Uninsured motorist coverage is the primary protection when the other driver flees a hit-and-run accident. UM property damage coverage pays for vehicle repairs, while UM bodily injury coverage pays for medical costs. Without UM property damage coverage, collision coverage applies, subject to your collision deductible. Without either, you pay all repair costs out of pocket. Filing a police report before leaving the scene is required for UM claims in most states.
What to Do in a Hit and Run
Updated: March 23, 2026
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Key Takeaways
Call police and file a report before leaving the scene. A police report is required to file a UM claim in most states.
Without uninsured motorist coverage, hit-and-run repairs come out of pocket or go through collision coverage, subject to your deductible.
Some states require you to report a hit and run within 24 to 72 hours for UM coverage to apply. Missing that deadline can void the claim.
What to Do After a Hit and Run
The first step is to call the police and file a report, next document the scene. The police report and scene documentation you collect in the first hour directly affect whether your insurance claim is approved. Follow these steps in order to file an uninsured motorist or collision claim with your auto insurance company:
- 1Call the Police and File a Report Immediately
A police report is required to file a UM claim in most states. Do not leave the scene before an officer arrives if you witnessed the hit and run. If your parked car was hit while unattended, file a report at the nearest station or online if your jurisdiction allows.
- 2Document Everything at the Scene
Photograph your vehicle damage, the surrounding area, any paint transfer and skid marks, and nearby security cameras. Note the time, location and direction the other vehicle fled. Collect contact information from any witnesses. A dashcam provides documented footage of a hit-and-run incident, which serves as evidence when filing a UM or collision claim. Many insurers accept dashcam footage to support a claim when the at-fault driver cannot be identified.
- 3Report to Your Insurer Within 24 Hours
Most UM claims require prompt notice to your insurer. Call your insurer's claims line with your police report number, photos and any witness information.
- 4File Your UM or Collision Claim
If you carry UM property damage coverage, your insurer pays for hit-and-run repairs, subject to your UM deductible, if one applies. Without UMPD, collision coverage applies instead, subject to your collision deductible.
- 5Check Whether a Hit-and-Run Claim Raises Your Rates
UM claims for hit-and-run incidents are generally treated as not-at-fault claims, which affect rates less than at-fault claims at most insurers. Whether a hit-and-run claim raises your rates.
What Happens If You Don't Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Collision Deductible
Without UM property damage coverage, hit-and-run repairs go through collision. You pay your full collision deductible before coverage applies.
No Collision Coverage
If you carry only liability coverage, a hit and run leaves you responsible for all repair costs out of pocket.
UM Bodily Injury
If you were injured in a hit and run, UM bodily injury coverage pays for your medical bills. Without it, you rely on your own health insurance or pay out of pocket.
Police Report Deadline
Some states require a police report within 24 to 72 hours for UM coverage to apply. Missing this deadline can void the claim entirely.
How To File a Claim After a Hit and Run: FAQs
What should you do immediately after a hit and run?
Call the police and file a report before leaving the scene. A police report is required for UM claims in most states. Document the damage, surrounding area and any witnesses with photos, then report the incident to your insurer within 24 hours.
Does insurance cover hit-and-run damage?
UM property damage coverage pays for hit-and-run vehicle repairs, subject to your UM deductible if one applies. Without UMPD, collision coverage applies, subject to your collision deductible. If you carry only liability coverage, you pay all repair costs out of pocket.
Do you need a police report to file a hit-and-run claim?
A police report is required to file a UM claim in most states. Some states require you to file that report within 24 to 72 hours of the incident for UM coverage to apply. Missing the deadline can void the claim.
Will a hit-and-run claim raise your insurance rates?
UM claims for hit-and-run incidents are generally treated as not-at-fault claims by most insurers, which affects rates less than at-fault claims. Rate impact still varies by insurer and state.
What if you witnessed the hit and run but the other driver left?
File a police report immediately and include every detail you observed about the other vehicle: make, model, color and partial plate if available. UM coverage applies if the other driver cannot be located.
Is a hit and run covered under comprehensive or collision insurance?
Hit-and-run damage is covered under UM property damage coverage if you carry it. Without UMPD, collision coverage applies. Comprehensive coverage does not cover hit-and-run damage.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.