What do I do in a hit-and-run?

The first thing to do in a hit-and-run is make sure everyone is safe. Next, you need to take note of relevant details, like the offending car’s license plate number, make and model, and then call the police to report any injuries or property damage. Later, you should also call your insurance company to notify them of the incident and to submit a claim.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run 

1. Call 911 if you or anyone else is injured.
2. Gather as much information as possible like the offending vehicle’s license plate number, its make and model, the direction it drove afterward and the date, time and location of the accident.
3. Ask bystanders who saw the accident for their perspective on what happened. Make sure to get their contact information as well.
4. Call the police and your insurance company to file a police report and an accident claim.

Insurance Coverage for a Hit-and-Run

There are two main kinds of car insurance that cover a hit-and-run: uninsured motorist coverage and collision insurance.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Uninsured motorist coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages if you are the victim of a hit-and-run. In some states, hit-and-run victims can also use UM for car repairs and other property damage. Check with your insurance company or call an agent before filing a hit-and-run claim with your uninsured motorist property damage coverage.

Collision Insurance: Collision insurance is optional coverage that pays to repair or replace your vehicle after a collision with another car, even if your car wasn’t moving. If you have collision insurance, you can file a hit-and-run claim to pay for your car’s repairs. However, collision insurance will not pay for any medical bills, nor will it pay for non-vehicle property damage.

To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide for what to do after a car accident.