How to Make Sure Your Hit-and-Run Is Filed as an Uninsured Motorist Claim and Not Collision

When your car is damaged in a hit-and-run, the way your insurance company classifies the claim can significantly affect your costs and your long-term insurance record. Many of our clients don’t realize that a hit-and-run should almost always be filed under Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD), not Collision. If the insurer codes it incorrectly, you could be charged a higher deductible and, in some cases, treated as if you caused the accident.

In this article we will go over the differences and how you can avoid being "At Fault" for something you may not have caused.

Classification Difference

1. Collision

Collision covers damage to your vehicle when it strikes another object or vehicle. If your hit-and-run is mistakenly filed as collision:

• You pay your collision deductible, which is often higher

• The insurance company may classify the event as an at-fault loss for rating purposes

• Your premiums may increase

• The claim can appear in your history as a “chargeable” accident

Because of this, collision is not the appropriate category for a hit-and-run.

2. Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD)

Uninsured Motorist is designed to protect you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or cannot be identified. A hit-and-run is the exact scenario this coverage exists for. When processed correctly as Uninsured Motorist

• Your deductible may be significantly lower, or zero, depending on your policy and state

• You are not considered at fault

• Your premiums are less likely to increase

• The claim is recorded accurately as damage caused by an unknown driver

Insurance policies in most states explicitly include hit-and-run situations under UMPD, provided the event is documented properly.

How to Ensure Your Claim Is Filed as UMPD

Most incorrect classifications happen because the insurer lacks information at the time the claim is opened. Here is the process to protect yourself.

1. File a Police Report as Soon as Possible

A police report is the most important supporting document. Most insurance companies require it for UMPD claims involving hit-and-runs. When filing, include:

• The time and location of the incident

• A clear description of what happened

• Photos of the damage

• Any witness statements

If an officer does not come to the scene, you can file a walk-in report later. Keep a copy for your records.

2. Clearly State That the Loss Was a Hit-and-Run

When you call your insurer to open the claim, be explicit. You should say:

“This was a hit-and-run. The other driver left the scene. I want this claim processed under Uninsured Motorist Property Damage.”

Adjusters often default to collision if the caller does not specify this upfront.

3. Provide Photos, Videos, and Any Evidence of Impact

Photos showing sudden side or rear damage, broken parts left behind, or security-camera footage help validate that the impact was caused by another vehicle. Insurance companies use this evidence to confirm the incident was not self-inflicted or avoidable.

4. Reference the Policy Language

Every auto policy has an uninsured-motorist section. Look for phrasing such as:

• “An unidentified hit-and-run driver is considered uninsured.”

• “Coverage applies to property damage caused by a driver who cannot be identified.”

Sending your adjuster a screenshot of this language often resolves disagreements quickly.

5. Request Reclassification If the Insurer Filed It Incorrectly

If your claim has already been coded as collision, you can request it be corrected. State something along these lines (This is not legal advice, it is a suggestion on what you may be able to use):

“The policy language shows that hit-and-run losses are covered under Uninsured Motorist Property Damage. This incident qualifies, and I am requesting the claim be reclassified under UMPD.”

Insurance carriers have formal procedures for reviewing and reclassifying claims once proper documentation is provided.

Documents That Support Your Case

You can strengthen your Uninsured Motorist claim by keeping copies of:

• The police incident report

• Photos and videos from the scene

• Witness statements

• Any security-camera footage

• A screenshot of your policy’s UMPD section

Conclusion: Double Check the Filing

Before you sign off on anything or have the insurance finalize anything, make sure you double check to ensure everything has been filed properly. We see many clients at Paragon Auto who have mistakenly filed their claim wrong, and their premiums were affected.

For more information or any question, get in touch with us at 832)933-9083