document the scene with photos, gather witness information, and notify your insurance company immediately. The police report is required for your claim. Do not pursue the fleeing driver.
If police identify the driver, their liability insurance will cover your damages. Your insurer may subrogate (seek reimbursement) from the at-fault driver, and you may get your deductible refunded if you've already filed a claim.
No. Liability insurance only covers damage you cause to others. To be protected in a hit-and-run, you need collision or uninsured motorist property damage coverage on your own policy.