What to Do If Someone Hits Your Car and Drives Off

So, someone hit your car and drove off, frustrating, right? Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through exactly what to do next. Whether you saw the car speeding away, caught the license plate, or have no clue who did it, there’s still a lot you can do. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be in control of the situation.

What to Do When Someone Hits Your Car and Leaves

Here’s what I’d recommend you do, step by step. Whether the damage happened while you were driving or your car was parked, the process is almost the same.

Stay Safe and Don’t Chase the Driver
First things first—are you okay? That’s the top priority. If you’re in the middle of the road or somewhere unsafe, try to move your car to the side and turn on your hazard lights.
Now, I know your first instinct might be to go after the driver, especially if you caught a glimpse of their car or plate. But please—don’t. It’s not worth the risk, and it could complicate your insurance claim later.

Call the Police Immediately
Next, you’ll want to call the police. Even if the damage looks minor or no one’s hurt, having an official report is really important. If you caught the plate number, give that to the officer—it can really help. They’ll file a report, give you a reference number, and that’s something you’ll need for your insurance.

Gather Thorough Evidence
While you’re waiting, take a few minutes to document everything. Grab your phone and take photos of the damage to your car, the location, any paint scrapes or broken pieces left behind. Also write down anything you noticed—like the make or color of the other car, or even the direction it went.
If someone nearby saw what happened, don’t be shy—ask them if they’d be willing to give a quick statement or share their contact info. That can make a big difference later.

Talk to Witnesses and Find Cameras
Look around—are there any businesses, homes, or traffic lights nearby with security cameras? Or maybe someone had a dashcam? Make a note of it or ask politely if you can check the footage. The more info you have, the better.

Use the License Plate Effectively
Now, if you managed to catch the license plate, even just part of it, that’s great news. The police can usually trace the vehicle owner through that. It doesn’t always lead to immediate results, but it gives you a much stronger chance of identifying the driver. And if things don’t move fast, you can always follow up with the officer handling your case.

What If You Have No Info at All?
Okay, so let’s say the driver sped off, and you didn’t see a thing. No plate, no car details, no witnesses—it happens. You’re not out of options. You should still call the police, take pictures of the damage, and report the incident. Your insurance company might be able to help through uninsured motorist coverage or collision protection, depending on what’s in your policy. So don’t lose hope. Just take it one step at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the police find someone from just the license plate?
Yes, they can. If you got the full plate, the police can use that to look up who owns the car and possibly contact them.

Will chasing the driver help?
It might feel tempting, but no—it’s not worth the risk. It’s unsafe and could even affect your insurance claim negatively.

What if my parked car got hit?
That still counts as a hit-and-run. Just treat it the same: report it, take photos, look for witnesses or cameras, and let your insurance company know.

Will insurance cover the damage if I don’t know who did it?
Yes, if you have the right coverage. Collision insurance or uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) usually takes care of situations like this. Just check your policy or call your agent to be sure.

Will my premium go up?
If you’re not at fault and using hit-and-run coverage, your rates might not go up—but it depends on your insurance company. Some won’t raise your premium if you’re clearly the victim.

Filing a Complaint Online
Depending on where you live, you might be able to report the hit-and-run online through your local police department’s website. Just make sure you have everything ready: your photos, any witness info, the license plate if you got it, and a short summary of what happened. They’ll usually give you a report number right after you submit—it’s helpful when talking to your insurer.