Has this ever happened to you? You park your car, go about your day, and return to find a dent, a scrape, or worse, with no note, no witness, and no sign of the culprit. It's a gut-wrenching feeling – a hit and run. When the unknown driver responsible for the damage flees the scene, it can leave you feeling frustrated, helpless, and wondering: How on earth do I deal with this, especially if I have State Farm insurance?
Navigating the aftermath of a hit and run can be complex, but understanding how State Farm handles these situations can significantly ease your burden. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, providing you with the knowledge and confidence to file your claim effectively and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Hit and Run Accidents and Your State Farm Coverage
Before diving into the claims process, it's crucial to understand what a hit and run entails from an insurance perspective and which types of State Farm coverage typically come into play.
A hit and run accident occurs when a driver causes damage or injury and then leaves the scene without providing their identification or rendering aid. This is illegal in all states and can lead to severe penalties for the at-fault driver if they are apprehended.
When it comes to your State Farm policy, two primary coverages are most relevant for hit and run incidents:
Collision Coverage: This coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault. In a hit and run, since the at-fault driver isn't identified, your collision coverage would typically be used to repair your vehicle. Keep in mind that collision coverage usually comes with a deductible, which is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in.
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) Coverage: This coverage is specifically designed to cover damage to your vehicle if it's hit by an uninsured driver, or in many states, by a hit-and-run driver. UMPD coverage often has a lower deductible or no deductible at all compared to collision coverage, making it a potentially more favorable option for property damage in a hit and run. Its availability and scope can vary by state, so it's important to check your specific policy.
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) Coverage: If you or your passengers suffer injuries in a hit and run, your UMBI coverage would come into play. This covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering if the at-fault driver is uninsured or, in the case of a hit and run, unidentified. This is separate from medical payments coverage, which covers medical expenses regardless of fault.
It's highly recommended to carry both Collision and Uninsured Motorist coverages on your State Farm policy, as they provide essential protection in hit and run scenarios. If your vehicle is financed or leased, these coverages are often required by your lender.
Step 1: Secure the Scene and Gather Initial Information (Engage User!)
Okay, so you've just discovered your car has been hit, and the other driver is nowhere to be found. Take a deep breath. It's frustrating, but panicking won't help. Instead, let's focus on what you can do right now to protect yourself and your claim.
What's the very first thing that comes to mind when you realize your car has been hit and the other driver is gone? Share your immediate thought or concern!
Now, let's move on to the practical steps:
Prioritize Safety: First and foremost, ensure your safety and the safety of others. If the accident just happened and you're still at the scene, move your vehicle to a safe location if possible, turn on your hazard lights, and use cones or warning triangles if you have them.
Check for Injuries: Even if you feel fine, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. If anyone is injured, call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
Do NOT Pursue the Other Driver: It can be tempting to try and chase down the fleeing vehicle, but this is extremely dangerous and rarely fruitful. Your safety is paramount.
Call the Police Immediately: This is perhaps the most crucial step in a hit and run. A police report is vital for your insurance claim.
Even for minor damage, call the local police department or highway patrol.
Provide them with as many details as you remember about the incident, even if it's just the approximate time and location.
Insist on a police report being filed. Get the officer's name, badge number, and the report number. This report provides an official record of the incident and helps establish that it was a hit and run, which is often a requirement for Uninsured Motorist Property Damage coverage.
Document Everything (Photos & Videos): Your phone is your best friend here.
Take multiple photos and videos of the damage to your vehicle from various angles. Get close-ups of the impact points and wider shots showing the overall vehicle.
Photograph the surrounding area where the incident occurred. Look for any debris, skid marks, or other clues left behind by the other vehicle.
Note any identifying marks or paint transfers on your car that might belong to the hit-and-run vehicle.
If there are any surveillance cameras in the vicinity (e.g., on nearby businesses, traffic cameras, doorbell cameras), make a note of their locations. You or the police might be able to request footage later.
Look for Witnesses: Did anyone see what happened? Even if they didn't get a license plate number, their testimony could be valuable. Ask for their names and contact information.
Write Down Details: While the details are fresh in your mind, jot down everything you remember:
Date and approximate time of the incident.
Exact location (street, cross streets, landmarks).
A detailed description of what happened.
Any description of the fleeing vehicle (make, model, color, partial license plate, distinguishing features, driver description).
Weather conditions.
Road conditions.
Step 2: Notifying State Farm and Initiating Your Claim
Once you've secured the scene and gathered initial information, it's time to inform State Farm. Don't delay! While State Farm doesn't typically have a strict deadline for reporting accidents, it's always best to do so as soon as reasonably possible.
Contact State Farm: You have several convenient options for reporting your hit and run claim:
Phone: Call the State Farm claims hotline at 1-800-STATE-FARM (1-800-732-5246). This line is typically available 24/7.
Online: File your claim directly through the State Farm website. This often allows you to upload documents and photos.
State Farm Mobile App: The State Farm mobile app is a very efficient way to report claims, upload evidence, and track your claim's progress.
Your State Farm Agent: You can also contact your local State Farm agent, who can help you initiate the claim and answer any questions.
Provide Necessary Information: When you contact State Farm, have the following information readily available:
Your State Farm policy number.
The date, time, and exact location of the hit and run.
A detailed description of what happened and the damage to your vehicle.
The police report number (if you have it) and the name/badge number of the officer who responded.
Any witness contact information.
Details of any injuries sustained.
Be Factual and Honest: When describing the incident to State Farm, stick to the facts. Do not speculate or guess about what happened or who was at fault. If you don't know an answer, simply say "I don't know." Avoid admitting any fault, even if you're just being polite.
Obtain a Claim Number: Once you've reported the incident, State Farm will assign you a claim number. Keep this number handy, as you'll need it for all future communications.
Step 3: Working with the State Farm Claims Adjuster
After you file your claim, State Farm will assign a claims adjuster to your case. This adjuster is responsible for investigating the incident, assessing the damage, and determining your coverage and potential settlement.
Cooperate Fully: Be prepared to answer the adjuster's questions. Provide them with all the documentation you've gathered, including photos, videos, and the police report.
Recorded Statements: The adjuster may ask you to provide a recorded statement. While you should be honest, it's often advisable to consult with an attorney before giving a recorded statement, especially if there are injuries involved. Insurance companies can sometimes use these statements to minimize payouts.
Damage Assessment: State Farm will arrange for your vehicle's damage to be assessed. This might involve:
Taking your car to a State Farm-approved repair shop for an estimate.
Using their Photo Estimate tool via the mobile app for minor external damage.
A field appraiser coming to inspect your vehicle.
Understanding Your Coverage: The adjuster will review your policy to determine which coverages apply to your hit and run claim (e.g., Collision, UMPD, UMBI). They will explain any deductibles that apply.
Important Note on Deductibles: For hit and run property damage, if you have both Collision and UMPD coverage, the UMPD deductible is often lower or even waived in some states if the hit and run can be verified by a police report. Discuss this with your adjuster.
Timelines: While every claim is different, State Farm is generally required to act on claims in a timely manner. You can typically expect initial communication and a decision within 30-45 days, though complex cases can take longer. You can often track the status of your claim online or through the mobile app.
Step 4: Vehicle Repairs and Rental Car
Once the damage has been assessed and coverage confirmed, State Farm will guide you through the repair process.
Choose a Repair Shop: You usually have the right to choose your own repair shop. However, State Farm also has a network of "Select Service" shops that offer guaranteed completion dates and limited lifetime warranties on repairs.
Repair Authorization: State Farm will authorize the repairs based on the estimate. They will typically pay the repair shop directly, minus your deductible.
Rental Car: If you have rental reimbursement coverage on your policy, State Farm will help arrange for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. Check your policy details for the limits of this coverage (e.g., daily maximum, total days).
Step 5: Handling Medical Expenses (If Applicable)
If you or your passengers sustained injuries in the hit and run, this aspect of the claim becomes even more critical.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is paramount. Even if you feel minor pain, get checked by a medical professional. Delaying medical treatment can negatively impact your injury claim.
Maintain Detailed Medical Records: Keep meticulous records of all medical appointments, diagnoses, treatments, medications, and bills. This documentation is crucial for your claim.
Utilize Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage: If you have MedPay or PIP coverage on your State Farm policy, these will help cover your medical expenses regardless of who was at fault.
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI): If your medical expenses exceed what your MedPay/PIP covers, or if you don't have those coverages, your UMBI coverage would be the primary source for compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering from the hit-and-run driver.
Future Medical Needs: If your injuries require ongoing treatment or may result in long-term issues, ensure these future medical needs are factored into any settlement discussions.
Step 6: Reviewing Settlement Offers and What to Expect
Once all damages (vehicle and/or medical) have been assessed, State Farm will typically issue a settlement offer.
Review Carefully: Do not rush to accept the first offer. Carefully review the proposed settlement to ensure it adequately covers all your expenses and losses, including:
Vehicle repair costs or the actual cash value if your vehicle is a total loss.
Your deductible (if applicable).
Medical bills (past and future).
Lost wages due to injuries.
Pain and suffering (for injury claims).
Any other out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the accident (e.g., transportation costs, medication co-pays).
Negotiation: If you believe the offer is too low, you have the right to negotiate. Be prepared to provide additional documentation and justification for a higher amount.
Consult an Attorney: For complex claims, especially those involving significant injuries, it's highly advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney. They can:
Help you understand the true value of your claim.
Negotiate with State Farm on your behalf.
Protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Navigate any legal complexities, such as statutes of limitations for filing lawsuits.
Subrogation: If State Farm pays for your damages under your collision or UMPD coverage, and the hit-and-run driver is later identified, State Farm may pursue that driver to recover the money they paid out. This process is called subrogation. If they successfully recover funds, you might be reimbursed your deductible.
Potential Impact on Your State Farm Premium
"Will a hit and run increase my insurance rates?" This is a common and valid concern.
No-Fault vs. At-Fault: Generally, if you are not at fault for an accident (as is the case in a hit and run where you were the victim), your rates should not increase significantly, if at all. Insurance companies primarily raise rates for at-fault accidents, as they indicate a higher risk for future claims.
Comprehensive/UMPD Claims: Claims made under your comprehensive or uninsured motorist property damage coverage (which a hit and run often falls under) are usually considered "not-at-fault" claims.
Frequency of Claims: However, a history of multiple claims, even not-at-fault ones, could potentially lead to a premium increase or make it harder to find coverage in the future.
State Regulations: Insurance regulations vary by state, so the impact on your premium can depend on your specific location.
It's always best to discuss this concern directly with your State Farm agent during the claims process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How to Handle a Hit and Run with State Farm
Here are 10 common questions about navigating hit and run accidents with State Farm, with quick answers to guide you.
How to report a hit and run to State Farm? You can report a hit and run to State Farm by calling their claims hotline at 1-800-STATE-FARM (1-800-732-5246), filing online through their website, or using the State Farm mobile app.
How to get a police report for a hit and run accident? After calling the police to the scene, ensure they file an official report. Ask the responding officer for their name, badge number, and the report number. You can then request a copy from the local police department or highway patrol.
How to prove a hit and run to State Farm? The most crucial piece of evidence is a police report documenting the hit and run. Photos and videos of the damage and the scene, witness statements, and any surveillance footage can also help corroborate your claim.
How to determine which State Farm coverage applies to a hit and run? For vehicle damage, your Collision coverage or Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) coverage would typically apply. For injuries, Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) coverage would be relevant. Your State Farm adjuster will confirm which coverages are applicable based on your policy and the specifics of the incident.
How to handle vehicle repairs after a State Farm hit and run claim? Once State Farm assesses the damage and approves the repairs, you can choose a repair shop (either one of State Farm's Select Service shops or a shop of your choice). State Farm will typically pay the shop directly, minus your deductible.
How to get a rental car while my vehicle is being repaired after a hit and run? If you have rental reimbursement coverage on your State Farm policy, they will help arrange a rental car for you. Check your policy limits for the duration and daily maximums.
How to deal with injuries sustained in a hit and run with State Farm? Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries. Keep all medical records and bills. Your Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage can cover initial medical costs, and your Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) coverage can provide broader compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How to get reimbursed for my deductible on a hit and run claim? If the hit-and-run driver is later identified and State Farm successfully recovers the costs from their insurance company through subrogation, you may be reimbursed for your deductible. This is not guaranteed, as it depends on identifying the at-fault party and their ability to pay.
How to prevent my State Farm insurance rates from increasing after a hit and run? Generally, hit and run claims are considered "not-at-fault" accidents. If you are not found to be at fault, your rates should not increase significantly, if at all. However, a history of multiple claims, even not-at-fault, could potentially impact future premiums.
How to appeal a State Farm claim denial for a hit and run? If your State Farm claim is denied, request a detailed explanation for the denial. Review your policy carefully and gather any additional evidence that supports your claim. You can then appeal the decision through State Farm's internal review process. For complex or high-value claims, consulting a personal injury attorney is highly recommended to assist with the appeal.