By ALLEN MCQUISTON
Jemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos Since 1973
A hit-and-run is a car accident in which a driver leaves the scene after hitting a pedestrian, another car or an object. If you’re hit by another driver who leaves the scene and the responsible party cannot be found, their liability coverage won’t be available to cover your damages.
Your auto policy may help cover the damages if you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident.
Car Insurance Coverage That May Cover a Hit-and-Run
A typical auto insurance policy includes coverages that may apply in the event of a hit-and-run accident. Here are the coverages to consider:
Uninsured Motorist / Property Damage
If your car gets hit by another car in a hit-and-run accident, typically uninsured motorist / property damage (UMPD) coverage will help cover damage to your vehicle. This coverage can help pay for repairs to your vehicle or the actual cash value of your vehicle if it is a total loss. This coverage usually has a deductible.
Uninsured Motorist / Bodily Injury Coverage
If you are in a hit-and-run accident with a driver who is unidentified or has insufficient or no insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) can help. Typically, this coverage can help cover bodily injury damages to you and your passengers. It may also cover you as a pedestrian.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run
Being involved in any accident is stressful, but a hit-and-run accident can be scary. There are some important steps to take after a hit-and-run accident to help protect you and your passengers, and to help make it easier for you if you need to file a claim with your insurance company.
After an accident, if possible, move your car to the side of the road. No matter what, turn on your car hazard lights and take steps to avoid further accidents. Once you are safe, check to make sure everyone in your car is OK, and then call 911. If you can, try to get the license plate number or the make and model of the car, but make your safety the first priority. Contact law enforcement as soon as it is safe to do so and do not pursue the other driver.
Please makes sure your car insurance policies have these 2 important coverages. I have talked to folks over the years who did not, in the pursuit of lower premiums, have these coverages.
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