What To Do After a Hit and Run Collision

By Kevin Quinn and the Mercury Team

A car accident is stressful enough, but a hit and run adds a whole new level of frustration and confusion. What is considered a hit and run? It’s any accident where a driver causes damage or injury and then leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or help.

It’s normal to feel shaken after this type of car accident, but the key is to remain calm and know what actions to take next. We’re here to explain what to do and make sure you have the protection you need for the road ahead.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Hit and Run?

Being in a hit-and-run car accident can leave you rattled, but the first few minutes are the most important. Here’s what to do in a hit and run immediately after it happens:

Step 1: Get to Safety

If your car still runs, pull over to the side of the road or into a nearby parking lot. Switch on your hazard lights so other drivers can see you. If you have reflectors or triangles in your vehicle emergency kit, set them out to make your car more visible. The goal is to get out of traffic and prevent another accident.

Step 2: Check for Injuries

Take a moment to check yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved. Even if you don’t feel hurt right away, adrenaline can mask pain after a crash. If someone is bleeding or appears seriously hurt, try not to move them unless they’re in immediate danger.

Step 3: Call 911 If Needed

If anyone is hurt, cars can’t be moved, or the scene just doesn’t feel safe, call 911 right away. The dispatcher will send medical help and police to the scene. If no one’s injured and the damage is minor, some police departments may have you file a non-emergency report instead. But if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to call.

How Can You Document the Scene?

Once you’re safe, the next course of action is to gather as much information as possible. Solid documentation helps the police investigation and supports your hit-and-run insurance claim. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Gather Details From the Accident

Grab your phone and take clear photos of your vehicle from multiple angles. Then step back and get wide shots that include the street, nearby signs, traffic lights, or anything else that shows where and how the accident happened. Photos and videos with timestamps are especially handy for police and insurance claims.

Step 2: Assess Potential Personal Injury and Take Action

Step 3: Gather Witness Statements If Available

If anyone nearby saw the accident, politely ask if they’d be willing to share what they observed. Get their name and contact information so police or your insurance company can follow up later. Even a short statement from a witness can strengthen your case and help confirm your version of events.

Should You Report a Hit and Run to the Police?

Yes, you should always report a hit and run to the police, even if the damage seems minor. Here’s why it matters:

Filing a Police Report is Essential

Fleeing from an accident is illegal in all states, so calling the police lets them know that a crime took place. If you can provide the license plate number or a vehicle description, the police may be able to track down the vehicle or the driver. They can also check nearby businesses or street lights for traffic cameras that may have captured the incident.

It Helps with Your Insurance Claim

Most insurance companies require a police report before they’ll process an auto insurance claim. The report shows that you weren’t at fault and backs up the details of your story, which makes the whole process smoother and can prevent delays.

It Creates an Official Record

An accident report is a paper trail that protects you if there are disputes later on. For example, if the other driver is identified, they may try to contest what happened. You’ll also walk away with a case number and the officer’s contact info to share with your car insurance company and keep for your own records.

When Should You Contact Your Insurance Company?

The short answer: as soon as you can. The quicker you let your insurance company know what happened, the faster they can step in to help. Here’s a simple breakdown of how to report a hit and run to your insurer:

Step 1: Call Your Insurance Company Right Away

Once you’re safe and the police have been notified, reach out to your insurance company. Many providers, including Mercury, have 24/7 hotlines you can call from the scene or shortly after. Let them know that the other driver left and that you’re reporting a hit and run.

Step 2: Share the Details and Your Police Report Number

Be ready to walk through the basics: when and where the accident happened, what you remember about the other vehicle, and any photos or witness information you’ve collected. Don’t forget to give them the police report number once you have it, since most insurance companies require this for a hit-and-run claim.

Step 3: Ask About Your Coverage

Every policy is a little different, so it’s worth asking your adjuster what’s covered. In many cases, uninsured motorist coverage or collision coverage can help pay for repairs and medical bills. Your adjuster will explain what applies in your situation and what your deductible looks like.

“Any information about the car collision you can provide to help complete the timeline of the accident for your insurance company will expedite the claims process,” said Kevin Quinn, VP, Auto Claims at Mercury Insurance. “We recommend contacting the claims hotline as soon as possible, and the representative assigned to your claim will help to resolve any issues. They’ll also be your main point of contact throughout the process if you have questions or need to check on the status of your claim.”

What Insurance Coverage Can Help After a Hit and Run?

One of the toughest parts about a hit-and-run is that you don’t have the other driver’s insurance to fall back on. However, your own policy may offer protection. Here are the main types of coverage that can help:

Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD): If your car is damaged in a hit and run, UMPD may step in to cover repairs. It’s designed for situations where the at-fault driver either has no insurance or can’t be identified, like a hit and run.
Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI): If you or your passengers are injured, UMBI may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs tied to the accident.
Collision coverage: If your state doesn’t offer UMPD, or if you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, collision coverage can help pay to repair your car after a hit and run. Unlike UM coverage, it usually comes with a deductible, but it can still save you from major out-of-pocket costs.

Coverage options vary by state, and some states even treat hit-and-run differently under insurance law. A quick call to your agent or claims rep is the best way to confirm what protections you have in place.

How Can You Protect Yourself Against Future Hit and Runs?

You can’t always control what other drivers do, but there are ways you can take to lower your risk and protect yourself if it ever happens again. Here are some suggestions:

Park in well-lit areas: When you’re parking on the street or in a lot, choose spots with good lighting and plenty of visibility. Thieves and careless drivers are less likely to target or damage a vehicle that’s easy to see. If possible, park near security cameras or in busier areas where people are around.
Install a dash cam: Dash cams record both while you’re driving and, in many models, while your car is parked. If another driver hits your car and takes off, dash cam footage can give police valuable evidence (e.g., the other car’s license plate) and help support your insurance claim.
Maintain strong insurance coverage: Even with the best precautions, hit-and-run accidents can still happen. The right coverage can save you from paying out of pocket for damage or medical bills when the other driver can’t be found. Check with your insurance agent to make sure you’ve got the protection you need.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a hit and run is stressful, but the right steps make it easier:

Get to safety
Check for injuries
Call 911
Document the scene
File a police report
Notify your insurance company

Also, having the right coverage gives you peace of mind that you won’t have to handle the costs alone. At Mercury, we’re here to help you feel confident on the road and protected when the unexpected happens.

Kevin Quinn

VP, Claims at Mercury Insurance

Kevin Quinn is Vice President of Claims for Mercury Insurance, where he leads auto claims adjusting nationally. Quinn has been with Mercury since 2015 and has been in the industry – starting as a claims adjuster – for more than 20 years. Quinn received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from New York Institute of Technology and also holds a Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law.