A hit and run accident is defined as an auto accident in which the driver leaves the scene without exchanging information with the other driver or checking to see if they were injured. If you are hurt or your vehicle is damaged in a hit-and-run collision, your auto insurance will cover your repairs, medical bills, and other issues.
Common Coverage for a Hit and Run Case
Collision
Collision coverage helps you repair any damage to your vehicle if you collide with another vehicle. If you are the victim of a hit and run accident, you should be able to file a claim whether you have the other driver’s information or not. Be aware that collision coverage includes a deductible. Your deductible is the amount that you are responsible for paying before your insurance provider takes over. Even if you are not at fault for the damages, you still have to cover your deductible. You can attempt to recoup your deductible from the at-fault driver.
Uninsured Property Damage
Uninsured motorist property damage coverage handles any repairs if your vehicle is damaged by someone who does not have insurance. Be aware that uninsured property damage coverage is not available in every state. There are also some states where uninsured property damage coverage does not assist you if you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident.
Uninsured Bodily Injury
Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage takes care of your medical bills if you are seriously injured by a driver who does not have insurance. Generally, you are covered if your injuries are sustained in a hit-and-run accident.
Medical Payments
Medical payments coverage can cover your passenger’s medical bills if they are seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident. Check to make sure that medical payments coverage is available in your state.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal injury protection can help cover your lost wages if you are unable to work due to the injuries sustained in a hit-and-run accident. It’s important that you check with your insurer because PIP is a complex coverage. While it’s mandatory coverage in some states, it’s not available in others. Also, you may be responsible for paying a deductible.
Handling a Deductible
You may be required to pay a deductible based on the type of coverage that you have and the circumstances of your accident. If your claim involves multiple coverages, you may be responsible for two deductibles.
Raising Your Premium
If you file a hit-and-run claim on your auto insurance, it will go on your insurance record. The frequency of your claims may alter your auto insurance premium over time.
Liability Coverage
Your auto liability coverage does not cover your medical bills or repairs if you are involved in a hit and run accident. Liability coverage protects you if you cause damage to other people’s property. The at-fault driver’s insurance should cover your repairs. However, in a hit-and-run scenario, you may not be able to get the required information when the other driver quickly leaves the scene. Therefore, the other driver’s insurance will not help cover your claim.
As you research auto insurance in Astoria, remember that most policies have a coverage limit. You would be responsible for paying for the damages if they exceed your coverage limits. A customized policy can protect you if you are injured in a hit and run accident. If you have any questions regarding auto insurance, our team at 01 Insurance is here to assist you.