In this guide
After a hit-and-run, your own policy is usually what pays, because the other driver can't be identified. Uninsured motorist coverage is often the main protection for injuries and, in some states, vehicle damage. Collision coverage can pay for your car minus the deductible, and PIP or medical payments may cover injuries. Reporting the crash to police quickly is one of the most important steps.
Key takeaways
- When the at-fault driver can't be found, you generally look to your own coverages, not the other driver's liability policy.
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage often treats an unidentified hit-and-run driver as uninsured. Rules and requirements differ by state.
- Collision coverage can pay for your car, minus your deductible, if you have it.
- Report to the police as soon as possible and tell your insurer promptly. Some policies or states set short reporting windows.
- Check your policy and state rules. Some states or policies require physical contact between vehicles for a UM claim.
Which coverages may apply
A hit-and-run leaves you without a responsible party's insurer to claim against. Instead, these parts of your own policy may respond, depending on what you bought and where you live.
| Coverage | What it may pay for in a hit-and-run | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury | Medical bills, lost income, and in many states pain and suffering | Most policies treat a hit-and-run driver as uninsured, but wording varies |
| Uninsured motorist property damage | Damage to your car, where the state or policy offers it | Often has a lower limit, and sometimes a smaller deductible than collision |
| Collision | Damage to your car | Your deductible applies |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | Medical costs and some lost income, no matter who was at fault | Required or offered in no-fault and some other states |
| Medical payments (MedPay) | Medical bills for you and passengers | Optional in many states |
| Health insurance | Medical treatment | May pay first or after other coverages, depending on your state |
The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) explains that uninsured motorist coverage protects you when you're hit by a driver with no insurance, and many policies extend this to hit-and-run drivers. Our guide to uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage goes deeper on how it works.
Watch out: Liability coverage does not pay for your own injuries or your own car. If you carry only the state minimum liability policy and no UM, collision, PIP or MedPay, you may have little protection after a hit-and-run. In some states UM is required or must be offered in writing. See state minimum car insurance requirements.
What to do right after a hit-and-run
- Get safe and call 911 if anyone is hurt or you're in danger.
- Don't chase the driver. It's risky and can create new problems.
- Write down everything you remember: license plate (even a partial), make, model, color, damage, direction of travel, and what the driver looked like.
- Look for witnesses and cameras. Ask nearby businesses or residents whether they have security or doorbell cameras. Footage may be overwritten quickly.
- Photograph the scene, your damage, paint transfer, debris and any skid marks.
- File a police report and get the report number.
- Notify your insurer promptly and tell them it was a hit-and-run.
For the full general checklist, see what to do after a car accident.
Why the police report matters
Many insurers want to see a police report before they will treat a loss as a hit-and-run, and some policies or state laws set a deadline to report, such as within a certain number of hours or days. These requirements differ by state and policy, so read your policy and ask your insurer or state insurance department. As a rule of thumb, report the crash right away rather than waiting.
A report supports your account that the other driver left and that you didn't cause the crash yourself. Without it, insurers may be more hesitant to pay a claim that can't be checked against another driver.
Physical contact and "phantom vehicle" rules
Some states or policies require physical contact between your car and the unidentified vehicle for a UM claim. The reason is to guard against fraud in cases where a driver says they swerved to avoid a "phantom" vehicle. Other states allow claims without contact if there's independent evidence, such as a witness.
This is a good example of why the exact wording of your UM coverage matters. If you were hurt after swerving to avoid a vehicle that left, ask your insurer how your policy and state treat the claim.
Parked car and property damage cases
A hit-and-run on a parked car is common. If you come back to find damage and a driver who left no note:
- Report it to police, even if the damage seems minor.
- Check for cameras and ask nearby businesses.
- Use collision coverage, or UM property damage if your state and policy offer it. These may have different deductibles.
- Ask your insurer how it will treat the claim. Some insurers treat it as at-fault only if the driver is found at fault, and rate effects vary by insurer and state.
If you do find the driver later, your insurer may recover its costs from them or their insurer, and may refund your deductible if it succeeds. Our guide to collision coverage explains how deductibles work in that case.
If you are the one who hit someone
Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime in every state, and the penalties can be severe, especially if someone was injured. Always stop, exchange information and report the crash, even if the damage looks minor. If you hit an unattended vehicle and can't find the owner, leave a note with your contact information and report it, as Triple-I advises. Not stopping can also lead to your insurer questioning the claim and can affect your license and future premiums. See car insurance after a DUI and high-risk car insurance for related situations.
Will a hit-and-run raise my rates?
It depends. If you weren't at fault, insurers often don't count the claim against you, but this varies by insurer and state, and some states restrict surcharging for not-at-fault claims. Ask your insurer how it classifies the claim. If your rate does rise unexpectedly, our guide on why your car insurance may go up may help.
Frequently asked questions
Does uninsured motorist coverage always cover a hit-and-run?
Not always. Many policies include hit-and-run drivers in the definition of an uninsured motorist, but requirements such as police reports, reporting deadlines and physical contact differ. Read your policy or ask your insurer.
Does my collision deductible apply?
Yes, if you claim under collision. UM property damage, where available, may have its own deductible, which could be different.
What if I only have liability insurance?
Liability pays for harm you cause to others, not your own losses. You may have to rely on health insurance, MedPay or PIP if you have them, and may have to pay for car repairs yourself.
How long do I have to report a hit-and-run?
It varies by state and policy. Some require reporting to police within a short window, so report right away and notify your insurer as soon as possible.
What if the driver is found later?
If they're identified and insured, your insurer or you may be able to claim against their liability coverage, and your deductible may be recovered. Keep your claim file and tell your insurer.
Sources
- Insurance Information Institute – Background on: Compulsory auto/uninsured motorists
- Insurance Information Institute – What to do at the scene of an accident
- NAIC – What Does Auto Insurance Cover?
- NAIC – State insurance departments
General information only. This guide explains general concepts and is not insurance, legal or financial advice. Rules and prices vary by state and insurer. Check your policy documents and speak to a licensed insurance professional or your state insurance department about your situation.