Does Auto Insurance Cover a Hit-and-Run Accident?
You walk out to your parked car and see a huge dent — but no note, no driver, no clue who did it. Or maybe you’re in an accident and the other driver speeds off before you can get their info. Hit-and-run accidents are frustrating, but do you know if your auto insurance will actually cover it? Let’s break down what happens and how to protect yourself.
What Is a Hit-and-Run?
A hit-and-run happens when another driver causes an accident or damages your car — but leaves the scene without giving you their contact or insurance information.
Examples include:
Someone hits your parked car in a lot and drives away.
You’re rear-ended and the other driver flees.
A car sideswipes you on the road and speeds off.
In Ohio, leaving the scene of an accident is illegal — but unfortunately, it still happens every day.
Will My Auto Insurance Cover Hit-and-Run Damage?
It depends on what coverage you have.
Here’s how it usually works:
✅ Collision Coverage:
Pays for damage to your vehicle if it’s hit — even if you can’t identify the driver who did it. If someone dents your parked car or hits you and runs, your collision coverage steps in (after you pay your deductible).
✅ Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD):
In some states, UMPD helps pay for repairs if you’re hit by an uninsured driver — or a hit-and-run driver you can’t track down. Ohio doesn’t offer UMPD, so collision is your main option for repairing your car in a hit-and-run.
✅ Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI):
This covers your medical bills if you’re injured by a hit-and-run driver. In Ohio, UMBI is optional but highly recommended — it protects you if the at-fault driver flees or has no insurance.
What If I Don’t Have Collision Coverage?
If you don’t carry collision, your insurance generally won’t pay for vehicle repairs after a hit-and-run — unless you can track down the driver and make a claim through their insurance. Unfortunately, that’s often impossible if they flee the scene and no witnesses or cameras catch them.
Do I Need a Police Report for a Hit-and-Run?
Yes! Always file a police report for a hit-and-run. Your insurer will likely require proof that you reported the incident before paying a claim under collision or uninsured motorist coverage.
If you find damage in a parking lot, call local police and document everything:
Take photos of the damage and the scene.
Get witness statements if possible.
Look for nearby security cameras that may have caught the incident.
Will a Hit-and-Run Claim Raise My Rates?
It depends. Even though you’re not at fault, a hit-and-run claim under your collision coverage can be treated like an at-fault accident for rate purposes — because your insurer pays out and can’t recover costs from the other driver.
However, the cost of paying for repairs out of pocket is often higher than the potential rate increase.
How to Protect Yourself
While you can’t stop hit-and-run drivers, you can be prepared:
Carry collision coverage if you want repairs covered after a hit-and-run.
Add uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage to protect yourself and passengers.
Park in well-lit, secure areas whenever possible.
Consider dash cams or security cameras at home to catch license plates.
How Hixson & Malinowski Insurance Can Help
Hit-and-run accidents happen when you least expect them. At Hixson & Malinowski Insurance, we make sure your Ohio auto policy protects you from surprises like uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. We’ll:
Review your current coverage
Explain what your policy does (and doesn’t) cover
Recommend affordable ways to fill gaps
Be here if you ever need help with a claim
A hit-and-run can leave you angry, frustrated, and facing unexpected repair bills — but the right coverage can make all the difference. Before something happens, reach out to Hixson & Malinowski Insurance. We’ll help you build an auto policy that protects you, even when the other driver doesn’t stick around.
