If you’ve found your parked car damaged after a hit-and-run, you’re likely wondering who will pay for the repairs. Luckily, certain types of car insurance, like collision coverage or uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage, can usually help cover your repair costs.
Here’s more on when car insurance covers these accidents, and what to do if you find yourself in this situation.
TL;DR
- Car insurance can cover hit-and-run damage to your parked car, but only if you have collision or uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage.
- Basic liability only car insurance won’t help with hit-and-runs, and UMPD coverage isn’t always available for these incidents in some states.
- If your parked car is hit, document the damage, try to find witnesses, file a police report, and contact your insurer.
When does car insurance cover a hit-and-run on a parked car?
Car insurance can typically cover damage to your parked car in a hit-and-run scenario, depending on your insurance coverages such as:
- Collision coverage covers the cost of repairs to your car after most types of accidents, even if the at-fault driver is unknown (as in a hit-and-run). This option helps regardless of where the accident occurs—whether it’s a parking lot or your driveway.
- Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage may also apply if it’s available in your state and if you include it on insurance policy. Keep in mind: Some states exclude hit-and-run incidents for UMPD.
Note: You’ll probably need to pay your deductible—the portion of the repair cost you’re responsible for before your insurance kicks in—for either collision or UMPD.
Imagine this: You park your car in a crowded parking lot and return to find a large dent in your rear bumper. The at-fault driver was nowhere to be found, and no note was left. Your repair estimate comes to $1,500, but you have collision coverage with a $500 deductible. After filing a claim with your insurance company, they pay you $1,000 for the damages (the cost of the damage minus your deductible).
Without this coverage, you’d be fully responsible for paying the entire $1,500 repair bill.
When will my car insurance not cover a hit-and-run accident?
Car insurance doesn’t cover hit-and-run accidents under certain scenarios:
- If you don’t have collision coverage: For hit-and-run incidents, liability insurance won’t help because it only pays for damage you cause to other peoples’ property. If your insurance policy doesn’t include collision coverage, you’ll need to cover repair costs yourself.
- If you don’t have UMPD coverage: Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage is designed to handle damages caused by drivers without insurance or someone who flees the scene of an accident. Without this coverage, you wouldn’t have financial protection for repairs in a hit-and-run unless you add other options, like collision coverage, to your policy. In fact, some states may require you to have this coverage.
- No evidence of a hit-and-run: If you don’t have a police report or evidence like security footage, your insurance might reject your claim. Always make sure to take pictures and document the damage in any way you can as soon as possible.
How does car insurance cover a parked car when there’s a hit-and-run?
If your car is damaged in a hit-and-run accident, insurance can provide support through multiple avenues:
Repair costs
If you have either collision coverage, or uninsured motorist property damage coverage that covers damage from hit-and-runs, your insurer can help cover the cost of the damage—minus your deductible—caused by the hit-and-run to your car, such as dents, scratches, or broken mirrors.
Temporary transportation expenses
Most insurance companies only cover rental car costs, but Lemonade takes it up a notch with temporary transportation coverage (depending on your state), helping pay for ride-shares like Uber or even public transportation—up to the limit in your policy.
What should I do if my parked car is damaged in a hit-and-run?
It’s stressful to find your parked car damaged from a hit-and-run, so follow these steps to get to the other side of a bad experience as quickly as possible:
- Document the scene: Take clear photos of the damage, skid marks, broken parts, or nearby surfaces affected by the car accident.
- Getting surveillance footage if possible: Check with any local businesses or homes if they have security footage they can share, such as a doorbell camera.
- File a police report: Contact local authorities to document the incident formally. You almost always need a police report to file car insurance claims.
- Notify your insurance company: Let them know what happened and be ready to provide photos and contact details if you were able to find any witnesses.
At Lemonade, we designed our digital claims process to be as quick and easy as possible. Just submit your claim through the app with the help of our friendly chatbot, AI Jim, then you’ll be paired up with one of Lemonade Car’s trusty claims adjusters to help you with the rest of the process.
Before we go…
Dealing with hit-and-run damage on your parked car can be frustrating, but the right car insurance can make all the difference. Whether it’s collision coverage, uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage, or temporary transportation coverage, having these options in your policy means you won’t have to face repair costs alone.
Looking to protect yourself from the unexpected? Check out how Lemonade can protect your car from hit-and-runs.
FAQs
Does filing a claim after a hit-and-run affect my insurance rates?
Whether your insurance premiums increase after an accident depends on your insurance provider and your state. In some cases, claims filed under collision coverage or uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage can lead to higher premiums, even if you weren’t at fault for the accident.
Can you file a claim if there’s no note or witnesses?
Yes, you can still file a claim with your insurer if there are no notes or witnesses to verify the damage is from a hit-and-run. Start by submitting photos of the incident to document any visible damage or important details. You’ll also need to file a police report to create an official record, which can be crucial for insurance claims or legal purposes.
It’s also a good idea to gather evidence from surveillance cameras or dashcams if available, as this footage can provide clear proof to support your claim and help resolve the matter more effectively.
How high should my collision deductible be?
Choosing the right collision deductible depends on your financial situation and how much you’re willing to pay for car insurance premiums. A lower deductible, such as $250, means you’ll pay less out of pocket if your car is damaged, but your insurance premiums will be higher since your insurer will cover more of the repair costs.
On the flip side, opting for a higher deductible reduces your premiums but increases the amount you’ll need to pay for repairs in the event of an accident. Finding the right balance is key to ensuring both affordability and peace of mind.
Will I still need to use my collision coverage to pay for a hit-and-run accident if I’m able to find who damaged my car?
If you’re able to identify who damaged your car, either from a note left at the scene or a witness providing their license plate, their insurance should cover the repair costs.
However, if they’re uninsured or refuse to cooperate, you might need to use your collision or UMPD coverage to pay for repairs. It’s arguably a good idea to report the incident to your insurance company and explore your options.
Will my insurance company help me find who damaged my park car after a hit-and-run?
Insurance companies typically don’t investigate hit-and-run cases to track down the at-fault driver. It’s up to you to gather any useful evidence, like photos, witness accounts, or security camera footage. That said, your insurer will use the information you provide to handle your claim and help guide you through the process.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
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