Car insurance coverage in hit-and-run accidents

Imagine heading home after work when, suddenly, you’re rear-ended at a stoplight by a driver who swerves around you and disappears. Or, maybe, after parking outside your favorite coffee shop, you discover your vehicle’s been damaged — and the person responsible is nowhere to be found.

Whether you’re in the car or nowhere near it, a hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling shaken and uncertain, but you’re not alone. We’re here to help you understand your coverage and guide you through what to do next.

What is a hit-and-run accident?

A hit-and-run happens when someone knowingly causes an accident and leaves the scene without sharing their information. While we often think of hit-and-runs as collisions between two vehicles, they can also involve damage to property or another person.

If you’re hit by another driver while on the road, try to stay calm. Take note of anything you remember about the driver and the vehicle — details about the car’s color, make, and license plate can be helpful. Then call the police and file a report.

If your car was parked when it was hit, look for a note from the other driver. Sometimes, drivers take responsibility and leave their contact information. If there isn’t a note, check for nearby security cameras that may have captured the incident on surveillance video.

Does car insurance cover hit-and-run accidents?

Wondering if your car insurance will help after a hit-and-run? The good news is, several types of coverage may help cover your losses, whether your car was moving or parked. While none of these is specifically named “hit-and-run insurance,” here’s how your policy may protect you:

Collision coverage

Collision coverage is optional, but it can help you feel confident you’re protected in situations like this. It helps cover repairs after a hit-and-run accident, though you’ll be responsible for your deductible.

Uninsured motorist property damage coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage may step in to help pay damages if you’re hit by a motorist who doesn’t have insurance or flees the scene. Some states require this coverage, while others make it optional. Check with your American Family Insurance agent to see if uninsured coverage applies to hit-and-run accidents in your state.

Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage

This coverage helps protect you and your passengers by assisting with medical expenses if you’re injured by an uninsured motorist. It is optional in some states, but other states require it — so check with your agent to verify your state’s requirements and to see if they’ll apply uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage for hit-and-run accidents.

Medical payments coverage

Medical payments coverage gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ll get help paying medical expenses for you and your passengers, no matter who was at fault.

Personal injury protection (PIP)

PIP, sometimes called no-fault insurance, helps cover medical bills for you and your passengers, regardless of who’s at fault. While PIP is mandatory in some states, it’s not available in others. Connect with your agent to see if your state requires PIP insurance.

Liability coverage

Liability coverage won’t help with your own damages in a hit-and-run. It’s designed to help pay for someone else’s expenses if you’re at fault in an accident. If the hit-and-run driver is identified, their liability coverage may pay for your damages.

How to file a hit-and-run insurance claim

Ready to file a claim? There’s an online option for reporting a claim, which takes just a few minutes to complete. Or you can call our claims support team at 1-800-MYAMFAM (1-800-692-6326), and they will be happy to walk you through the process. To help your claim go smoothly, have these details handy:

• Your policy number. If filing online, use only the numeric values, which are the first 10 or 12 digits.
• Your contact information. Include your home address, email, and phone number(s).
• Accident information. Note everything you know about the accident — date, time, location, weather, direction the vehicles were traveling, etc.
• Police report. If you have a copy of the police report, include it as well.

No matter how you file your hit-and-run claim, American Family is here to help you get your life back on track. Our claims professionals will provide the support you need and make your experience as convenient as possible.

Will a hit-and-run claim raise my insurance rates?

We know you’re concerned about your rates. Every insurance company handles hit-and-run claims differently, so it’s important to review your policy with your agent and discuss any possible impacts.

Your safety comes first

The most important thing in any hit-and-run accident is your safety and the safety of those around you. Once you’re sure everyone is okay, focus on filing your claim and getting everything back to normal. If you have questions, your American Family Insurance agent is always here to help.

This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice. You should contact a professional for advice specific to your situation.

This information represents only a brief description of coverages, is not part of your policy, and is not a promise or guarantee of coverage. If there is any conflict between this information and your policy, the provisions of the policy will prevail. Insurance policy terms and conditions may apply. Exclusions may apply to policies, endorsements, or riders. Coverage may vary by state and may be subject to change. Some products are not available in every state. Please read your policy and contact your agent for assistance.