Few things feel more frustrating than discovering damage to your vehicle and realizing the driver responsible is long gone. Hit-and-run incidents can happen anywhere. Parking lots, driveways, side streets, or during an unexpected bump at a stoplight. And the question most drivers want answered is whether their insurance premium will increase after something like this happens.
The short answer is that in most cases, a hit and run will not increase your premium if you have the right coverage in place. The long answer depends on the details of your policy and how the accident is classified.
Let’s break it down.
You Need Collision or All Perils Coverage for Hit-and-Run Damage
To be protected in a hit-and-run situation, you must have one of the following coverages on your policy:
Collision Coverage
This helps pay for repairs to your vehicle if it is damaged by another vehicle or object, including an unidentified driver.
All Perils
This is the broadest form of coverage and includes protection for hit and runs as well as damage caused by theft, attempted theft, and a range of other unexpected events.
If you do not carry collision or all perils coverage, you would unfortunately be responsible for paying for the repairs out of pocket.
Will Your Insurance Go Up After a Hit and Run?
In most cases, a hit and run is considered a not-at-fault accident. Since you did not cause the collision and the driver fled the scene, the insurer classifies the event as something outside of your control. As a result, your premium typically should not increase.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Your Deductible Still Applies
Even though you are not at fault, the deductible outlined in your policy must be paid before your insurer covers the remaining repair costs.
Proper Reporting is Required
Your insurer may require a formal police report, photos of the damage, and details about when and where the incident occurred. Reporting the event promptly strengthens your claim and ensures it is classified correctly.
Your Claim History Matters
Although one not-at-fault claim may not affect your premium, a long record of frequent claims sometimes can. Your broker can help you understand how your history may influence future pricing.
What If the Driver Is Later Identified?
If the driver responsible is found, the claim may be transferred to that driver’s insurer. This can help you recover your deductible, and your claim will remain not-at-fault on your record.
The chances of identifying the driver are typically higher when the incident occurs on a roadway rather than in a parking lot. Cameras, witness statements, and police involvement can all make a difference.
What Should You Do After a Hit and Run?
If you discover damage to your vehicle and the driver has left the scene, here are the recommended steps:
Document everything.
Take photos of the damage, surroundings, and anything left behind such as paint transfer or debris.
Look for witnesses or cameras.
Nearby businesses, homes, or public parking lots may have video recordings that show what happened.
File a police report.
This is often required to process a claim and helps support your case.
Contact your insurance broker.
We will guide you through the next steps and help you determine whether it makes sense to proceed with a claim based on the severity of the damage.
How Your Broker Helps
Your broker acts as your advocate through the entire process. We can help you understand whether a claim will affect your premiums, what deductible applies, and whether filing is the right financial decision. We also work directly with the insurer to ensure your claim is processed smoothly and classified accurately.
If the idea of navigating a hit-and-run claim feels overwhelming, you are not alone. This is exactly what we are here for.
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Hit-and-run incidents are stressful, but they do not have to cost you more in the long run. With the right coverage and proper reporting, your premium should remain unaffected, and your vehicle will be repaired as quickly as possible.
If you want to review your auto coverage or check whether you are fully protected for situations like this, get in touch with our team today.
