• Nov 20, 2025
• By Brian

Discovering your car has been damaged in a hit-and-run is a frustrating and stressful experience. You’re left with repair bills and no at-fault driver to hold accountable. However, knowing the correct steps to take immediately after the incident can streamline the claims process and significantly improve your chances of getting your vehicle repaired without undue financial strain. This guide will walk you through the essential actions to take following a hit-and-run accident. Step 1: Ensure Your Safety and Assess the Scene

Your well-being is the top priority. If you are still in or near your vehicle and are in a dangerous location (e.g., a busy road), move to a safe area if it is possible and legal to do so. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Even if the collision seemed minor, adrenaline can mask pain, so it’s important to be thorough.

Step 2: Do Not Pursue the Other Driver

While the instinct to chase the fleeing vehicle can be strong, it is highly dangerous and not recommended. You could put yourself and others at risk, and you may inadvertently leave the scene of an accident yourself. Your role is to be a good witness, not a vigilante.

Step 3: Call the Police Immediately

This is a critical step. Dial the emergency number (e.g., 911) or the non-emergency line for the local police department. A hit-and-run is a crime, and you will need an official police report for your insurance claim. When the officer arrives, provide as much detail as you can. The police report will serve as an unbiased third-party record of the event, which is invaluable evidence for your insurer.

Step 4: Gather Evidence at the Scene

While you wait for the police, act as your own investigator. Thoroughly document everything.

• Take Photos and Videos: Capture comprehensive pictures and videos of the damage to your vehicle from multiple angles. Also, photograph the entire scene, including skid marks, debris from the other vehicle, and your car’s position in relation to landmarks.
• Look for Witnesses: Ask anyone in the vicinity if they saw what happened. If they did, politely ask for their name and contact information. Witness statements can corroborate your account.
• Note Any Details About the Fleeing Vehicle: Try to recall everything you can, even if it’s just a fragment. The make, model, color, a partial license plate number, or unique features (like a bumper sticker or damage to their car) can be crucial for the police.
• Check for Security Cameras: Look around for homes or businesses that might have surveillance cameras facing the scene. Note their locations and inform the responding police officer, who may be able to request the footage.

Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company Promptly

Notify your insurance agent or company as soon as possible, ideally from the scene or within 24 hours. Most policies have a clause requiring prompt reporting of incidents. When you call, have your policy number and the police report number ready. Be prepared to provide a clear, detailed account of the event.

Step 6: Understand Your Insurance Coverage

Filing a claim for a hit-and-run primarily involves two types of coverage:

• Collision Coverage: This will cover the damage to your car regardless of who is at fault. You will be responsible for paying your deductible. If the at-fault driver is later found, your insurer may attempt to recover your deductible through a process called subrogation.
• Uninsured Motorist (UM) Property Damage Coverage: If you have this coverage, it may apply to hit-and-run incidents in many states. A significant advantage is that the deductible for UM claims is often lower than for collision coverage (sometimes even ).

Important Note: If you only carry liability insurance, it will not cover the damage to your own vehicle in a hit-and-run.

Step 7: Follow Up and Get Your Vehicle Repaired

Your insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to your case. They will review the evidence, the police report, and may wish to inspect your vehicle. They will then determine the extent of the damage and the coverage available. Once your claim is approved, you can proceed with getting repair estimates and having your car fixed at a shop of your choice (or one from your insurer’s network).

Conclusion: Be Prepared and Proactive

A hit-and-run can feel like a violation, but a calm and methodical response is your best tool. By prioritizing safety, involving the police, meticulously documenting the scene, and communicating clearly with your insurer, you can navigate this challenging situation effectively. Review your auto insurance policy today to ensure you have the appropriate coverage, such as Collision and Uninsured Motorist Protection, to give yourself peace of mind for the road ahead.