Hit and Run Insurance Claim

Being involved in a hit and run accident can be a very stressful experience for any driver. Not only do you have to deal with the damage to your vehicle, but you also have to deal with the fact that the other driver has fled the scene without stopping to exchange insurance information or provide aid, which is required by law. Fortunately, if you have the right insurance coverage, you can still be compensated for your damages through a hit and run insurance claim.

What is a Hit and Run Insurance Claim?

A hit and run insurance claim is a claim made by a driver who has been involved in an accident with another vehicle, but the other driver has fled the scene without providing their contact or insurance information. In a hit and run situation, the at-fault driver cannot be identified, so the victim of the accident cannot file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. Instead, the victim has to file a claim with their own insurance company under their uninsured motorist coverage or collision coverage.

Uninsured motorist coverage is an optional type of insurance that covers you in the event you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Collision coverage, on the other hand, covers you for damages to your vehicle regardless of who is at fault in the accident.

Who is Eligible for a Hit and Run Insurance Claim?

Anyone who has been involved in a hit and run accident is eligible to file a hit and run insurance claim. However, in order to be eligible for compensation, you must have the right insurance coverage. This means you must have uninsured motorist coverage or collision coverage on your policy. If you only have liability coverage, which is required by law, you will not be covered for hit and run accidents.

What Should You Do if You’re Involved in a Hit and Run Accident?

If you’re involved in a hit and run accident, the first thing you should do is call the police. The police will gather information about the accident and create a police report, which will be important when you file your insurance claim. You should also try to get as much information about the other vehicle and driver as possible, such as the license plate number, make and model of the vehicle, and any identifying marks or features.

It’s also important to take photos of the damage to your vehicle and the surrounding area. This will help your insurance company determine the extent of the damages and the cost of repairs.

How Do You File a Hit and Run Insurance Claim?

To file a hit and run insurance claim, you must first contact your insurance company and report the accident. Your insurance company will ask you for information about the accident, including the police report, photos of the damage, and any information you have about the other vehicle and driver.

If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance company will pay for your damages up to your policy limit. If you have collision coverage, your insurance company will pay for your damages minus your deductible. Your insurance company will also try to locate the other driver and may take legal action against them to recover the cost of your damages.

What Can You Expect During the Claims Process?

The claims process for a hit and run insurance claim is similar to the process for any other type of insurance claim. Once you report the accident to your insurance company, an adjuster will be assigned to your claim. The adjuster will review the information you provided and may ask for additional information, such as a written statement or additional photos.

The adjuster will then determine the extent of your damages and the cost of repairs. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance company will pay for your damages up to your policy limit. If you have collision coverage, your insurance company will pay for your damages minus your deductible.

The claims process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the extent of the damages and how quickly you provide the necessary information to your insurance company.

What Can You Do to Prevent a Hit and Run Accident?

While you cannot control the actions of other drivers, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of being involved in a hit and run accident. These include:

• Always obey traffic laws and signals
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Drive defensively and anticipate other drivers’ actions
• Do not engage in road rage or aggressive driving
• Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained

FAQ

Being involved in a hit and run accident can be a very stressful experience, but having the right insurance coverage can make all the difference. If you’re ever involved in a hit and run accident, remember to stay calm, call the police, and contact your insurance company as soon as possible.