Does Your Insurance Cover A Hit And Run?

What to do if you are involved with 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 your car insurance premiums? How does hit and run insurance work? Keep reading to learn more.

Three main takeaways for hit and run accidents:

• A hit and run accident happens when a driver causes harm to a person, vehicle, or property and leaves the scene without providing identification or offering help.
• Drivers involved in a collision are legally obligated to stop, provide assistance, and exchange information. Fleeing the scene, regardless of fault, can lead to criminal charges and severe penalties.
• Depending on the severity and cause of the accident, you may see an increase on your rate after filing a claim.

What is a hit and run accident?

A hit and run accident occurs when a driver causes damage to another person, vehicle, or property and then leaves the scene without identifying themselves or offering assistance.

Key elements of a hit-and-run accident include:

• Collision or contact between vehicles, pedestrians, or property.
• Driver fails to stop at the scene.
• Driver does not provide identification.
• Driver fails to report the accident to the police (if required by law).
• Driver fails to offer assistance to injured parties.

Drivers involved in any collision are legally required to stop, offer assistance, and exchange information. Leaving the scene of an accident, even if the driver is not at fault, can result in criminal charges and penalties.

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 another 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.

What are the penalties for a hit and run in Ontario?

The penalties for a hit and run in Ontario depend on the severity of the accident, who is at fault, and whether anyone was injured. Failing to stop after a traffic accident is an offense under the Criminal Code of Canada and the Ontario Highway Traffic Act.

If no one is injured, the driver who fled the scene could face the following penalties:

• A fine of up to $2,000.
• Up to six months in jail.
• A suspended licence for up to two years.

If someone is injured, the driver who fled the scene could face more serious penalties, including:

• A fine of up to $10,000.
• Up to five years in jail.
• A lifetime licence suspension.

In addition to these penalties, the driver who fled the scene could also be sued by the victims of the accident for damages. It is important to note that the penalties for a hit and run are more severe if the driver was impaired by alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident.

How to file a hit and run 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.

If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident in Ontario, it is important to take the following steps:

• Call the police: Provide them with details such as the location, time, and any witnesses. This will help the police to investigate the accident and track down the driver who fled the scene.
• Gather evidence: Take photos of the damage to your vehicle, any debris, and the surrounding area. If possible, note down the license plate number or description of the vehicle that hit you. This evidence will be helpful to the police and your insurance company.
• Exchange information with any witnesses or the other driver involved: This information may be helpful to the police in their investigation. If you are able to get the other driver's insurance information, this will also help you to file a claim.
• File a police report: Obtain a copy of the police report for insurance purposes. The police report will contain important information about the accident, such as the date, time, location, and any witnesses.
• Contact your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. They will be able to guide you through the claims process and help you to get your vehicle repaired or replaced.

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.

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Make sure you are covered for a hit in run accident

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.