Does Insurance Cover Hit & Run?

Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents happen more often than you might think. A hit and run is an accident where the at-fault driver leaves the scene without sharing contact information. 

These accidents are scary and frustrating for drivers. It can be overwhelming to worry about how you’ll pay for property damage and medical expenses caused by another driver. 

Hopefully, you’ll never be involved in a hit and run accident. If you are, it’s helpful to know what to do. With that in mind, here’s a look at what to do after a hit-and-run accident and what your car insurance will cover after a hit-and-run crash. To learn more about car insurance, contact an expert at Go Auto Insurance. 

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident? 

Most states have laws about what drivers must do after an accident. At a minimum, drivers must stop, check to see if anyone is injured, and call for medical attention if needed. Most states also require drivers to exchange contact information or remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives. 

If you’re involved in a hit-and-run car accident, you should: 

• Seek medical treatment for anyone who needs it. If you or anyone else is injured and needs immediate medical attention, call 9-1-1. This is the first priority after an accident.
• Report the accident to law enforcement. Even if no one is injured, you should report the accident to local law enforcement and stay at the scene until a law enforcement officer arrives. 
• Exchange information with all drivers involved in the accident. Regardless of who was at fault, you should get the name, contact information, license plate number, and insurance information for everyone involved. In hit-and-run accidents, you should write down as many details about the responsible driver as you can remember – for example, the make and model of the driver’s vehicle, any portion of the license plate number, and a physical description of the driver.
• Document the accident. Before the scene is cleared, take pictures or videos to document the accident. While everything is fresh in your mind, write down as many details about the accident as you can remember. In addition, look for any CCTV cameras or other cameras that recorded the accident. 
• Get contact information from eyewitnesses. Get the full name and contact information for anyone that witnessed the accident. 
• Contact your insurance company. As soon as possible, contact your insurance company and let them know that you’ve been in a hit-and-run accident. Share with them as many details about the accident as you can.

Insurance Coverage After a Hit-and-Run Accident 

Under most states’ car insurance laws, if another driver causes an accident, they’re responsible for paying for all damages caused by the accident. This includes property damage and medical expenses. 

However, if a driver flees the scene, accident victims can be left in a difficult situation. Fortunately, there are several ways your car insurance can help cover these losses. 

• Collision Policy: Collision insurance protects drivers when their car is damaged because of impact with another driver or object, regardless of who was at fault. If you have collision coverage, this can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement of a vehicle after a hit-and-run crash. Collision coverage is optional, but lenders often require this coverage if a vehicle is financed. 
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Most states treat a hit-and-run driver like an uninsured driver. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, this can help cover the cost of your property damage and medical expenses caused by a driver that leaves the scene. This type of insurance is required in some states but not all. Regardless of state requirements, it’s a good idea to have uninsured motorist coverage to ensure you’re protected. 
• Medical Payments Coverage: Medical Payments Coverage, or MedPay, will cover medical expenses for drivers and their passengers. MedPay coverage options vary from state-to-state. If you have this coverage, it can help with medical expenses after a hit-and-run accident. 

Contact GoAuto Insurance 

Hopefully you won’t be involved in a hit-and-run accident. But if you are, you don’t want to worry about how you’ll pay for vehicle repairs or medical expenses. To make sure you’re protected, contact the team at GoAuto insurance. 

We work directly with drivers to get them the protection they need. We’ll explain different coverage options and help you pick coverage that gives you everything you need and nothing more. This means affordable insurance and peace of mind. 

Call us today to learn more or get a free quote online.