Do I Have to Pay a Deductible for a Hit and Run?
Unsure about deductible costs after a hit and run? Discover how your auto insurance applies and what steps impact your out-of-pocket expenses.
A common concern after a hit-and-run accident involves car insurance deductibles and whether one is responsible for this out-of-pocket expense. Understanding how your auto insurance policy responds to a hit-and-run is important for navigating the aftermath. This involves examining the specific coverages available and the conditions under which a deductible might apply.
Understanding Relevant Insurance Coverages
A deductible in car insurance represents the amount of money you agree to pay yourself before your insurance coverage begins to cover the remaining costs of a covered claim. When dealing with vehicle damage from a hit-and-run, two primary types of insurance coverages are often involved: Collision Coverage and Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) coverage. Your policy details and state-specific regulations determine how these coverages apply.
Collision coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision with another car or object, regardless of who was at fault. This type of coverage includes a deductible, which you pay even if the accident was not your fault. For example, if repairs cost $3,000 and your deductible is $500, you would pay $500, and your insurer would cover the remaining $2,500. Collision coverage is often required by lenders if you have a car loan or lease.
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) coverage is specifically designed to cover damage to your vehicle when an uninsured driver, or a hit-and-run driver, is at fault. In many states, a driver who flees the scene is considered “uninsured” for the purpose of this coverage. UMPD coverage often has a lower deductible than collision coverage, or in some cases, no deductible at all, depending on state regulations and your specific policy terms. However, UMPD coverage is not available in all states, and some states may require physical contact with the hit-and-run vehicle for UMPD to apply.
When Your Deductible Applies
The application of your deductible in a hit-and-run scenario largely depends on the specific coverages you carry and the circumstances of the incident. If you only have collision coverage for property damage, your collision deductible will almost certainly apply. For example, if a hit-and-run causes $1,500 in damage and your collision deductible is $500, you would pay that $500 regardless of the other driver’s absence.
If you have Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) coverage, the situation can be different. Many UMPD policies have a reduced deductible, often ranging from $100 to $500, or sometimes no deductible, for hit-and-run incidents. Some states may even have specific statutes that define the deductible for UMPD claims, such as a $250 deductible in Maryland.
If the at-fault driver is identified after the initial hit-and-run, your deductible might be waived or reimbursed. If the identified driver has insurance, your insurer can pursue reimbursement from their insurance company through subrogation. This can result in you recouping your deductible, even if you initially paid it under your own collision coverage.
Actions to Take After a Hit and Run
Immediately after a hit-and-run incident, ensure your safety and the safety of any passengers. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic. Call 911 if anyone is injured or if the accident causes significant property damage.
Reporting the incident to the police as soon as possible is important. A police report provides official documentation and is often mandatory for filing an Uninsured Motorist Property Damage claim. Many states require reporting accidents that involve injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding a certain dollar amount, which can be as low as $300 or $500. Filing a police report promptly can also aid in identifying the responsible driver and prevent claim denials.
Gathering information at the scene can strengthen your insurance claim. This includes taking photos of your vehicle’s damage and the surrounding area, noting the time and location of the accident, and if possible, obtaining a description of the fleeing vehicle and any witness contact information. This documentation provides evidence for your insurance company. Promptly contacting your insurance provider to report the hit-and-run and initiate a claim is also necessary, as most policies require timely notification.