Hit-and-Run Claims and What to Do

So, you just became the victim of a hit-and-run. Now what? Well, fight your instincts to chase down the other driver. It’s not worth it, and trust us no good can come of that!

First, pull over and make sure that all of your passengers are safe, and then scope out the damage. Try to record as many details of the accident as possible. Write down a description of the vehicle: color, make, model and license plate number if you were able to catch it. Also note the time, date and location of the accident. Finally, go through the sequence of events—which direction the car was going in when it fled the scene and where you were. If anyone witnessed the accident, get their names and contact info. Eyewitness accounts can be extremely helpful, especially if you weren’t able to catch the license plate. Someone else might have and can also corroborate the make and model of the vehicle if you’re not good with that sort of thing.

Then, call the cops. If you’ve just been involved in a hit-and-run, you’ll want to file an official accident report. A police report will be extremely valuable during the insurance claim process.

Finally, call your insurance company and file a hit-and-run claim. Your insurer will walk you through the process of filing this type of claim. Payment for hit-and runs usually come through your own car insurance. They are relatively affordable and can offer significant financial protection from the uninsured or hit-and run committing drivers. “Uninsured motorist” coverage is optional is some states and mandatory in others. So, check with your state’s department of insurance to find out if it’s required.

If you’re able to track down the driver, they will most likely be held financially responsible. If your vehicle was hit while you weren’t in it, follow the same steps above. Call the police and file your claim with your insurance company as soon as you can.