If someone hits your car and drives off, your immediate priority is to stay safe and gather as much information as possible. Do not attempt to chase the other vehicle. First, move your car to a safe location if it's obstructing traffic. Then, call the police to file an official report; a hit-and-run is a crime, and this report is crucial for your insurance claim. While waiting, document the scene: take photos of your car's damage, the surrounding area, and any debris left by the other car. If there were any witnesses, get their contact information.
Next, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. The coverage that typically applies here is uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) or collision coverage. UMPD specifically covers damages caused by a hit-and-run driver who is legally considered "uninsured." However, state laws and policy terms vary significantly. For example, some states require independent proof of the hit-and-run, like a police report, for a UMPD claim to be approved. If you only have liability insurance, your damages will not be covered unless the at-fault driver is found.
The financial impact of a hit-and-run can be substantial. The following table outlines average repair costs and insurance claim data based on industry reports.
| Aspect of Hit-and-Run | Data Point / Statistic | Source / Context |
|---|
| Average Property Damage Repair Cost | $4,700 | Based on recent industry claims data for moderate collisions. |
| Likelihood of Identifying At-Fault Driver | Less than 10% | Law enforcement estimates on solved hit-and-run cases. |
| Minimum Deductible for Collision Coverage | $250 - $1,000 | Common range found in auto insurance policies. |
| States with Uninsured Motorist Prop. Damage | Approximately 20 states + D.C. | Insurance Information Institute (III). Other states may offer different options. |
| Average Premium Increase After Claim | 15-25% | Potential increase if you file a claim under collision coverage. |
| Percentage of Drivers with No Insurance | ~12.6% (National Average) | III data, highlighting why UMPD coverage is important. |
To protect yourself financially, consider adding UMPD and collision coverage to your policy. After the incident, also check nearby homes or businesses for security cameras that might have captured the event. Provide any new information, like license plate numbers from video footage, to the police and your insurance adjuster.
