Does My Auto Insurance Cover Hit-and-Run Accidents?

When your car is struck by another vehicle but the offender drives away, is the damage covered by your auto insurance? There's a chance it will be covered depending on the policy you've signed up for. That's why you should be clear on what your auto insurance covers since not every standard auto insurance policy covers hit-and-run accidents.

Various Auto Insurance Coverages That May Cover Hit-and-Run Accidents

• Collision Coverage - It covers a wide range of incidents involving collisions with objects or other vehicles. The coverage comes with a deductible, which is what you pay out of pocket regardless of who caused the accident. Then your policy will cover the rest. It's possible, though, to recover your deductible if the at-fault driver is identified and has auto insurance.
• Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage - This coverage pays your medical bills and lost wages if you get hit by a motorist without coverage. It may also help pay for hit-and-run accidents.
• Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage - Damage to your vehicle caused by the hit-and-run driver may be reimbursed by this coverage. Check with your insurance agent to see if it's available in your
• Medical Payments Coverage - If your passengers get injured in a crash caused by you or a hit-and-run driver, this coverage may pay their medical bills. It usually has no deductible but is only available in some states.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) - Also known as no-fault insurance, PIP may pay for injuries to you and passengers regardless of who was at fault. This coverage is mandatory in some states. Each state has its own PIP features, and some may require a deductible.

Is Deductible Required for a Hit-and-Run Insurance Claim?

It depends on the circumstances of the accident and what your policy covers. If you have uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage, you will not have to pay a deductible. However, you may have to pay a deductible if you use your collision coverage to file a claim. It's possible to pay multiple deductibles if you file multiple claims, such as with both PIP and collision insurance.

Will Hit-and-Run Claims Raise My Premium?

Filing a hit-and-run claim will stay in your insurance record and can be seen by other insurers. One claim probably isn't going to change your premium, but if you regularly file claims, it will likely increase your rates. The frequency of claims can impact your insurance costs, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Is a Hit-and-Run Accident Covered by Liability Insurance?

The liability portion of your auto insurance plan covers neither your medical bills nor car damage following a hit-and-run accident. Liability coverage will pay third-party property damages and injuries resulting from an at-fault accident. If you are struck by another driver, their liability coverage will pay for your medical and car repair costs. However, in a hit-and-run scenario, you'll need more than just liability coverage to pay your bills. You will need either comprehensive, PIP, or uninsured motorist coverage.

Many people who finance their cars through a conventional lender must carry full coverage, whereas most states only require liability coverage. Some states like New York require uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage along with personal injury protection. Therefore, get coverage depending on your state requirements.

How John E. Peakes Insurance Agency Can Help

Accidents happen unexpectedly, so it's best to be prepared for any type of car collision, regardless of who is at fault. Defensive driving can help prevent accidents, while auto insurance covers losses resulting from such mishaps.

At John E. Peakes Insurance Agency, we can help you find the right auto insurance policy. Contact us today to get started.