Does Insurance Cover Hit and Run? 5 Shocking Facts You Need

Picture this: You’re driving along, minding your business. Suddenly, there’s a bump, a scrape, and then… nothing. The other car is gone. Hit and run accidents are tough. They leave damage, questions, and a lot of frustration. If you drive in Fort Saskatchewan, you’ve likely wondered, “Does insurance cover hit and run?” At Farnese Insurance Brokers, we know how upsetting these moments can be. We’re here to help you understand your options and feel prepared.

Feeling helpless after a hit and run is common. Your car is damaged, maybe you’re hurt, and the person who caused it is nowhere to be found. But here’s some good news: with the right car insurance in Fort Sask, you don’t have to face this alone. We’ve seen how good coverage can turn a chaotic situation into something you can handle. Let’s look at five key things every driver needs to know about hit and run coverage.

What Part of Your Policy Protects Your Car First?

When your car is damaged in a hit and run, collision coverage is usually your main protection. This part of your insurance helps pay for your car’s repairs. It works even if you weren’t at fault, and even if the other driver can’t be found. Without it, you’d pay for all repairs yourself. Those costs can add up quickly.

Why Does Comprehensive Coverage Help with Other Types of Hit and Runs?

What if your parked car gets a dent from a shopping cart that someone pushed too hard and ran away? Or does someone back into your car in a parking lot and flee? This isn’t a direct “collision” on the road. Instead, it falls under your comprehensive coverage. This often-missed part of your policy covers damage to your vehicle from things other than crashes. Think vandalism, theft, falling objects, and yes, even hit and run incidents where there’s no car-on-car crash. It’s especially smart if you park your car in public places or at home often.

What If the Other Driver Has No Insurance or Can’t Be Found in Alberta?

While not every province requires uninsured motorist coverage, it can be a lifesaver in hit and run cases. Especially if the person who hit you is found but has no insurance. This coverage helps pay for your car damage and medical bills that the uninsured driver should have paid.

In Alberta, if you get hurt in an accident and the driver who caused it is uninsured or unknown (like in a hit and run), you might get help from the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program (MVAC). Alberta.ca states that MVAC began in 1947. Its goal is to protect injured people from uninsured or unknown drivers. It helps them sue and get paid for their injuries. This program can provide up to $200,000 for personal injuries. It’s a very important safety net for victims. It shows why knowing all your support options after a hit and run is key.
Source: Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program (MVAC)

Why Do You Pay a Deductible, But Your Rates Might Not Go Up?

When you claim a hit and run accident, even if you have insurance, you often need to pay a part of the costs first, called the deductible. This is the amount you must cover before your insurance starts helping with the rest of the expenses. Good news: a hit and run claim, where you are not at fault, usually won’t make your insurance prices go up. Insurance companies usually change rates based on who was at fault. Since you were the victim, your rates are unlikely to rise just because of a hit and run claim.

What Must You Do: Act Fast and Write Everything Down?

The first few moments after a hit and run are super important. To help your claim succeed and make sure your car insurance in Fort Sask works for you, remember these steps:

• Be Safe First: Check that everyone is okay. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away.
• Take Pictures: Snap photos of your car’s damage, the area around it, and any broken parts or tire marks.
• Find Witnesses: If anyone saw what happened, get their contact info. Their story can be very helpful.
• Call the Police: Report the hit and run to the police as soon as you can. In Alberta, you usually need to report it within 24 hours, especially if the damage is over a certain amount. A police report is vital for your insurance claim.
• Tell Your Insurer: Call Farnese Insurance Brokers quickly. Our team in Fort Sask will walk you through the claim process. We’ll explain your coverage and what to expect.

What Else Should Fort Sask Drivers Know from Farnese Insurance?

• The Hidden Costs of No Insurance: You might be covered, but remember the risks of drivers who don’t have enough insurance. That’s why strong rules for mandatory insurance are so important for everyone’s safety on the road.
• Serious Charges for Drunk Drivers: This isn’t about being a victim of a hit and run. But it’s important to remember that people who do hit and runs, especially if they were driving while intoxicated, face big legal problems. These include drunk driving charges and DUI charges. Such reckless actions show why responsible driving is key. They also show why you need good insurance to protect yourself from others’ mistakes.
• Keeping Your Car Safe: Your vehicle costs a lot. Having the best auto insurance isn’t just a rule; it’s a way to protect your money from surprises like hit and runs.

What Are Common Questions (FAQs) About Hit and Run Insurance Coverage?

Q: Does insurance cover hit and run if the other driver isn’t found?
A: Yes. If you have collision coverage, your insurance usually covers damage to your car in a hit and run. This is true even if the other driver is never found. Comprehensive coverage can also help with certain non-collision hit and run situations (like damage to a parked car).

Q: Will my car insurance prices go up after a hit and run claim?
A: Usually, no. If you are the victim of a hit and run and are not at fault, your insurance prices are not likely to increase just because of this claim. Your past claims and other things can affect rates, but hit and runs where you are not at fault are typically handled differently.

Q: What should I do after a hit and run in Fort Saskatchewan?
A: First, make sure everyone is safe. Then, take pictures of the scene. Get witness info if possible. And immediately report the accident to the Fort Saskatchewan police. After calling the police, tell Farnese Insurance Brokers as soon as you can to start your claim.

Q: Does my liability insurance cover damage to my car in a hit and run?
A: No. Liability insurance only covers damage and injuries you cause to other people or their property. It does not cover damage to your car in a hit and run. For your car’s damage, you need collision or comprehensive coverage.

Q: Is there government help for hit and run victims in Alberta?
A: Yes. If you are hurt in a hit and run in Alberta and the driver is unknown or uninsured, you might be able to get money for your injuries through the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program (MVAC). Contact us at Farnese Insurance Brokers or talk to a lawyer for advice on this program.

Conclusion

At Farnese Insurance Brokers, we’ve helped the Fort Saskatchewan community for over 25 years. We’ve seen many times when drivers, through no fault of their own, deal with hit and run problems. We promise to make sure you have the coverage you need most. We don’t just sell policies; we build real connections. We understand what you need and help you through life’s unexpected turns.

Don’t leave your protection to chance. Understand your car insurance in Fort Sask before a hit and run happens.

Call Farnese Insurance Brokers today. Let us check your current policy or help you find the best auto insurance for you. Get a FREE, no-pressure quote! Drive with confidence, knowing Farnese Insurance has your back!

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