Do Hit-and-Runs Get Covered by Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance?

Car accidents can be a scary and overwhelming experience, especially if the other driver flees the scene without providing any relevant information about themselves. In situations like this, you may be wondering if your comprehensive vehicle insurance can cover a hit-and-run incident. For the uninitiated, comprehensive vehicle insurance covers a wide range of incidents, including theft, natural disasters, manmade disasters, and more. * However, what about hit-and-run cases? In this article, we will explore the details of comprehensive insurance coverage and whether hit-and-runs are covered.

Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover Hit-and-Runs?

In most cases, hit-and-run incidents are covered by comprehensive insurance.  You can file a claim with your insurance company to cover the damages caused by the hit-and-run driver. However, it's important to note that there may be certain limitations to this coverage aspect. * Most insurers may require that you file a police report within a certain timeframe after the hit-and-run occurred. If you fail to do so, your insurance company may deny your claim. Additionally, there may be a deductible that you need to pay before your insurance company will cover the damages. The amount of the deductible can vary depending on your policy. It's also important to note that comprehensive insurance coverage varies by policy and insurance company. Some policies may only cover hit-and-run accidents if the driver is identified and found to be at fault. Other policies may cover hit-and-runs regardless of whether the other driver is found. It's important to read your policy carefully and speak with your insurance agent to fully understand what is covered.

What to Do when Involved in a Hit-and-Run Incident?

If you are involved in a hit-and-run incident, it's important to take the following steps to ensure that you can file a successful claim with your vehicle insurance company:

• Call the police:

  Contact the police as soon as possible and file a First Information Report of FIR. The FIR can be important when filing a claim with your insurance company.

• Gather information:

  Try to gather as much information as possible about the other driver and their vehicle. This can include the license plate number, make and model of the vehicle, and any identifying features. However, avoid putting yourself in danger to seek this information.

• Document the scene:

  Take photos of the damage to your car and the surrounding area, and make notes about the time, date, and location of the incident.

• Contact your insurance company:

  Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the incident and provide them with the FIR and any other relevant information.

How to File a Claim for a Hit-and-Run Incident?

Here are the steps to file a hit and run claim under comprehensive vehicle insurance:

1. Inform your insurer

   As mentioned above, soon after the accident, contact your insurance company to report the claim. Your insurer will guide you through the claims process and provide you with information about your coverage.

2. Provide necessary information

   The insurer will ask for information about the accident, including the FIR, the make and model of your car, the damages sustained, and any injuries you may have sustained.

3. Wait for a surveyor

   After intimation, the insurer will send a surveyor to assess the damages sustained by your car. The surveyor will prepare a report on the extent of the damage to your car and the cost of repairs.

4. Submit required documents

   You will now have to submit all the required documents to the insurance company, including the police report, the surveyor's report, and any other documentation requested by the insurer.

5. Send your car for repair

   Your car will be sent to the network garage for cashless repairs. You may also be able to choose a garage of your choice, but you may have to pay the out-of-pocket expenses. *

6. Follow up with your insurer

   Keep in touch with your insurer to get updates on the status of your claim and the progress of repairs to your car.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your hit and run claim under comprehensive car insurance  is handled smoothly and that you get the compensation you need for the damages to your car.

Conclusion

Comprehensive insurance coverage is designed to protect you from damages to your car that may be caused due to a variety of reasons, and hit-and-run incidents are typically covered by this type of insurance. However, the specific coverage provided by your policy may vary depending on the details of your policy. If you are involved in a hit-and-run incident, it's important to take the necessary steps to ensure that you can file a successful claim with your insurance company. By following these steps and staying informed about your comprehensive insurance policy, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are protected in the event of a hit-and-run incident. * Standard T&C Apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.