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Remaining at the scene of an accident isn’t just courteous—it’s the law. Unfortunately, not everyone follows the law. If a driver leaves after damaging your vehicle or injuring you or your passenger, will your insurance policy cover you? The answer depends on your state’s rules and the type of coverage you have. Read on to learn about the kinds of coverage that can help minimize or eliminate out-of-pocket expenses after a hit-and-run accident.
Liability insurance is required in nearly every state, but it won’t cover your expenses after an accident—hit-and-run or otherwise. Its purpose is to protect other drivers from injuries and damage you cause when you’re at fault in a crash.
Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle, no matter who is at fault. Including it in your policy can reduce out-of-pocket expenses after an accident with a hit-and-run driver. Collision coverage is optional unless you have an auto loan or lease, in which case your lender or leasing company will likely require it. If you file a claim under your collision coverage, you must pay your deductible before your insurer will cover repairs.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage comes in two types: bodily injury and property damage. It’s mandatory in some states, optional in others, and not available everywhere. If you have UM coverage, your insurer will likely treat an incident with a hit-and-run driver like an accident with an uninsured driver. UM bodily injury coverage typically doesn’t have a deductible, but UM property damage coverage does.
Medical payments (MedPay) coverage kicks in for injuries you and your passengers suffer in an accident, no matter who is at fault. You’re covered even if the driver doesn’t stick around. MedPay is mandatory in some states and optional in others, but it isn’t available everywhere.
Personal injury protection (PIP) covers injuries you and your passengers suffer during an accident, regardless of fault. Depending on your state, it may provide additional protection, like reimbursement for lost wages or services you can’t perform while recovering from your injuries, such as cleaning and child care. PIP is mandatory in some states and optional in others, but it isn’t available in all states. Personal injury protection usually has a deductible.
Comprehensive insurance doesn’t cover injuries or vehicle damage from crashes—unless you’re in a crash with a deer or other animal. It helps pay for damage from non-accident-related incidents, such as severe weather, theft, vandalism, falling objects, and more.
The steps you should take after a hit-and-run accident are similar to those you’d take after an accident with a driver who doesn’t leave the scene.
If your policy covers hit-and-runs, you can file a car insurance claim with your insurer to get reimbursed for medical bills and vehicle repairs. Here’s how:
Knowing how your auto insurance applies to hit-and-run accidents isn’t always straightforward. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about what happens if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who leaves the scene.
Car insurance can help you pay for injuries and damage after a hit-and-run if you have the right kind of coverage. However, no matter what coverage you have, your policy will only pay for injuries and damage up to the established limits. Reviewing your policy at least once or twice a year to ensure it still meets your needs and provides adequate financial protection is crucial.
If it doesn’t, it’s important to adjust it right away. Maintaining adequate car insurance is essential for protecting your financial health. Experian’s auto insurance comparison tool can help you compare quotes and find affordable coverage that fits your needs.
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