Does my auto insurance cover damage caused by an unidentified hit-and-run driver? (2026)
Uninsured/underinsured auto insurance covers damage caused by a hit-and-run driver if you cannot identify them. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) is available as an optional part of your full insurance but is required in certain states, including New Jersey, North Carolina, and Maryland.
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Published Insurance Expert
Melanie Musson is the fourth generation in her family to work in the insurance industry. She grew up with insurance talk as part of her everyday conversation and has studied to gain an in-depth knowledge of state-specific insurance laws and dynamics as well as a broad understanding of how insurance fits into every person’s life, from budgets to coverage levels. Through her years working in th...
Melanie Musson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brandon Frady has been a licensed insurance agent and insurance office manager since 2018. He has experience in ventures from retail to finance, working positions from cashier to management, but it wasn’t until Brandon started working in the insurance industry that he truly felt at home in his career. In his day-to-day interactions, he aims to live out his business philosophy in how he treats hi...
Brandon Frady
Updated October 2024
- You’ll need a uninsured/underinsured motorist policy for hit-and-run coverage
- Collision coverage may or may not cover hit-and-run damage
- You’ll pay out of pocket if you have no coverage after a hit and run
Collision coverage will pay a claim if you hit something, including your own car, but does auto insurance cover damage caused by a hit-and-run driver if you cannot identify them? This hit-and-run problem is a very serious risk that demands investigation, and full coverage auto insurance doesn’t typically cover when a driver hits you and runs away.
You need uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage to pay for hit-and-run accidents and damages. Keep reading to learn more about hit-and-run car insurance, how to file hit-and-run insurance claims, and where to get affordable auto insurance for uninsured motorist coverage.
How to Get Hit-and-Run Insurance Coverage
There are various auto insurance types to consider. Some types are mandatory, such as affordable liability auto insurance coverage, with a legal requirement to have this insurance under state law. Other insurance types are optional.
One important consideration for optional coverage is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This policy type will cover damage caused by a hit-and-run driver who flees the accident scene and cannot be identified.
Michelle Robbins Licensed Insurance Agent
Additionally, you might want to consider having medical payments insurance because a hit-and-run accident may cause serious injuries and even fatalities.
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Risk of a Hit-and-Run Accident
In some states, nearly one in three drivers do not have auto insurance. Mississippi is the worst example, with 29.4% of drivers uninsured, as reported in uninsured motorist statistics and facts. Michigan, Tennessee, New Mexico, and Washington are also very inadequately insured.
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This high number of uninsured drivers in many states makes convincing evidence of the need for optional uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Hit-and-Run Accidents Increase
AAA reported that hit-and-run deaths hit a record high, averaging 682,000 each year since 2006. In the USA, over 2,000 people die in these accidents annually. This trend was increasing about 7% year-over-year before the pandemic and is increasing again, even after a momentary decrease during the lockdowns for the pandemic.
The Causes of Hit-and-Run Accidents
When a pedestrian is hit and killed by an uninsured driver, the driver’s judgment may be so impaired that the trigger of the “fight or flight” response is so compelling that the person drives away to escape the consequences of what they have done. Criminals steal cars to enable crimes, so they have every reason to run if they get into an accident to avoid being caught by the police.
What happens if you get into an accident without insurance? The harsh penalties may give an incentive for people to drive off after an accident. Moreover, if a person is driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, the criminal charges are severe.
Everyone is worried about how a DUI affects your auto insurance rates. Having just a few drinks easily puts you over the legal alcohol limit in most states. Being intoxicated is one of the main causes of hit-and-run accidents.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage is Worth Having
Get uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if you want to avoid the catastrophe of your auto insurance not covering damage caused by a hit-and-run driver if you cannot identify them. Find affordable instant auto insurance quotes for uninsured motorist coverage by entering your ZIP code below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I chase a hit-and-run driver?
This is a tempting thing to do, but it is very dangerous. The hit-and-run driver may escape at excessive speed, creating even more danger if you try to follow them. It is best to call 911, report the accident, and wait for the police to arrive.
How much can a hit-and-run accident cost?
The average is about $80,000 in damages, depending on the vehicle involved. The medical bills can easily amount to tens of thousands of additional dollars if there are serious injuries.
Will a hit-and-run accident increase my insurance rates?
If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, usually, a single accident will not increase your insurance rates because it is not your fault. If you have bad luck with another hit-and-run accident, your insurance rates will likely increase.
Which insurance protects you if you are injured by a hit-and-run driver?
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage helps pay for medical bills and vehicle damage after a hit and run. Collision coverage may also pay for damages in certain cases.
What are some losses that are not covered under collision coverage?
The following events aren’t covered under collision:
- Vehicle wear and tear
- Non-collision events
- Medical expenses
- Roadside assistance
- Rental car coverage
Do I need uninsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is optional, but it may be beneficial to pay for damages from a hit-and-run driver.
What is considered a hit and run?
A hit-and-run is when a driver involved in an accident flees the scene without identifying themselves.
Will a hit-and-run claim raise my insurance?
In many cases, filing a hit-and-run auto insurance claim shouldn’t increase your rates.
Does insurance cover a hit-and-run on a parked car?
Yes, uninsured motorist coverage should cover hit-and-run damage to a parked car.
Do you have to pay your deductible if it was a hit and run?
You’ll still have to pay your policy’s deductible after a hit and run.
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