A hit-and-run accident is when a driver leaves the scene without providing contact or insurance information—a crime in all 50 states. If you’re a victim, focus on safety, call the police, and document everything. Your car insurance can help cover the damage if you carry collision or uninsured motorist coverage. If you only have liability coverage, you’ll likely have to pay for your own repairs.
After a hit-and-run, don’t chase the driver. Call 911 if needed, record details about the fleeing car (like the license plate or make/model), and gather evidence. File a police report promptly—insurers typically require it. If you carry collision or uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance can help pay for your losses.
Hit-and-run crashes are alarmingly frequent. In 2015 alone, an estimated 737,100 hit-and-run incidents were reported across the U.S.—that’s one every 43 seconds. With rates climbing, it’s important to know how to respond and protect yourself financially.
For help filing a claim or reviewing your coverage, call Insure On The Spot at 773-202-5060.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver is involved in a crash and leaves the scene without providing their name, contact info, or insurance details. It could involve another car, a parked vehicle, a cyclist, a pedestrian, or property like a mailbox or fence.
Fleeing the scene is illegal in every state. Even if the damage is minor or nobody is around, you’re still required to try to leave your contact info or notify law enforcement. Failure to do so can escalate a small incident into a serious criminal matter.
Beyond legality, hit-and-runs put victims in a tough position. They complicate the insurance process, and injured people may not receive help in time. Shockingly, over 20% of pedestrian fatalities are tied to hit-and-run incidents.
Why Do Drivers Flee After a Crash?
There are a number of reasons someone might leave the scene:
- They’re uninsured or unlicensed. Some flee to avoid being fined or arrested for driving illegally.
- They’re intoxicated or have legal issues. DUIs, outstanding warrants, or probation status may make a driver panic.
- The car is stolen or borrowed without permission.
- They’re afraid. Some drivers just panic, especially if they’re young or inexperienced.
- They already have prior violations. To avoid further consequences, they run.
None of these are valid excuses. The penalties for fleeing the scene often far exceed the consequences of staying. If caught, a hit-and-run driver can face fines, jail time, and may be required to carry SR-22 insurance to prove financial responsibility.
What Should I Do If I’m the Victim of a Hit-and-Run?
Here’s how to respond effectively:
1. Prioritize safety.
Check yourself and passengers for injuries. Move to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights.
2. Don’t chase the driver.
Instead, focus on getting a description of their vehicle: color, make/model, any partial plate number, or distinguishing marks.
3. Gather evidence.
Take photos of the scene, your vehicle’s damage, and any surrounding debris or paint transfer. Look for witnesses or surveillance cameras.
4. Call the police.
A police report is critical, especially for insurance purposes. Even if you think the driver will never be caught, file a report.
5. Notify your insurer.
Call your insurance provider to start a claim. Provide all available evidence, including the police report number.
6. Consider legal help.
If you’re injured or your claim is disputed, an attorney can help navigate the process and represent your interests.
What If My Parked Car Was Hit and the Driver Left?
If you discover damage to your parked car with no note left behind, it’s still considered a hit-and-run. Follow these steps:
- Document everything. Photograph the damage and surroundings.
- Ask around. Check with local businesses or neighbors for witnesses or video footage.
- Report it. File a police report and request a copy for your insurance.
- Contact your insurer. If you carry collision or uninsured motorist property damage coverage, your insurer can help cover the costs.
If someone did leave a note with their contact information, this would not be a hit-and-run. You’d then file a standard third-party claim against their liability insurance.
Will My Insurance Cover a Hit-and-Run?
That depends on the coverage you have:
- Collision coverage: Pays for vehicle damage, even if the at-fault driver is unknown. You’ll pay your deductible.
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI): Covers medical costs if you’re injured by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD): Covers vehicle damage in some states, but eligibility for hit-and-run claims varies.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or MedPay: Helps with medical bills regardless of fault (especially in no-fault states).
- Liability-only: Will not cover your injuries or vehicle damage in a hit-and-run. You’d be responsible for all costs out of pocket.
Note: Comprehensive coverage does not apply to hit-and-run collisions—it only covers non-collision events like theft or natural disasters.
Insurance Coverage Summary Table
| Coverage Type | Covers Hit-and-Run? | What It Covers |
| Liability (BI/PD) | No | Pays others for damage you cause. Doesn’t help in hit-and-runs. |
| Collision | Yes | Pays for damage to your vehicle, minus deductible. |
| Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) | Yes | Covers your medical expenses. |
| Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) | Yes (in some states) | Covers your car’s damage. Availability varies by state. |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Yes | Pays for your injuries, regardless of fault. |
| Medical Payments (MedPay) | Yes | Pays for basic medical bills, regardless of fault. |
| Comprehensive | No | Covers theft, fire, flood—not collisions with other cars. |
What If the Hit-and-Run Driver Is Found?
If the police locate the driver later:
- They face legal consequences. Depending on the damage and injuries, they could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony.
- Their insurance may now pay. If they have coverage, your insurer may seek reimbursement and refund your deductible.
- No insurance? You’ll rely on your uninsured motorist coverage or collision coverage, and you might be able to sue the driver directly.
Will a Hit-and-Run Claim Raise My Insurance Rate?
Not always. In many states, insurers can’t raise your premium for not-at-fault accidents. If the incident is clearly a hit-and-run and you file a police report, many insurers won’t penalize you.
However, some insurers may still increase your rate slightly due to the claim payout. If you’re worried about this, ask your insurer how they handle hit-and-run claims or consider shopping around at renewal time.
How Can I Protect Myself from Hit-and-Runs?
- Carry uninsured motorist and collision coverage.
- Install a dash cam. It can help capture evidence in real time.
- Park in visible, well-lit areas.
- Understand your policy. Know what’s covered before something happens.
- Act quickly. File a police report and claim as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is legally considered a hit-and-run accident?
A: Any incident where a driver fails to stop and provide contact and insurance information after causing damage or injury.
Q: If I’m the victim of a hit-and-run, what should I do first?
A: Prioritize safety, call 911 if needed, gather vehicle info if you can, and report the incident to the police and your insurer.
Q: Will my insurance pay for damage from a hit-and-run?
A: Yes—if you have the right coverage. Collision and uninsured motorist coverage apply. Liability-only does not.
Q: Do I have to pay a deductible for a hit-and-run claim?
A: Yes, usually. If you used collision or UMPD coverage, your deductible applies. Medical claims (PIP/UMBI) often do not have deductibles.
Q: Will a hit-and-run claim raise my rates?
A: Not always. If you’re not at fault and you have a police report, many insurers will not penalize you. But some may increase your rate slightly.
Q: What happens if the hit-and-run driver is caught?
A: They’ll face criminal charges. If they have insurance, your insurer may recover costs and reimburse your deductible.
Q: Is a hit-and-run a felony or misdemeanor?
A: It depends. If there are injuries, it’s often a felony. Property damage-only cases are typically misdemeanors, but it varies by state.
Q: How common are hit-and-run accidents?
A: Very. Over 700,000 hit-and-run crashes happen annually in the U.S.—more than one every minute.
Q: Can I avoid hit-and-run situations?
A: Not completely, but defensive driving and parking in visible areas can reduce your risk.
Need help after a hit-and-run?
Insure On The Spot has been helping Illinois drivers since 1986. If you have questions about your policy, want to add coverage, or need to file a claim, call us at 773-202-5060 and we’ll walk you through the process.