Hit-and-run accidents are incidents where one of the involved parties fails to stop or leave the scene of an accident without providing their identity. It is a crime and can result in imprisonment for 10-14 years if charged under the Criminal Code of Canada. Lighter cases can be prosecuted under provincial laws, e.g., the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario. To help clarify Fail to Remain incidents and their consequences, we’ve got answers to some of your FAQs about hit-and-run accidents.
What to Do If You’re a Victim of a Hit-and-Run
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run, stay calm and follow these steps:
- Call 911 or the police immediately to report the incident.
- Document the scene—take photos of the damage, surroundings, and any debris.
- Look for witnesses or nearby security cameras that may have captured the incident.
- File a police report as soon as possible (ideally within 24 hours).
- Notify your insurance provider and begin the claims process.
Timely action improves your chances of a successful claim and may help identify the at-fault driver.
Does Insurance Cover Hit-and-Run Accidents in Ontario?
If you have collision coverage on your policy, you will have coverage. In this instance, you must pay the deductible on your insurance policy. No coverage alternative on your policy will cover a hit-and-run incident. You will have to pay out of pocket to repair the damage to your vehicle.
Will a Hit-and-Run Claim Raise Insurance Premiums?
If you’re not at fault in the hit-and-run, your insurance claim will not raise your insurance rates. However, if you are at fault, your insurance will likely increase.
How Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Affect Insurance?
The consequences of a hit-and-run accident on your insurance are dependent on the following circumstances:
- If you can’t identify the driver who causes damage to your car, your claim will be handled under your collision coverage. However, your insurer will require you to pay the deductible.
- If you can figure out who’s responsible, your insurance will pay for the loss under the Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD) portion of your policy. This typically has no deductible. This is why having a witness is beneficial. Identifying the at-fault driver helps you save money on the deductible by ensuring they are held accountable for the damage.
- If the motorist is unidentifiable and does not have insurance, Uninsured Motorist Coverage will apply. This is standard in all policies.
Do Insurance Companies Investigate Hit-and-Run Accidents?
Yes. Your insurance company will look into the hit-and-run just as it would with other car accidents. They’ll conduct a separate investigation to determine liability, which isn’t included in the police report.
Does My Insurance Cover Hit-and-Runs in a Parking Lot?
Hit-and-run accidents are a common occurrence in parking lots. Many believe the likelihood of getting caught is negligible. However, most residential and commercial parking lots are equipped with security cameras. If you are a victim, your insurer needs to be informed, and you must have evidence to prove that you were not at fault. Then, your insurer can approve your claim.
Do I Need a Police Report to File a Claim?
A hit-and-run is a criminal offence. You should contact the police immediately to file a report. The police report will provide your insurer with vital information when assessing your claim.
How Do the Police Handle Hit-and-Run Accidents?
Regardless of the type of accident, police will check for two things:
- Footage on security cameras
- Witnesses.
How the police handle the rest of the investigation depends on the severity of the accident:
- If someone is injured or killed, forensic officers will try to find a fragment of the vehicle, such as paint samples. Samples are used for testing to narrow down the car’s profile to aid the investigation. Mechanics and auto body shops are notified to be on the lookout for a vehicle matching the description that may require parts. Witnesses may approach the police with information once the incident has been reported in the news.
- For hit-and-run collisions in parking lots, the police rely on security cameras and witnesses to resolve them.
Can You Be Charged After the Fact for a Hit-and-Run?
Yes. If you leave the scene and are identified later, you can still be criminally charged. Surveillance footage, witness testimony, and forensic evidence can all be used to build a case. Even minor hit-and-run cases can lead to fines, demerit points, license suspension, or imprisonment.
Does Insurance Cover H&R Damage If I’m the Driver?
If you are the driver who hits another vehicle and leaves the scene, your insurer may not cover you. If they do cover you, you will have to pay a deductible. You may also notice that your costs increase. Insurers may also choose not to renew your policy. To learn more about the consequences of leaving the scene of an accident.
How Do I File a Hit-and-Run Insurance Claim?
Filing a hit-and-run claim is the same process as any other car insurance claim. Once you have filed a report with the police, contact your insurer to initiate a claim. Most insurers require you to file a police report for the hit and run within 24 hours of the incident. Provide them with the details of the collision. Work with your insurer to come up with a hit-and-run settlement for the repairs to your vehicle.
Read more for a step-by-step breakdown of filing a claim.
Is Failure to Remain Considered No-Fault for Insurance?
Yes. No-fault insurance applies to hit and runs. If you are hit by another vehicle that flees the scene, you will not be at fault. However, you may still be responsible for paying your deductible.
Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself With the Right Coverage
Hit-and-run accidents are stressful and unpredictable—but having the proper insurance coverage can make all the difference. While no one anticipates being involved in one, it’s important to understand how your policy applies and what steps to take if it happens. Whether you’re the victim or at fault, the financial and legal consequences can be serious. Always stay at the scene of any accident and report it immediately.
If you have questions about your coverage or want to ensure you’re protected in the event of a hit-and-run, contact isure today to speak with a licensed advisor.
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