Does Your Insurance Cover A Hit And Run?

Sep 24, 2020

What To Do If You Are Involved In A Hit and Run

Perhaps the only thing worse than getting into a collision is a hit and run. Having another driver hit your vehicle and leave without taking responsibility for their actions is frustrating to say the least. You are left with damage to your vehicle and questions about how it happened and what to do next.

Does a hit and run affect car insurance quotes? How does hit and run insurance work? Keep reading to learn more.

Does Insurance Cover A Hit And Run?

Your insurance will cover you for a hit and run if you have the right coverage in place. Basic policies may not cover you for a hit and run. In this instance, you may have to pay for damages out of pocket.

If you are not sure if you have insurance for hit and runs, speak with your insurer. You likely do, but it’s a good idea to verify just in case.

How Does A Hit And Run Affect Insurance?

How a hit and run affects your insurance depends on the situation. If the driver who causes damage to your vehicle cannot be identified, your claim will be paid under your collision insurance. Your insurer requires you to pay the deductible.

If you can identify the driver, the loss may be paid out under the direct compensation property damage (DCPD) portion of your policy. This does not typically have a deductible. This is why having witnesses can be beneficial. Identifying the culprit can save on the cost of paying the deductible. You can also ensure they are held responsible for the damage.

If the driver is identified, and they are not insured, uninsured motorist coverage will apply. This is included in all policies.

Does Your Insurance Go Up After A Hit And Run?

A hit and run should not affect your insurance. Make sure you file a police report of the incident. If you are not at-fault for the collision, your insurance should not increase. If you do see an increase, it is likely a result of other factors.

Does Insurance Cover Hit And Run Damage If I’m The Driver?

If you are the driver who hits and other vehicle and leaves the scene, you face serious consequences. Depending on the situation, your insurer may not cover you. If they do cover you, you will have to pay a deductible. You will also see your costs rise. Insurers may choose to not renew your car insurance.

You could also face fines up to $2,000 and up to six months in jail. Penalties are more severe if you injure others and flee the scene.

How To File A Hit And Run Insurance Claim

Filing a hit and run claim is the same process as any other car insurance claim. Once you file a report with the police, contact your insurer to open a claim. Most insurers require you to file a police report for the hit and run within 24 hours of the incident for it to be a hit and run. Provide them with the details of the collision. Work with your insurer to come up with a hit and run settlement for the repairs to your vehicle.

Does Insurance Cover A Hit And Run For A Parked Car?

Yes. Parked cars are insured if on the road, driveway, or parking lot. Hit and runs are most common in parking lots. Contrary to what many think, parking lot accidents are treated the same by insurers as other types of collisions. So, your insurer will cover you if your car is hit in a parking lot.


Hit And Run Insurance FAQs

Yes. Your insurer will investigate the hit and run as they do with all other types of car accidents. They will perform an investigation that is separate from the police report to determine fault.

Yes, if your vehicle was it by another car in a parking lot accident you can file a claim for the damages.

Yes. No-fault insurance applies to hit and runs. If you are hit by another vehicle that flees the scene, you will not be at fault. However, you may still be responsible for paying your deductible.

A hit and run is a criminal offence. You should contact the police immediately to file a report. The police report will give your insurer important information when assessing your claim.

Make Sure You're Covered For Hit And Runs

No one wants to be a hit and run victim, but they happen quite often. Make sure you are covered with proper Ontario auto insurance by speaking with our advisors.


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