Comprehensive Auto Insurance: Hit-And-Run Protection Or Not?

If you're involved in a hit-and-run incident, the type of car insurance coverage you'll need to repair your vehicle depends on how the damage occurred. Comprehensive coverage will cover losses like theft, vandalism, hail, and hitting an animal. However, if your vehicle collides with another object or vehicle, comprehensive coverage won't apply. In this case, collision coverage will be necessary.

Comprehensive coverage doesn't cover collisions with other vehicles

Comprehensive coverage is a type of auto insurance that covers damage to your car caused by incidents other than collisions. It is often referred to as "other than collision" coverage. This means that it covers damages that collision coverage does not, such as theft, vandalism, hail, and hitting an animal. For example, if you hit a deer while driving, comprehensive coverage would cover the damage to your car. However, comprehensive coverage does not apply if you swerve to avoid the deer and hit a tree, as this type of accident is considered a collision with an object.

Comprehensive coverage is optional and is not required by state law. It is designed to protect your vehicle from losses that are not covered by collision insurance. While it covers a wide range of incidents, there are some important exclusions to note.

One of the key exclusions of comprehensive coverage is that it does not cover collisions with other vehicles. If your car collides with another car, the damage will not be covered under comprehensive coverage. This type of incident falls under collision coverage, which specifically deals with damage caused by colliding with another vehicle or object. If you want protection against collisions with other vehicles, you will need to purchase collision coverage in addition to your comprehensive coverage.

Another exclusion to comprehensive coverage is normal wear and tear on your vehicle. This includes items that need to be replaced over time due to regular use, such as tires, brakes, and batteries. Comprehensive coverage is designed to cover unexpected incidents and damages, not the gradual deterioration of your vehicle over time.

It's important to understand the limitations of comprehensive coverage to make informed decisions about your auto insurance. While it provides valuable protection against a range of incidents, it does not cover all types of damage to your vehicle. By understanding what is and isn't covered, you can ensure that you have the appropriate coverage for your needs and reduce the risk of being caught off guard in the event of an accident.

Collision coverage is required for hit-and-run claims in some states

If you're the victim of a hit-and-run, your insurance policy may help cover the cost of repairs and injuries. The coverages that may cover a hit-and-run include collision, uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD), uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI), personal injury protection (PIP), and medical payments (Med Pay).

Collision coverage protects you against any physical damage to your car caused by impact with another vehicle or a stationary object, regardless of fault. Collision coverage is optional but may be required by your lender if you have a car loan or lease. Collision coverage can help cover the cost to repair or replace your vehicle after a hit-and-run, after paying your deductible.

In some states, collision coverage is required for hit-and-run claims. Some states mandate that the at-fault driver must be identified before UMPD can cover a hit-and-run accident. In these states, having collision coverage would enable the claim to be covered, regardless of whether the driver was identified. Therefore, it is important to check the specific requirements of your state and insurance policy to understand if collision coverage is necessary for hit-and-run claims.

If you do not have collision coverage, you may still have other options for coverage in a hit-and-run accident. UMPD coverage, for example, typically covers damage to your car caused by a hit-and-run incident and is mandated or available in most states. Additionally, UMBI, Med Pay, and PIP coverages can help cover injuries suffered in a hit-and-run accident.

Comprehensive coverage applies if the car is damaged by a natural disaster

Comprehensive car insurance covers damage to your vehicle that doesn't arise from a collision. It is sometimes referred to as "other than collision" coverage. Comprehensive coverage is an optional, additional coverage that you can choose to protect your vehicle. It covers a wide range of perils, including natural disasters, but the specific coverage can vary depending on the policy and the insurance provider.

Comprehensive car insurance typically covers certain natural disasters, including hurricanes, tropical storms, wind damage, hail, flooding, earthquakes, tornadoes, wildfires, and damage from falling objects. It is important to review your policy carefully, as some insurers may have specific provisions or limitations for these types of events. For example, while hail damage is typically covered, it is usually considered separately from hurricane or tropical storm damage.

Comprehensive coverage exists to provide protection against events that are out of your control, such as natural disasters. Whether it's a hurricane, tornado, or even a volcanic eruption, if your vehicle is affected, comprehensive insurance is likely to provide coverage. It is worth noting that comprehensive coverage does not include damage caused by hitting another vehicle or object; this is covered under collision coverage.

Comprehensive coverage is not mandatory in most states, and you may choose to opt-out, especially if your car is older and paid off. However, if you live in an area prone to natural disasters and you cannot afford to pay for potential vehicle repairs out of pocket, it is advisable to maintain comprehensive coverage. Additionally, if you lease or finance your vehicle, your lender or lessor may require you to purchase comprehensive insurance.

Uninsured motorist coverage can help cover bodily injury damages

Uninsured motorist coverage can be a valuable addition to your auto insurance policy, especially if you live in a state with a high percentage of uninsured drivers. This type of coverage can provide financial protection and peace of mind in the event that you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) coverage is designed to pay for medical expenses if you or your passengers are injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. This includes hit-and-run incidents, which can be extremely stressful and challenging to navigate. UMBI coverage can help alleviate the financial burden of medical bills, ensuring that you and your passengers receive the necessary treatment and care without having to worry about the cost.

In addition to medical expenses, UMBI coverage can also provide compensation for lost wages if you are unable to work due to your injuries. This coverage can be crucial in helping you maintain financial stability during your recovery period. Furthermore, UMBI may also offer compensation for pain and suffering, which can be a valuable source of support during a difficult time.

When purchasing UMBI coverage, it is important to consider the limits of your policy. Typically, UMBI coverage is expressed as two numbers, such as $100,000 bodily injury coverage per person and $300,000 bodily injury coverage per accident. It is recommended to choose limits that match your liability coverage amounts. By ensuring you have adequate coverage, you can have peace of mind knowing that you and your passengers are protected in the event of an accident.

In some states, you may also have the option to purchase uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage, which pays for repairs to your vehicle if it is damaged in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. While collision coverage can also cover these repairs, UMPD offers additional protection specifically for hit-and-run incidents. It is important to note that UMPD may not be available in all states and may have a deductible.

By understanding the benefits and limitations of uninsured motorist coverage, you can make informed decisions about your auto insurance policy. This coverage can provide valuable protection and help ensure that you are financially secure in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Medical payments coverage can cover medical expenses

Medical payments coverage, also known as MedPay, is an optional add-on to an auto insurance policy that covers expenses related to vehicular accidents. MedPay covers the driver, any passengers in the vehicle, and any pedestrians injured by the driver. It also covers the policyholder if they are injured as a passenger in another vehicle or as a pedestrian, bike rider, or public transportation rider.

MedPay is supplemental to your regular health insurance, and the rules and regulations vary by jurisdiction about which is the primary payer for various treatments and medical expenses. It is important to review your health insurance policy to understand how MedPay would apply in the event of an accident.

MedPay can help pay for various expenses related to injuries resulting from an automobile accident, regardless of which driver is considered at fault. This includes health insurance deductibles and co-pays, visits to a doctor or hospital, X-rays and surgery, ambulance and emergency medical technician fees, rehabilitation and nursing care, and some medical equipment, such as prostheses.

MedPay can be especially useful in urban areas, where pedestrians are more likely to be injured due to higher foot traffic. Additionally, MedPay is the only coverage that will take care of your own medical expenses if you cause an accident due to alcohol or drug use, as your auto insurance policy will not cover you in such a situation.

While MedPay is optional in most states, some states do not offer it, and instead, require or offer personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which generally provides more generous coverage. PIP is mandatory in states that require no-fault insurance, and it often has higher limits and covers a wider range of issues relating to the accident, including psychiatric and rehabilitative care, as well as lost wages. In some situations, having both MedPay and PIP can be advantageous, as MedPay can help pay any remaining costs after reaching the PIP limit.

Frequently asked questions