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What to Do in a Hit and Run Accident

Being in a car accident is scary and frustrating enough, but when the other driver takes off, those feelings can be escalated. A hit and run is any accident in which a driver purposefully leaves the scene without leaving any information. This can include a driver hitting your parked car and not leaving a note, or something more serious like a car hits you or a pedestrian and speeds off. Regardless, it’s important to take the right steps if you’re in this situation.

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  1. Gather as much information about the car or driver as you can. The license plate number, color, make or model of the car, and even the direction the car was heading is all useful information for police and your car insurance company.
  2. Don’t attempt to chase the other driver. Instead, pull over safely and call the police immediately. Police reports need to be submitted within 48-72 hours. Look around for any possible witnesses to the accident and ask for their names and contact information. Be sure to ask witnesses if they have any information about the driver or vehicle that hit your car.
  3. If you’re a Metromile customer, follow our Accident Checklist and assess accident damage. This includes recording the incident by surveying the scene and taking pictures of everything you see, including the damage from all necessary angles, as well as pictures of the spot where the accident happened.
  4. Contact your insurance company to report the accident and file a claim.

If you find yourself in a situation where your car was damaged when you weren’t there, follow similar steps. Document any damage and ask around to see if anyone saw what happened. File a claim with your insurance company but remember that without a license plate number, it’s unlikely you’ll be get reimbursed, or you’ll be subject to your deductible.

Remember, never leave the scene of an accident yourself. If you’re involved in a hit and run, or any accident, and you are a Metromile customer, you can file a claim online or reach us at 1.888.595.5485
. We’ll do everything we can to get you back on the road as quickly and safely as possible.