Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a hit-and-run driver if I cannot identify them?

Any accident can be traumatic, but a hit-and-run event is even more so. But does car insurance cover damage caused by a hit-and-run driver if you cannot identify them?

You may be worried about how to pay for the damage caused by this other driver and whether you can claim against car insurance coverage. We understand your concern. We’ve done the research for you and reported the information below.

Car Insurance For a Hit-and-Run When You Can’t Identify the Driver

It is possible to claim against your insurance if you have collision damage coverage. In most cases, this type of coverage is optional, although if you have a leased car, the finance company may have required you to carry this protection from day one.

Collision coverage will pay for damage to your vehicle whenever you’re involved in an accident with another vehicle. Therefore, even though you may not know the other driver’s identity, you should be the claim against the established policy in this case.

The collision coverage will help pay for repairs to your vehicle or give you the car’s actual cash value if the insurance company deems it a total loss. Talk to some of the best collision coverage car insurance companies for more information.

Read more: Does Car Insurance cover damage from a hit and run?

Other Types of Car Insurance For Hit-and-Run Accidents

You may be able to claim against uninsured/underinsured coverage as you cannot identify the other driver, and this coverage becomes essential in scenarios where you’re wondering, “Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a driver who is uninsured or underinsured?”

However, you must check with one of the best uninsured motorist coverage car insurance companies to see if this is possible under your policy. This type of insurance will help to cover bodily injury damage to you or your passengers.

If you or the occupants of your vehicle have injuries and require medical care, you may also be able to claim if you have medical payments coverage.

This is also known as MedPay and typically covers medical expenses sustained when another vehicle hits yours. For more information about MedPay, learn how to get car insurance.

If you have personal injury protection, you may also be able to claim for other related expenses, such as lost wages or care costs, while you recover. In addition, you can get more information from some of the best personal injury protection (PIP) car insurance companies.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

You should always ensure that your passengers or anyone else involved are safe and that you call for medical assistance immediately if you need to. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road.

Then, contact the police and give them all the details. You can use their report to contact your insurance company and discuss the details of any claim.

If the police can investigate, they may be able to identify the other vehicle’s driver. Sometimes, they will have access to CCTV cameras near the scene, which could help.

If the police can identify the hit-and-run driver, you may claim against that driver’s insurance under their liability protection. If this is the case, you may not need to worry about an increase in your insurance rates when you next renew your policy.

Case Studies: Car Insurance Coverage for Hit-and-Run Accidents

Case Study 1: Comprehensive Coverage Provides Protection

Emily was involved in a hit-and-run accident where the other driver fled the scene and couldn’t be identified. Fortunately, Emily had optional collision coverage as part of her car insurance policy. She filed a claim with her insurance company and was able to get her vehicle repaired, minimizing the financial burden on her.

Case Study 2: Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage Saves the Day

John was a victim of a hit-and-run incident. Despite his efforts, he couldn’t identify the driver responsible. However, John had uninsured/underinsured coverage included in his policy. He contacted his insurance provider, who confirmed that he could make a claim for the damages caused by the hit-and-run driver. His insurance company covered the repairs.

Case Study 3: Limited Coverage, Limited Compensation

Sarah had a basic car insurance policy without optional coverages. Unfortunately, she became a victim of a hit-and-run accident, and since she couldn’t identify the driver, her policy didn’t provide coverage for the damages. Sarah had to cover the repair costs out of pocket, highlighting the importance of having comprehensive coverage or uninsured/underinsured coverage.

Check if Your Car Insurance Protects You Against Damage Caused by Hit-and-Run Drivers

If you have collision coverage on your policy, you should be able to make a claim to cover your damages.

If you have them on your policy, you may also be able to turn to uninsured/underinsured coverage, personal injury protection cover, and medical payments coverage. Always report an incident like this to the police, who may be able to identify the driver.