Is your situation covered?
| Scenario | Typical verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Parked car hit while unattended, driver left | Usually covered | Collision coverage; your deductible applies. |
| Moving hit-and-run, driver fled | Usually covered | Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) in states that offer it; otherwise collision. |
| Injuries from moving hit-and-run | Usually covered | Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI); no deductible in most states. |
| Police report not filed within 24 hours | Depends on wording | Many carriers deny hit-and-run without a police report. |
| Only liability coverage on the policy | Usually not | Liability doesn't pay for your own vehicle. |
General industry patterns. Your actual cover lives in your policy wording — PolicyPal reads it for you.
The short answer
Yes, if you carry collision or uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD). Which one applies depends on your state and whether the other driver was identified. UMPD often has no deductible or a smaller one ($200–$500) — cheaper path when available. Collision applies your standard deductible ($500–$1,500) but works everywhere. Injuries fall under Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI), separate limits.
What determines coverage
Filing a police report within 24 hours is the single biggest predictor of a paid claim. Many carriers explicitly require it for hit-and-run. Photograph the scene, any debris, and paint transfer before you move the car. If you have dashcam or nearby doorbell / security footage, request it within 7 days — most systems overwrite.
What PolicyPal checks
Upload your auto policy and we'll flag your UMPD availability (state-dependent), collision deductible, whether your carrier waives deductible when the other driver is identified later, rental reimbursement while your car is in the shop, and whether a not-at-fault surcharge applies at renewal in your state.
The premium impact
Federal law and most state laws prevent surcharges for not-at-fault claims — but insurers still add hit-and-run claims to the CLUE report. Some carriers won't renew after 2+ claims regardless of fault. If damage is under $1,500 and you have a $1,000 deductible, paying out of pocket usually beats the CLUE mark.
Frequently asked
- What if I only have liability?
- Liability only pays damage you cause. Without collision or UMPD, hit-and-run damage to your own car isn't covered.
- Does UMPD apply if the driver isn't identified?
- Some states require identifying the other vehicle (phantom vehicle rules) for UMPD; others don't. Check your state's specific wording.
- Will my rate go up?
- Legally protected from surcharge in most states for not-at-fault claims, but it may affect renewal eligibility.
- How long do I have to file?
- Report to police within 24 hours; notify insurer within days. Statutes of limitation on the claim itself are usually 1–2 years.
- Can I still claim if I later find the driver?
- Yes — your insurer will subrogate against them and typically refund your deductible.
- Does a hit-and-run affect my no-claims discount?
- It resets or reduces the accident-free discount at most carriers unless you have accident forgiveness on the policy.
Your policy is the only source of truth
Stop guessing. Check your actual policy.
Generic answers don't pay claims. PolicyPal reads your policy wording in seconds and tells you, in one sentence, whether you're covered.