Does Liability Insurance Cover a Hit and Run?

A hit and run occurs when a driver leaves the scene of an accident without providing identification or rendering aid, often resulting in property damage or personal injury. This article clarifies the types of auto insurance coverage that apply and the steps to take following such an incident.

Scope of Liability Coverage

Liability insurance is a fundamental component of most auto insurance policies, primarily designed to protect you financially if you cause an accident. This coverage pays for damages and injuries you inflict upon other parties and their property. For instance, if you are at fault in a collision, your liability coverage would compensate the other driver for their vehicle repairs or medical expenses, up to your policy limits.

This type of coverage does not extend to damages to your own vehicle or your personal medical expenses. Liability insurance is structured to address losses sustained by third parties, not first-party losses experienced by the policyholder. Therefore, in the context of a hit and run, standard liability coverage will not pay for repairs to your car or your medical bills. This highlights that liability insurance is not intended to cover your own losses when the at-fault driver is unknown or uninsured.

Relevant Coverages for Hit and Run Incidents

While liability coverage does not address your own damages in a hit and run, other types of auto insurance can provide financial protection. These coverages are typically optional additions to a standard policy, though some may be required depending on state regulations. They are designed to cover your losses when the responsible party cannot be identified or is uninsured.

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is particularly relevant in hit and run scenarios, acting as a safeguard when the at-fault driver is unknown or lacks insurance. Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for you and your passengers. Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) addresses damage to your vehicle, though its availability and specific application can vary by state.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage is another important protection for vehicle damage resulting from a hit and run. This coverage pays for repairs to your own vehicle regardless of who was at fault for the accident. It applies to incidents where your car collides with another vehicle or object, even if the other driver flees the scene. When using collision coverage, a deductible typically applies, which is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance begins to cover the remaining repair costs.

Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage can help with medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault. MedPay generally covers reasonable medical and funeral expenses up to a specified limit. PIP coverage, which is mandatory in some states, often provides broader benefits, including medical expenses, lost wages, and sometimes even essential services like childcare if you are unable to perform them due to injury. These coverages offer immediate financial relief for injuries sustained in a hit and run, without waiting for fault determination.

Initiating a Hit and Run Claim

After a hit and run incident, taking immediate actions is important to protect yourself and facilitate any insurance claim. Your safety should be the first consideration, so move to a safe location if possible. Contact law enforcement as soon as the incident occurs. Many insurance policies require a police report for hit and run claims, and timely reporting can increase the chances of the responsible party being identified.

When speaking with the police, provide as much detail as possible, including the location, time of day, and any description of the other vehicle or driver. If witnesses are present, collect their contact information. Document the scene by taking photographs of your vehicle’s damage, the surrounding area, and any debris left behind. These details will be valuable for both the police investigation and your insurance claim.

Promptly notifying your insurance company about the hit and run is a necessary step. Most policies require policyholders to report accidents within a specific timeframe, often within a few days. During this notification, you will provide the details collected at the scene and the police report number. Your insurer will assign a claims adjuster to your case, who will investigate the incident and determine the applicable coverages.

The claims process will involve the adjuster assessing the damage to your vehicle and any reported injuries. They may request additional documentation, such as medical bills or repair estimates. The deductibles for your collision or Uninsured Motorist Property Damage coverage will apply to vehicle repairs. Similarly, medical expenses will be covered up to the limits of your MedPay or PIP policies. Understanding these procedural steps helps ensure a smoother resolution to your hit and run claim.