Hit-and-Run? How Your Insurance Can Help
A hit-and-run accident can be a jarring and stressful experience. Beyond the initial shock, you’re often left with vehicle damage and potential injuries, all without the other driver’s information. Navigating this situation can feel overwhelming, but the right auto insurance policy can provide crucial financial protection and peace of mind. At Insura Insurance Agency, we want to ensure you understand how your coverage works for you when you need it most.
This article will explain the steps to take after a hit-and-run and detail which parts of your auto insurance policy can help cover the costs.
What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run
Your safety is the top priority. If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run, pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Once you are safe, here are the essential next steps:
- Call the police: Report the accident right away. A police report provides an official record of the incident, which is vital for your insurance claim. Provide as much detail as you can remember about the other vehicle, including its make, model, color, and license plate number, even if it’s a partial plate.
- Gather evidence: If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the damage to your car and the accident scene. Look around for any witnesses who may have seen what happened. If you find any, ask for their contact information.
- Seek medical attention: If you or your passengers are injured, seek medical care promptly. Your health is the most important thing, and medical records will be necessary for any injury claims.
How Your Auto Insurance Provides Protection
After a hit-and-run, several types of coverage within your auto insurance policy can help you recover financially. The specific coverage that applies will depend on the types of damage or injury sustained and the policy you have.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
Uninsured Motorist coverage is one of the most important protections in a hit-and-run scenario. Since the at-fault driver fled the scene, they are treated as an “uninsured” motorist.
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI): This coverage helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for you and your passengers if you are injured in a hit-and-run.
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD): In some states, this coverage helps pay for repairs to your vehicle. There might be a deductible, and coverage limits vary.
Collision Coverage
If you have collision coverage as part of your policy, you can use it to repair or replace your vehicle after a hit-and-run. This coverage applies regardless of who is at fault. You will have to pay your deductible, but your insurance company will cover the remaining costs up to your policy limit. While some drivers worry about their rates increasing after a claim, a not-at-fault accident like a hit-and-run typically has a smaller impact, if any.
Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage
Medical Payments coverage, or MedPay, can help pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers, no matter who is at fault. It provides immediate funds to cover costs like doctor visits, hospital stays, and co-pays, often before any fault has been determined.
Navigating Your Claim with Confidence
Dealing with a hit-and-run is never easy, but having the right insurance coverage makes a significant difference. Understanding your policy ensures you can take the right steps to protect yourself financially and get back on the road.
If you have questions about your current policy or want to review your coverage options, the team at Insura Insurance Agency is here to help. We can walk you through your policy to ensure you have the protection you need for unexpected events. Contact us today for a free policy review.
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