Can I use my car insurance after a hit and run in California? Experiencing a hit-and-run accident can be a stressful and frustrating ordeal. In California, where hit-and-run accidents are prevalent, knowing how your car insurance works after such an event is crucial.
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver causes an accident but leaves the scene swiftly without providing their contact information or assisting the injured parties.
In California, the law requires drivers to stop and provide their information after an accident. Unfortunately, the reality is that many flee, leaving the victims to deal with the aftermath.
Additionally, California law mandates that drivers carry car insurance, but not all insurance policies are created equal. In cases of hit-and-run accidents, your insurance coverage may be able to help cover damages. And this depends on the type of policy you have.
Still, California drivers should familiarize themselves with how their auto insurance works in the event of a hit-and-run, and the steps they need to take to file a claim and recover compensation.
Types of Car Insurance Coverage for Hit-and-Run Accidents
In California, the type of car insurance you have plays a significant role in how your claim will be handled after a hit-and-run.
While state law requires drivers to carry liability insurance, there are additional types of coverage that can be essential in hit-and-run situations.
Some of the various coverage options available that you can also use to protect yourself in case of an accident are:
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)
Uninsured motorist coverage is one of the most important types of insurance to have when dealing with a hit-and-run accident.
This coverage is designed to protect you in situations where the at-fault driver is either uninsured or unidentified—exactly in a hit-and-run.
In California, it typically covers both property damage and medical expenses, depending on the specifics of your policy.
Furthermore, if you are the victim of a hit-and-run, your uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for repairs to your vehicle and medical treatment for any injuries you sustained.
In some cases, your coverage may even extend to cover damages caused by a hit-and-run accident that occurs while you’re a pedestrian or cycling.
Collision Coverage
This is another component of your car insurance policy that can come into play after a hit-and-run. Furthermore, it helps pay for repairs to your vehicle if it is damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
If the responsible driver flees the scene, you can use your collision coverage to pay for the damages to your car.
However, collision coverage is subject to a deductible. This means you will need to pay a portion of the repair costs before your insurance kicks in.
If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage and are involved in a hit-and-run, collision coverage can still provide you with financial protection, but it won’t cover medical expenses or injuries.
Comprehensive Coverage
Although comprehensive coverage doesn’t directly apply to hit-and-run accidents (since it covers non-collision-related damages like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters). It can be an important addition to your insurance policy.
E.g: if your car is hit in a hit-and-run accident and the collision affects your windshield, comprehensive coverage may cover the repair or replacement of the windshield.
However, comprehensive coverage generally does not cover repairs for damages caused by another vehicle in a hit-and-run, unless other specific provisions are in place within your policy.
Steps To Take After A Hit-and-Run Accident
If you find yourself involved in a hit-and-run accident in California. There are several important steps to take to protect yourself and ensure that you are able to file a successful insurance claim. Here are the key steps to take:
Ensure Safety And Seek Medical Attention
The first priority after any accident is to ensure that everyone involved is safe. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if there are no visible injuries, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional.
As some injuries may not become apparent until hours or even days later. If you’re able to, try to move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further accidents.
Gather Information And Evidence
If the hit-and-run driver has fled the scene, try to collect as much information as possible about the accident. This includes taking note of the make, model, and color of the vehicle, and any other identifiable features.
These features should include; license plate numbers, bumper stickers, or damage to the vehicle.
Take photographs of the scene, including damage to your vehicle, skid marks, and any other visible evidence that can support your claim. The more evidence you have, the better your chances are of proving your case to the insurance company.
Next, Report The Accident To The Authorities
California law requires that hit-and-run accidents be reported straight to the police. When you report the incident, provide as much detail as possible, including descriptions of the fleeing vehicle, the location of the accident, and any injuries sustained.
What’s more, filing a police report is important for both legal and insurance purposes, and the authorities may be able to track down the driver responsible.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve ensured safety, gathered evidence, and reported the accident, the next step is to contact your insurance company.
Inform them of the hit-and-run and provide all the details. This includes the police report number, evidence, and any witness statements you may have.
Your insurance company will guide you through the claims process, which will depend on the type of coverage you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will My Insurance Cover A Hit-and-Run Accident In California?
If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance may cover damages caused by a hit-and-run driver. If you do not have uninsured motorist coverage, collision coverage may help cover the repairs to your vehicle. But it won’t cover medical expenses.
Can I Use My Uninsured Motorist Coverage If The Hit-and-Run Driver Is Never Found?
Yes, uninsured motorist coverage can cover damages even if the driver responsible is never located. As long as you meet the necessary requirements for the claim.
Can I Recover Medical Costs From A Hit-and-Run Accident?
If you have uninsured motorist coverage, it may help cover medical expenses incurred from a hit-and-run accident. If you don’t have this coverage, your medical expenses may be out-of-pocket or covered through health insurance.
