It’s a situation no driver wants to imagine: you return to your parked car to find a new dent that wasn’t there before, or worse, you're involved in a collision with another car and the other driver speeds away. This is a hit and run accident, and it can be a stressful and confusing experience for everyone involved.

Knowing what to do after a hit and run is key to protecting yourself and handling the situation effectively. We’re here to walk you through the essential steps, from reporting the incident to filing a car insurance claim. Take note so you’ll know what to do if this unfortunate incident happens to you!

What is a hit and run accident?

Let’s define it to start: What is a hit and run? Simply put, a hit-and-run occurs when a driver is involved in a collision with another vehicle, a person or property, and then intentionally leaves the scene without stopping to provide their contact and insurance information or to offer assistance. This applies whether your car was parked and unattended, or if you were behind the wheel at the time. Either way, it can be unsettling stuff, even if there were no physical injuries involved.

What to do immediately after a hit and run

Discovering your car was in a hit in run accident can be overwhelming and stressful, no matter how experienced a driver you are. Staying calm and following a clear set of steps is the best way to handle the situation. Here’s what to do after a hit and run: 

Check for injuries

If you were in your vehicle during the incident, the first and most important step is to check if you or any passengers are injured. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately for medical assistance. Always keep in mind that your health and safety are the top priority!

Call the police

You should report the hit and run to the police within 24 hours. A police report is crucial, especially for your car insurance claim. In some areas, you may need to visit a collision reporting centre. When the police arrive, they’ll document the scene and create an official report, which is essential evidence. Even if the damage seems minor, it’s important not to skip this step, because having a filed police report helps prove the incident was a hit and run.

Gather evidence

This is a critical part of knowing how to handle hit and run situations. If it’s safe to do so, collect as much information as possible: 

• Vehicle details: Try to note the other vehicle's make, model, colour and any part of the license plate number you can remember.
• Photos: Take pictures of the accident scene, plus the damage to your car and any paint transfer from the other vehicle.
• Witnesses: Look around for anyone who may have seen what happened, then ask for their names and contact information. Their testimony can be invaluable.
• Police officer info: Even if the police consider the damage too minor for a full report, make sure to get the officer's name, badge number and contact details for your insurer.

Notify your auto insurance provider

Call your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process. Inform them that you've been the victim of a hit and run and that you’ve filed a police report. They will then guide you through the next steps for your car accident claim.

Is a hit and run illegal in Canada?

Yes, a hit and run is a serious criminal offense in Canada. Fleeing the scene of an accident is illegal under the Criminal Code of Canada. The punishment for a hit and run in Canada can be severe, including significant fines, license suspension and even jail time, especially if someone was injured. The charge for leaving the scene of an accident in Canada reflects the seriousness of the offense. 

How do you file a hit and run claim?

Filing an insurance claim for this type of incident is pretty straightforward if you've followed the steps above. The process of a hit and run claim generally involves: 

1. Contacting your insurer: Let them know about the incident. They’re here to help!
2. Providing the police report number: This validates your claim.
3. Submitting your evidence: Share any photos, witness information and notes you collected.
4. Working with your adjuster: An adjuster will assess the damage and explain your coverage.

Does car insurance cover hit and run accidents?

In most Canadian provinces, damage from a hit and run accident is typically covered under the collision or all-perils section of your car insurance policy. If the at-fault driver cannot be identified, you’ll likely have to pay your collision deductible. However, some policies offer a "hit-and-run deductible waiver," which may allow your deductible to be waived if the incident is reported to the police (there may be other stipulations under your policy for additional requirements to get the deductible waived, so be sure to read your policy thoroughly). It's a good idea to review the different types of car insurance available to see what best fits your needs.

Can a hit and run accident affect your car insurance premium?

A hit and run is generally considered a not-at-fault loss, provided you report it to the police. Because you are not at fault, a claim should not increase your insurance premium. Any rate changes would typically be for reasons unrelated to the incident itself.

How to protect yourself from hit and runs

While you can't always prevent this type of accident, you can take steps to protect yourself:

• Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas: This can deter drivers from fleeing after an accident.
• Install a dashcam: A dashcam can record the license plate and details of the other vehicle, which is powerful evidence.
• Review your insurance policy: Understand your coverage and consider adding a hit-and-run deductible waiver if it's available.

Get protected from hit and run accidents with Sonnet

Being the victim of a hit and run accident is stressful, but having the right protection makes all the difference. Sonnet offers comprehensive car insurance options to ensure you're covered when you need it most. Get a quote today and drive with peace of mind.