Any day you have a car accident is tougher than the average day. A day where you have a car accident, and the other driver decides to flee is an especially frustrating day.
If you do not know who the other driver is, how do you take care of any physical injuries or property damage? Are you left holding the bag?
Does liability coverage take care of hit-and-run drivers?
Liability insurance is the minimum insurance required by Oklahoma state law. Strict liability coverage typically will not cover a hit-and-run car accident as it is only intended to cover potential damage to the other driver or another’s property, not your own.
You do have other potential insurance types to consider if you are seeking protection from a hit-and-run driver.
UM/UIM and collision coverage
Uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage is sometimes used for hit-and-run accidents. This coverage is also useful when the driver is known, but they do not carry the minimum liability coverage or the coverage they do have will not cover your damages.
Minimum liability coverage is often not enough to cover severe injuries or damages.
Collision coverage is also used for hit-and-run accidents
It is a good idea to examine your auto insurance policy to check if you have insurance coverage in case of a hit-and-run accident. Insurance companies may even attempt to deny claims when you do have the coverage for hit-and-run crashes.
Insurance companies accept premiums in exchange for providing you coverage, and you have options to appeal any denials. If you do not carry either of these coverages, it is possible that you will be left to bear the financial burden of another driver’s negligence.