Does Car Insurance Cover A Hit And Run?

A more common experience than people would like to believe, hit and runs happen often and can happen in numerous different ways. A hit-and-run can be an accident when drivers are in the vehicles at the same time, one causes a collision and then drives off before exchanging insurance information, name and contact number, and other necessary details to file claims and follow through. Drivers who flee the scene of this type of crime can face additional penalties and consequences, something to keep in mind. There are numerous kinds of hit-and-run accidents, not all of which involve drivers being in both vehicles. It is possible for a hit-and-run driver to run into somebody’s car while it is parked on a street, as an example. This still counts as a hit-and-run accident and should be approached as such.

People who are involved in a hit-and-run accident, finding their vehicle damaged, are likely to have questions. Knowing what to do after a hit-and-run is essential, and also being aware of whether your automobile insurance plan will cover the damages to your vehicle. It is also common to wonder whether a hit-and-run claim will raise the rates you pay for premiums on your insurance policy. If you hit a parked car and run, it is essential to know the penalties that may come your way if you are caught. This article will touch on all of these things and more.

Does Car Insurance Cover Hit And Runs?

Selecting the proper auto insurance plans for your needs can be critical. Having too little insurance, or too much insurance can end up wasting hard-earned dollars. Hit-and-run car accidents are covered under a person’s collision insurance policy. This is not required by law and is not included in basic automobile insurance plans. If you are interested in collision coverage, you do need to add this type of coverage to your policy. If you are financing or leasing a vehicle, collision and comprehensive insurance coverage are likely to be in the terms of your contract as something that is required.

What To Do After A Hit And Run

Regardless of whether you are the person that has been hit or you are the person who has hit the other car, you will want to stay on the scene of the crime and call the police. Some states have additional guidelines for what to do in a hit and run, which can be found at the Department of Motor Vehicles website, or equivalent. When the police come, do not directly admit fault, but give the police your basic details and information about what happened. A police report will need to be filed in order to file a claim with your auto insurance provider. This will apply to you if you are the person who was hit. As a driver who hits another driver, leaving the scene can result in additional fines, fees, and other penalties and consequences. It is a crime to flee the scene of an accident you are involved in.

After this, if you are filing a claim with your auto insurance provider, you will want to get in touch with your insurance company quickly. They will want to see the police report and will often do an investigation on their own before providing a payout on the claim. You may want to get a second opinion in terms of the amount of damage and the expenses to repair them on your vehicle if the auto insurance company comes back with an offer that you deem to be too low. Make sure to stay in contact with your car insurance company and provide them with honest and accurate information. Lying to your car insurance company is considered insurance fraud and can result in the cancellation of your policy and potential legal consequences. It is also possible your claim will be denied due to lies or misrepresentations.

Will A Hit And Run Raise My Auto Insurance Rates?

If you file a claim with your car insurance provider, it is not likely that your rates will go up if it is determined to be a hit-and-run accident. If you are the person who collided with the other vehicle, however, it is possible that you could see your insurance rates rise.

What Happens If I Hit A Parked Car And Run

If you hit a parked car, you will want to do what you can to find the owner of the vehicle in nearby businesses or residences, depending on the time. If you cannot find the person, make sure to leave your full legal name, contact information, and other information you are comfortable leaving so that they can get in touch with you to explain information and the police can contact you to make a statement if it is determined one is needed. As a driver who hit another vehicle, it is your responsibility to do what you can to find the other driver and make sure contact information and other essential information has been given. While it is generally understood that people cannot wait around for eight hours for the other car owner to return, there are plenty of steps that can be taken to create smooth communication between you and the affected driver.

Final Notes

Knowing which types of car insurance policies cover hit and runs is essential in case you’re ever involved with one. While most people believe that car accidents are not something that will happen to them, it is a risk that is there every time you are on the road. Learning what to do if you are in either role is essential. When you contact the insurance company, have your insurance policy number ready, as well, if applicable.