Car accidents can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. One situation that can make matters worse is being involved in a hit and run incident, where the responsible driver flees the scene. If you’re a victim of a hit and run, you may wonder if your car insurance will cover the damages.
Car insurance policies typically have different types of coverage. While each policy varies, in most cases, hit and run incidents are covered under an optional coverage called “uninsured motorist coverage.”
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is an additional coverage option that you can add to your car insurance policy. It is designed to protect you in situations where you are involved in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or in hit and run incidents. This coverage can help cover the costs of vehicle repairs and medical expenses resulting from the accident.
Uninsured motorist coverage typically has two components:
- Bodily injury coverage: This component covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to physical injuries caused by the hit and run accident.
- Property damage coverage: This component covers the repair or replacement costs of your vehicle or any other property damaged in the hit and run accident.
How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Work?
If you’ve been involved in a hit and run and have uninsured motorist coverage, here’s how the process usually works:
- File a police report: It is crucial to report the incident to the police as soon as possible and provide all the necessary details, such as the time, location, and description of the other vehicle involved.
- Contact your insurance company: Once you have filed a police report, contact your insurance company and inform them about the hit and run accident. Provide them with the necessary details and follow their instructions on how to proceed.
- Get an estimate: Take your vehicle to an authorized repair shop or get an estimate for the damages. Provide this information to your insurance company.
- Cooperate with the investigation: Your insurance company may conduct an investigation to evaluate the validity of your claim. Cooperate fully and provide any additional information or documentation they may require.
- Claim settlement: If your claim is approved, your insurance company will reimburse you for the damages covered under your uninsured motorist coverage.
What if You Don’t Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your car insurance policy, getting compensation for a hit and run accident can be more challenging. In such cases, you may be left responsible for all the repairs and medical expenses unless the responsible party is identified and held accountable for the damages.
If you find yourself in this situation, it is recommended to consult with legal professionals who specialize in personal injury and car accident cases. They can guide you through the legal process and help you explore other potential avenues for compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions Of Does Car Insurance Cover Hit And Run? Unveiling The Ultimate Protection Plan
Does Car Insurance Cover Hit And Run Accidents?
Yes, car insurance usually covers hit and run accidents as long as you have comprehensive coverage.
What Is Comprehensive Coverage?
Comprehensive coverage is a type of auto insurance that covers damage to your car caused by anything other than a collision, including hit and run accidents.
How Does Car Insurance Handle Hit And Run Claims?
If you have comprehensive coverage, your car insurance will typically cover the damages caused by a hit and run accident. You will need to file a police report and provide evidence of the incident.
Will My Car Insurance Rates Increase After A Hit And Run Claim?
Filing a hit and run claim should not typically cause your car insurance rates to increase since it is considered a non-fault accident. However, rates may vary depending on your insurance company and other factors.
Conclusion
Having uninsured motorist coverage as part of your car insurance policy can provide you with valuable protection in hit and run accidents. It is essential to review your policy and consider adding this coverage to ensure you are adequately protected in such situations. Remember to file a police report immediately and notify your insurance company promptly to initiate the claims process. If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, consult with legal professionals to understand your options for seeking compensation.