Does Car Insurance Cover a Hit-and-Run?
Usually yes — but which coverage pays depends on what you carry and where you live. If you have collision coverage, it pays to repair your car after a hit-and-run, minus your deductible. Uninsured-motorist coverage can also apply, since a driver who flees is effectively unidentified, and in some states uninsured-motorist property damage covers the car while uninsured-motorist bodily injury covers your injuries. If you carry only liability, a hit-and-run to your own car is generally not covered. Filing a police report is essential.
You come back to your parked car and find a fresh dent and no note, or another driver clips you and speeds off — and now you are stuck with the damage and no one to bill. A hit-and-run feels like the worst of both worlds, but your own insurance often steps in when the at-fault driver cannot be found. Which part of your policy pays, and how much, depends on your coverage and your state. This guide walks through exactly what covers a hit-and-run, what it costs you, and the steps that protect your claim.
The short answer: collision or uninsured-motorist coverage
When the driver who hit you flees, the loss shifts to your own policy, and two coverages can respond:
- Collision coverage pays to repair your vehicle after a hit-and-run, regardless of fault, minus your deductible.
- Uninsured-motorist coverage can also apply, because a hit-and-run driver is effectively an unidentified, uninsured motorist.
If you carry only liability, damage to your own car in a hit-and-run is generally not covered, since liability pays for harm you cause to others.
Key data
| Factor | Filed value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| What covers your car in a hit-and-run (liability-only policies do not cover damage to your own car; a police report is generally required) | collision coverage (minus deductible), and uninsured-motorist coverage in many states | Insurance Information Institute · Jul 2026 |
How uninsured-motorist coverage fits in
Uninsured-motorist (UM) coverage exists precisely for the situation where the at-fault driver has no insurance — or cannot be identified, as in a hit-and-run. It comes in two parts, and states handle them differently:
- Uninsured-motorist bodily injury (UMBI) covers your and your passengers' injuries.
- Uninsured-motorist property damage (UMPD) covers damage to your vehicle in some states — but several states require actual physical contact and may not allow UMPD for a hit-and-run, or impose a deductible.
Because the rules vary, whether you use collision or uninsured-motorist coverage for the car itself depends on your state and your policy. Your insurer will apply whichever fits.
What it costs you: the deductible question
The out-of-pocket cost turns on which coverage pays. A collision claim always applies your collision deductible. Uninsured-motorist property damage, where available, sometimes carries a smaller deductible or none, which can make it the cheaper route for vehicle damage. If your injuries are involved, uninsured-motorist bodily injury (and, in no-fault states, your PIP) typically covers medical costs. Ask your insurer which coverage they are applying and what deductible comes with it, since it directly affects what you pay.
Why the police report matters
Filing a police report is the single most important step after a hit-and-run. Insurers generally require one to pay an uninsured-motorist or hit-and-run claim, because it documents that you were not at fault and that the other driver fled. Report it promptly — many states expect it within 24 hours — and include everything you can: the location and time, any partial plate or vehicle description, photos of the damage, and any witnesses. Look for nearby security or dash-camera footage. The stronger your documentation, the smoother the claim.
Will a hit-and-run claim raise my rate?
Because a hit-and-run is not your fault, most insurers do not apply an at-fault surcharge to it. That said, a claim of any kind can be a factor over time, and in some states insurers may still treat a collision-coverage claim differently than an uninsured-motorist claim. In general, being the victim of a hit-and-run should not be penalized the way an at-fault crash is — if your rate jumps afterward and you are unsure why, it is worth asking, and checking other reasons your rate may have risen.
What to do after a hit-and-run
Move through these steps in order: make sure everyone is safe and call 911 if anyone is hurt; do not chase the other driver; document the scene thoroughly with photos, notes, and witness contacts; file the police report; and then open a claim with your insurer, telling them it was a hit-and-run so they apply the right coverage. If you were only carrying liability and want protection against this in the future, consider adding collision and uninsured-motorist coverage — you can compare quotes to see what they cost.
What if you cannot identify the other driver at all?
The good news is that you do not need to identify the driver to file. Hit-and-runs where you have nothing to go on — no plate, no description, a car dinged in a parking lot while you were inside — are exactly what these coverages are built for. Collision coverage pays regardless of whether the other driver is ever found, and uninsured-motorist coverage is designed around the unidentified-driver scenario. What the insurer needs is the police report and your documentation, not a name. So even a total-mystery hit-and-run is claimable, as long as you carry the right coverage and report it promptly.
The bottom line
A hit-and-run is usually covered by your own policy: collision coverage repairs your car minus the deductible, and uninsured-motorist coverage can cover the vehicle or your injuries depending on your state. Liability-only drivers generally have no coverage for damage to their own car. File a police report right away — insurers require it — document everything you can, and expect that a not-at-fault hit-and-run should not raise your rate the way an at-fault crash would. If you are exposed with liability only, adding collision and uninsured-motorist coverage is the fix.
Frequently asked questions
Does car insurance cover a hit-and-run?
Usually, yes, through your own policy. Collision coverage repairs your car after a hit-and-run minus the deductible, and uninsured-motorist coverage can also apply because the driver who fled is effectively unidentified. If you carry liability only, damage to your own car in a hit-and-run is generally not covered.
Which coverage pays for a hit-and-run?
Collision coverage pays to repair your vehicle regardless of fault, minus your deductible. Uninsured-motorist coverage can also apply — bodily injury for your injuries, and property damage for the car in some states, though several states require physical contact for uninsured-motorist property damage. Your insurer applies whichever fits your policy and state.
Do I pay a deductible for a hit-and-run claim?
It depends on the coverage. A collision claim applies your collision deductible. Uninsured-motorist property damage, where available, sometimes carries a smaller deductible or none, which can make it cheaper for vehicle damage. Ask your insurer which coverage they are applying and what deductible comes with it.
Do I need a police report for a hit-and-run claim?
Yes, in almost all cases. Insurers generally require a police report to pay a hit-and-run or uninsured-motorist claim because it documents that you were not at fault and that the other driver fled. Report it promptly — often within 24 hours — with as much detail as you can gather.
Will a hit-and-run raise my insurance rate?
Usually not, because a hit-and-run is not your fault, so most insurers do not apply an at-fault surcharge. A claim of any kind can be a factor over time, and states vary, but being the victim of a hit-and-run should not be penalized the way an at-fault crash is.
What should I do after a hit-and-run?
Make sure everyone is safe and call 911 if anyone is hurt, do not chase the other driver, document the scene with photos and witness contacts, file a police report, and then open a claim with your insurer, telling them it was a hit-and-run so they apply the right coverage.
Sources cited
- Insurance Information Institute — captured Jul 2026
- NAIC - understanding auto insurance — captured Jul 2026
- USA.gov - report a car accident or traffic incident — captured Jul 2026
- California Department of Insurance - automobile insurance information guide — captured Jul 2026
- Federal Trade Commission - auto insurance basics — captured Jul 2026
