# Hit-and-run

> What counts as a hit-and-run for car insurance, which coverages can pay when the other driver flees and why a prompt police report matters.

Canonical page: https://statecover-guide.com/glossary/hit-and-run/  
Last reviewed: October 28, 2026 by the StateCover Guide editorial team  
General information, not legal or insurance advice.

## Quick answer

A hit-and-run is a crash in which a driver leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or help anyone who is hurt. Because there is no known driver or insurer to claim against, you usually rely on your own coverage.

## How it works

Coverages that can help after a hit-and-run:

- **Uninsured motorist coverage** pays if you are injured by a hit-and-run driver.
- **Uninsured motorist property damage**, if you bought it and your state offers it, can pay for damage to your car.
- **Collision** pays for damage to your car, minus your deductible.
- **Personal injury protection or medical payments**, where you carry them, can help with medical bills.

Report the crash to the police promptly. The Texas Department of Insurance, for example, warns that uninsured motorist coverage will not pay for a hit-and-run you did not report to the police. Your policy and state law may set other conditions for a claim when the driver is unknown, so read the uninsured motorist section of your policy.

At the scene, note what you can about the other vehicle, such as its make, color and plate, take photos and find witnesses. Then tell your insurer as soon as you can.

## Related terms

- [Uninsured motorist coverage](https://statecover-guide.com/glossary/uninsured-motorist-coverage/)
- [Uninsured motorist property damage](https://statecover-guide.com/glossary/uninsured-motorist-property-damage/)
- [Collision coverage](https://statecover-guide.com/glossary/collision-coverage/)
- Guide: [Hit-and-run claims](https://statecover-guide.com/claims/hit-and-run/)

## Sources

- [NAIC, Auto Insurance (consumer page)](https://content.naic.org/consumer/auto-insurance.htm) — uninsured motorist coverage for hit-and-run injuries, uninsured motorist property damage
- [Texas Department of Insurance, Auto insurance guide](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb020.html) — hit-and-run must be reported to police for uninsured motorist coverage