Hit and run accidents are awful. They can cause horrible injuries to you and great damage to your property, but they doesn’t stop there. Hit and runs often also hurt your bank account, since you’re left to pay for the repair costs and the hospital bills yourself.
What to do after a hit and run
The most important thing to do after a hit and run is to call the police and file a report. Don’t wait and don’t think that, just because you don’t know who did it, there’s no way to find out. A police report can help you with your insurance claim. It can show your insurer that you didn’t cause the damage yourself.
If you witness the accident as it happens, try to note as many details as possible and write them down immediately. Details such as the make, model, color, and license plate number of the offender’s vehicle are very important, and can help the police find the driver who committed the accident faster.
Once you file your claim, remember to keep in touch with both your insurance company and the police regarding its status.
What types of insurance you need to have
It’s always good to be prepared in case of hit and runs. Recovering from such an accident is hard enough without the added stress of having to deal with your insurer. That’s why it’s important to know what you need to do when you’re involved in such an unfortunate incident.
Collision coverage and uninsured motorist protection can be very useful in such a situation. And don’t forget to get gap insurance if you drive a new or more expensive vehicle. Your insurer only pays for the current value of the vehicle. But, with gap insurance, you won’t have to continue to pay for something that you don’t own anymore.
