Hit-And-Run Damage covered by auto insurance

• Collision / UMPD covers parked-car hit-and-run (state rules apply for UMPD).
• Liability-only won’t cover your car’s damage.
• Claims tips Document damage, find witnesses, file a police report, notify your insurer.

Your insurance will only cover a hit-and-run accident if you carry the right protection such as:

• Collision coverage – Pays for your car’s repairs after an accident—even if the at-fault driver is unknown. Whether the crash happens in a parking lot, street, or driveway, collision can kick in.
• Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) – Available in some states. It can cover hit-and-run damage, but certain states specifically exclude hit-and-run under UMPD. Confirm with your insurer.

Drivers in Tennessee should consider Nashville options that include both collision and uninsured motorist coverage for better protection.

Filing under collision or UMPD may affect premiums depending on your insurer and state rules. Rate changes also depend on your recent claims history, driving record, and location.

• Deductible – Typical collision deductibles range from $250 to $1,000. UMPD deductibles, where applicable, vary by state.
• Minor vs. repeated claims – Smaller claims or infrequent claims often have a lower long-term impact than multiple claims in a short period.
• Leased/financed vehicles – Lenders usually require collision coverage; dropping it is not an option until the loan is paid off.

Illustrative examples only. Actual premiums vary by insurer, rating factors, and location.

• Security cameras – Retailers, parking garages, or residential doorbell cameras.
• Dashcams – Your own or nearby vehicles may have recorded the incident.
• Witness statements – Contact info and brief descriptions help corroborate your claim.
• Paint transfer/debris – Photos can help identify vehicle color or parts involved.

• Park smart – Choose well‑lit areas with foot traffic; avoid tight, high‑risk spots near busy entries/exits.
• Use a dashcam – Parking‑mode recording can capture impacts and plates.
• Angle and spacing – Leave space from high‑turnover or larger vehicles that may have wider swing paths.
• Save evidence quickly – Many systems overwrite footage within 24–72 hours; request copies immediately.

• No collision coverage – Liability insurance covers damage you cause to others, not your own car.
• No UMPD – If you don’t carry UMPD (or your state excludes hit-and-run under UMPD), you won’t be covered unless you have collision.
• No proof of a hit-and-run – Without evidence like a police report, photos, or security footage, your insurer may deny the claim.

If cost is a concern, compare providers that offer affordable car insurance in Nashville while allowing you to add essential coverages.

• Take Photos – Capture detailed images of the damage, any skid marks, broken glass, paint transfer, debris, and the surrounding area.
• Look for Surveillance Footage – Ask nearby businesses or neighbors with cameras for any video of the incident.
• File a Police Report – Report the accident to local law enforcement. A report is typically required for a hit-and-run claim.
• Notify Your Insurance Company – Contact your insurer right away and provide photos, witness details, and the police report number.

Will a hit-and-run claim raise my insurance?
It depends on your insurer and state rules. Filing under collision or UMPD can raise premiums because insurers assess overall risk, even when you weren’t at fault.

Does liability insurance cover hit-and-run accidents?
No. Liability covers damage you cause to others. To cover your vehicle after a hit-and-run, you need collision or UMPD (if offered in your state).

Can you file a claim if there’s no note or witnesses?
Yes. You can still submit a claim. Take detailed photos, file a police report, and seek any available security or dashcam footage to support it.

How high should my collision deductible be?
Choose a deductible that fits your budget. Lower deductibles ($250–$500) mean higher premiums but less out-of-pocket per claim; higher deductibles (around $1,000) reduce premiums but increase out-of-pocket costs when repairs are needed.