Leaving the scene of a car accident after hitting a pedestrian, another vehicle, or an object is known as a hit-and-run. The other driver's liability insurance won't be available to pay for your damages if they flee the scene of the accident after hitting you. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, your auto insurance may help pay for the damages.
Auto Insurance Protection That Might Pay for a Hit-and-Run
In the event of a hit-and-run accident, coverages that are typically included in auto insurance policies may be applicable. Consider the following coverages:
Collision Protection
In most cases, collision coverage will assist in covering damage to your car if it is involved in a hit-and-run accident and is hit by another car. If your car is a total loss, collision coverage can help cover the cost of the repairs or the actual cash value of the car. Although collision insurance is typically not necessary, it might be if you have a loan or lease on your car.
Uninsured Driver Bodily Injury Protection
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) can help if you are involved in a hit-and-run with a driver who cannot be located, has little to no car insurance, or does not have any car insurance at all. This car insurance coverage typically provides assistance in paying for bodily injury damages to you and your passengers. You might even be protected if you're a pedestrian.
It might be possible to purchase uninsured/underinsured property damage coverage separately. This usually includes any harm the hit-and-run driver caused to your property. There are different uninsured motorist coverage requirements. For more information on UM/UIM, get in touch with your neighborhood car insurance agent.
Health Insurance Coverage
Typically, Medical Payments Coverage (also known as Med Pay) can pay for medical costs associated with injuries to you or your passengers from an accident involving your vehicle, up to your policy limits, if you're involved in a hit-and-run. Med Pay coverage is typically not required. If you are hurt when a car hits you as a pedestrian, Med Pay might also cover your medical expenses. In order to confirm what your policy covers, make sure to speak with your auto insurance agent. Coverages do differ by state.
Protection from Personal Injury
Personal injury protection (PIP) typically assists in covering medical costs in the event of a hit-and-run. It may also cover lost wages, costs for things like child care or household-related expenses while you recover, and funeral costs. Some states might mandate PIP coverage, and coverage options can vary.
How to Respond to a Hit-and-Run
Any accident can be stressful, but a hit-and-run accident can be frightening. After a hit-and-run accident, there are some crucial things you should do to protect yourself and your passengers as well as to make it simpler for you to contact your auto insurance provider later on.
If it's safe to do so, move your car to the side of the road after an accident. In any case, turn on your hazard lights and take precautions to stop further collisions. Once you are secure, double-check that everyone in your car is unharmed before dialing 911. Try to get the car's make and model or license plate number if you can, but put your safety first. Once it is safe to do so, call the police; do not pursue the other driver.
Maintain Auto Insurance
Unfortunately, not all drivers drive safely. Because of this, it's critical to have car insurance that will defend you in the event of a hit-and-run accident as well as other collisions involving at-fault, underinsured, or uninsured drivers.