Hit and run accidents can happen to anyone, and when they happen to you, you want to be sure you know what to do. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to ensure you have the right kind of insurance in place. It’s important to note, however, that not all types of insurance will cover you in the event that you’re a victim of a hit and run accident. If you’re unsure about what your auto insurance covers, don’t hesitate to reach out to your insurance representative and ask. However, there are a few tried and true insurance types that offer protection in the event of a hit and run accident, including:

  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Uninsured motorist protection
  • Collision coverage

Remember that insurance coverage varies from state to state, so again, it’s always best to verify what’s included in your policy if you’re ever unsure. There are other ways to protect yourself if you’re a victim of a hit and run accident that are just as important as having the right insurance in place. For example, contacting the police is very important and is actually the very first thing you should do. In addition, it’s important to remain on the scene until help arrives. If you’re able to, jot down all the details you can about the vehicle that hit you. Details such as the vehicle make and model, color, license plate numbers, witness accounts, time and location, and anything else you can think of will go a long way in helping law enforcement track down the vehicle that hit you. 

When it comes to hit and run accidents, be prepared for the unexpected. Keep a pen and notebook in your vehicle or purse so when the unexpected does happen, you have a way to jot down important details. In addition to helping out law enforcement officials, this valuable information will make filing a claim with your insurance much easier. 

Once you jot down all the details you can remember about the other vehicle and law enforcement has arrived, don’t waste time in filing a police report. In many cases, you will need a police report on file to file an insurance claim, something you can do as soon as the report is filed. While going through the insurance claims process, your agent will help get all the paperwork in order so you can access your benefits and get your car repaired and bodily injuries tended to as soon as possible.