# Someone hit your car and drove off. What now? > Call 911 if anyone is hurt, and call the police even if no one is. Write down what you saw, take photos, get witness numbers, and call your insurance soon. If the driver is never found, your own “uninsured motorist” coverage may pay. - URL: https://explained.page/hit-and-run - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=hit-and-run ## Step by step 1. **Someone hit your car and drove off.** It happens fast, and it’s upsetting. Take a breath. Here’s what to do next, step by step. 2. **If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away.** Your safety comes first. Stay out of traffic, and turn on your hazard lights if you can. 3. **Call the police, even if no one is hurt.** You’ll need a police report for your insurance. Write down the report number and the officer’s name. 4. **Write down everything you remember, right away.** The color and type of car, even part of the license plate, which way it went, and the time. Small details help. 5. **Take photos of the damage and the street.** Get close-ups and wide shots. Photos of street signs and any nearby cameras help too. 6. **Ask anyone who saw it for their phone number.** A witness can help the police find the driver, and help your insurance claim. 7. **Who pays for the damage?** If police find the driver, their insurance should pay. If not, your own policy may cover it. Look for “uninsured motorist” coverage. 8. **See a doctor, even if you feel okay.** Some injuries show up days later. A doctor’s visit also creates a record, in case you need it. 9. **Look it up the right way.** Search with your town or state in the words. Pick the official site: it usually ends in .gov. Skip ads and sites that charge for free forms. 10. **Do you need a lawyer?** For a small dent, usually not. If you were hurt, missed work, or your insurance is giving you a hard time, a free call with an injury lawyer can help. ## Checklist - Call 911 if anyone is hurt - Call the police and get a report - Write down what you saw - Take photos - Get witness phone numbers - Call your insurance company soon - See a doctor if you feel hurt ## Right there, at the scene - If anyone is hurt, call 911. - Even if nobody is hurt, call the police. You’ll need a police report later. - Write down anything you remember: the car’s color and type, part of the license plate, which way it went, and the time. - Take photos of your car, the street, and the damage. - Ask people nearby if they saw it, and get their phone numbers. ## Who pays for the damage? If the police find the driver, their insurance should pay. If they don’t, your own car insurance may still cover you. Look for **uninsured motorist** on your policy. Call your insurance company soon, because some policies have short deadlines to report a hit and run. ## See a doctor, even if you feel okay Some injuries show up days later. A doctor’s visit also creates a record, in case you need it. ## Do you need a lawyer? For a small dent and no injuries, usually not. If you were hurt, missed work, or your insurance company is giving you a hard time, a free call with an injury lawyer can help. Most only get paid if you win. ## Common questions ### How long do I have to report a hit and run? It depends on your state and your insurance policy. Call the police right away and your insurance company as soon as you can. Source page: https://explained.page/hit-and-run/questions/how-long-do-i-have-to-report-a-hit-and-run ### Will my insurance go up if someone else hit me? A hit and run that wasn’t your fault usually shouldn’t count against you, but rules vary. Ask your insurance company. Source page: https://explained.page/hit-and-run/questions/will-my-insurance-go-up-if-someone-else-hit-me ### Should I chase the driver who hit my car? No. Chasing them is dangerous and can get you hurt or in trouble. Stay where you are, write down what you saw, and call the police. A partial plate and a good description are often enough to help. Source page: https://explained.page/hit-and-run/questions/should-i-chase-the-driver-who-hit-my-car ### What if I only got part of the license plate? Report it anyway. Police can often match a partial plate with the color, make and model. Also ask nearby businesses for camera video soon, because many systems erase footage within days. Source page: https://explained.page/hit-and-run/questions/what-if-i-only-got-part-of-the-license-plate ### Will my insurance rates go up after a hit and run? Often not, because you weren’t at fault, but it depends on your state and your insurer. Some states limit rate increases for not-at-fault claims. Ask your insurer before you file if you’re worried. Source page: https://explained.page/hit-and-run/questions/will-my-insurance-rates-go-up-after-a-hit-and-run ### Does collision coverage pay for a hit and run? Usually yes, collision coverage can pay to fix your car, minus your deductible. In some states, uninsured motorist property damage coverage may also apply, sometimes with a lower deductible. Check your policy. Source page: https://explained.page/hit-and-run/questions/does-collision-coverage-pay-for-a-hit-and-run ### How soon do I have to report a hit and run? Report it right away. Most policies require prompt notice, and some states or insurers need a police report within a short time to cover an uninsured driver claim. Waiting can make your claim harder. Source page: https://explained.page/hit-and-run/questions/how-soon-do-i-have-to-report-a-hit-and-run ### What if someone hit my parked car and left a note? Take a photo of the note and your car, then contact them and swap insurance information. You can still file a police report. If the note has no real contact information, treat it like a hit and run. Source page: https://explained.page/hit-and-run/questions/what-if-someone-hit-my-parked-car-and-left-a-note ## Official sources - [USA.gov: find your state motor vehicle office](https://www.usa.gov/) - [NAIC: your state insurance department](https://content.naic.org/) To find your local office, search for: - "[your city] police non-emergency number" - "[your state] uninsured motorist coverage" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.