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Will My Car Insurance Cover a Hit-and-Run on My Vehicle?

December 9th, 2024

1 min read

By Daniel J. Middleton

Will my car insurance cover a hit-and-run on my vehicle

When you spot damage on your vehicle from a hit-and-run driver, questions flood your mind. Without clear information about your insurance coverage, you might wonder if you'll face costly repairs on your own. Many Central New York drivers assume their basic auto policy includes coverage for hit-and-run damage, only to discover otherwise when it's too late.

The Horan insurance agency works with multiple carriers to assist Central New York drivers with coverage options. In this article, we'll look at the types of policies that may respond to hit-and-run damage, what to consider when filing a claim, and how some carriers offer options for legally parked vehicles that suffer hit-and-run damage.

Why Basic Liability Insurance Won't Cover Hit-and-Run Damage to Your Vehicle

Basic liability coverage addresses damage you cause to others' property—not damage to your own vehicle. In New York State, even uninsured motorist coverage doesn't extend to vehicle damage from hit-and-run incidents, unlike some neighboring states.

How Adding Collision Coverage Can Address Hit-and-Run Incidents

With collision coverage on your auto policy, you have more options after a hit-and-run. This coverage applies whether:

  • Someone hits your car while you're driving
  • Your vehicle sustains damage while legally parked
  • The incident occurs when you're away from your vehicle

Your collision coverage responds after you pay your deductible. Some carriers, like Erie Insurance, offer additional features—such as reducing your deductible to $100 if your legally parked car sustains hit-and-run damage in situations like a parking lot incident.

What to Consider About Insurance Claims After a Hit-and-Run

When you file a claim after a hit-and-run:

  • The incident becomes part of your insurance history
  • Your renewal rates may adjust
  • Future insurance costs could change
  • Insurance options might vary when shopping for coverage

Learn more about how accidents increase auto insurance rates.

Make an Informed Decision About Hit-and-Run Coverage

Basic liability coverage and collision coverage offer different levels of protection after a hit-and-run incident. Understanding these differences helps with insurance decisions.

As a Central New York insurance agency, we aim to provide information about auto policy options while working with multiple carriers to discuss coverage choices that may apply to local situations.

Click the Get a Quote button below to learn about auto insurance options from an agency familiar with insurance coverage in Central New York.

Now find out whose insurance company to call when it’s not a hit-and-run accident.

Get a Quote

Daniel J. Middleton

Daniel is an accomplished content creator. He has been working in publishing for almost two decades. Horan Companies hired Daniel as its content manager in November 2022. The agency entrusted its messaging to him. Since then, Daniel has written insurance articles, service pages, PDF guides, and more. All in an effort to educate CNY readers. He's helping them understand the world of insurance so they can make informed decisions.