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Yes, insurance covers hit and run in many cases, depending on the types of insurance coverage carried by the person whose car gets hit. Collision coverage, coverage for medical expenses, or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is needed to be protected in cases of hit and run.
In 22 states, however, drivers are only required to have liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage incurred by other people in accidents that the policyholder causes. Liability insurance does not cover the policyholder’s expenses, so it can’t be used in a hit and run unless the at-fault driver is located and has insurance.
Insurance That Protects Drivers After a Hit and Run
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Not required in any state.
Pays for your medical expenses after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. PIP is required in 15 states, while MedPay is usually optional in other states.
Pays for your expenses if you are hit by a driver with no insurance or with inadequate insurance, but can often be used after a hit and run since the other driver’s insurance can’t be identified. Required in almost half the states.
It’s important to note that there are two types of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: bodily injury and property damage. Bodily injury coverage can pay your medical bills if you’re injured in a hit and run, while property damage coverage can pay to repair your vehicle.
However, the property damage coverage is not available in all states. And even in some states where it is available, such as California and Illinois, it can only be used if the at-fault driver is identified and found to be uninsured or underinsured. If this is the case in your state, then you will need to purchase collision coverage to pay for damage to your vehicle after a hit and run.
Ultimately, a hit and run can be a frustrating experience, but there are some things you can do to make the insurance claims process a little bit easier. If you witness the hit and run, take note of the license plate number and the vehicle’s make and model. Also, make sure you call the police to file a report, and document all damage to your vehicle before reporting it to your insurance company. Finally, take the time to look at your policy so you can have a good understanding of what your insurer will pay for.
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