Do You Have to Pay a Deductible for a Hit and Run?

A hit and run incident can leave individuals feeling helpless and uncertain about the next steps. The aftermath often brings concerns about vehicle damage and insurance coverage. Understanding how auto insurance handles such situations is important for navigating the claims process effectively.

Understanding Auto Insurance Deductibles and Coverage

An auto insurance deductible represents the amount of money you are responsible for paying out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage begins to cover the remaining costs of a claim. You select this amount when purchasing your policy. The higher your chosen deductible, the lower your regular insurance premiums are, and conversely, a lower deductible results in higher premiums.

For vehicle damage resulting from a hit and run, two primary types of auto insurance coverage apply: Collision Coverage and Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) Coverage. Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle if it collides with another car or object, regardless of who was at fault. If you use your collision coverage for a hit and run, a deductible will apply.

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) coverage helps pay for repairs to your vehicle if it is damaged by an uninsured driver or an unidentified hit-and-run driver. This coverage is not available in all states, and its specific provisions, including whether it covers hit-and-run incidents, can vary. UMPD coverage has its own deductible, which is lower than a collision deductible.

Initial Steps After a Hit and Run

After a hit and run, your immediate safety and documentation of the incident are important. First, ensure you and any passengers are safe, moving your vehicle to a secure location if possible without obstructing traffic. If there are any injuries, seeking medical attention is advisable.

Next, gather information about the incident and the fleeing vehicle. This includes the time and exact location of the accident, a description of the other vehicle (make, model, color, any distinguishing features), and any partial license plate numbers. Taking photographs of your damaged vehicle and the surrounding scene, including any debris or skid marks, provides evidence. Look for nearby security cameras or witnesses who may have observed the incident and collect their contact information.

You should contact law enforcement as soon as possible to file an official police report. This report serves as documentation for your insurance claim and may be a requirement for coverage. Obtaining a copy of the police report or its report number will be necessary when you proceed with your insurance claim.

Filing an Insurance Claim for a Hit and Run

Once you have secured the scene and gathered initial information, the next step is to file an insurance claim. It is important to notify your insurance company promptly, as many policies require immediate reporting of accidents. You can contact your insurer through their phone lines, mobile applications, or online portals.

When reporting the incident, provide the details you collected, including the police report number, date, time, and location of the accident, as well as descriptions of the damage to your vehicle. Your insurer will assign an adjuster to your case, who will guide you through the process, which involves further investigation, damage assessment, and obtaining repair estimates. Maintain open communication with your insurance company throughout this process, providing any additional information or documentation they request.

When a Deductible Applies or Is Waived

For a hit and run incident, whether a deductible applies or is waived depends on the type of coverage utilized and specific state regulations. If you file a claim under your collision coverage, you will be responsible for paying your collision deductible. This is because collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle regardless of fault, and a deductible is part of this coverage.

In situations where the at-fault driver is unknown, such as in a hit and run, Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) coverage is an alternative. Many states consider an unidentified hit-and-run driver to be “uninsured” for the purposes of UMPD coverage. Some states have provisions that waive or reduce the UMPD deductible for hit-and-run incidents, particularly if a police report was filed and the at-fault party could not be identified. A collision deductible waiver, an optional add-on that waives your deductible if an identified uninsured driver hits you, does not apply to hit-and-run accidents where the other driver remains unknown. The applicability of deductibles and potential waivers for hit-and-run claims can vary based on your specific policy and the laws in your state.