What to Do After a Hit-and-Run

March 27, 2025||inPersonal Insurance|auto accident, auto care, auto insurance, car accident, car insurance, collision coverage, hit and run, personal insurance

Getting into a vehicle collision is stressful enough, but it’s even more frustrating when the other driver takes off without exchanging insurance information. This type of situation is called a hit-and-run, and it can leave you feeling lost and unsure of what to do next. Whether you’re dealing with an accident where the other driver flees or if your parked vehicle gets hit, knowing the right steps to take can make a big difference. Check out these tips to help you understand what information you should gather and who to contact after a hit-and-run incident.

Car close-up
Click here to submit an inquiry to Murphy Insurance or call us at 800 222 8711

Record all pertinent information.

  • Write down as much of the other vehicle’s information as possible, including its license plate number, make and model, and color.
  • Note the time and location of the hit-and-run. Be sure to record the direction the car was headed post-incident.
  • It’s also important to take pictures of the scene and any damage to your vehicle. If there were any eyewitnesses, gather their names and contact information.
  • Locating surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or your dashcam can be crucial in identifying the at-fault driver and providing details about the incident. However, it’s many businesses don’t keep footage for long unless there’s a specific reason to retain it, so act quickly to gather any recordings.

Don’t Leave the Scene

In the event of a hit-and-run, never try to follow or apprehend the fleeing driver. What’s more, leaving the scene could cause you to miss eyewitness accounts and may leave law officials questioning who’s really at fault.

Contact the police.

Once all important information has been gathered, call the police immediately to file an accident report and ideally, they can take a report at the scene. When the police arrive, provide them with a description of the vehicle, if available, what happened, and the names of any eyewitnesses.

Filing a police accident report creates an official record of the incident, which is essential for insurance claims, legal matters, and determining fault in case of a dispute. Be sure to report an accident within 5 days of an accident. While the report plays a key role in helping insurance companies assess liability, it is not the only factor they consider when determining fault.

Contact your insurance agent or company

After a hit-and-run accident, it’s important to contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible. They can guide you through the next steps, help you understand your coverage, and ensure you file the necessary claims. Providing your agent and company with all the details of the accident, including the police report and any evidence you’ve gathered, will help them assess the situation and get to work on providing you with compensation.

If you have any questions or concerns about how your insurance policy will protect you in a hit and run situation, contact your agent for assistance.

Read Other Blog Posts

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month Are You Cyber-Smart at Home and at Work

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Are You Cyber-Smart at Home and at Work?

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month — the perfect reminder to stay vigilant about your digital safety. From phishing scams to hacked home devices, cyber threats can affect anyone. Learn practical tips to protect yourself at home and work, and see how personal cyber insurance can help safeguard your finances and identity.
Read more
Candle on table

Candle Safety Considerations

Candles provide a warm ambiance for an intimate dinner, a sparkling decoration for a birthday cake or a nice scent for your home. Ambiance aside, candles can be a fire hazard if they are left unattended or placed where they can start other objects on fire. If you enjoy candles, be sure to follow these tips to use them safely.
Read more
Introducing the Murphy Insurance Condominium Owner’s Manual Your Guide to Preventing Costly Condo Repairs & Damages SMM

Introducing the Murphy Insurance Condominium Owner’s Manual: Your Guide to Preventing Costly Condo Repairs & Damages

Murphy Insurance Agency has launched a new Condominium Owner's Manual designed to help you prevent costly home repairs and avoid common insurance claims. Backed by decades of real-world experience, this practical guide provides seasonal tips, safety advice, and a comprehensive maintenance checklist to protect your home—and your wallet—all year round. Download your copy today!
Read more
Deer Sign

Road Safety and Wildlife: What Drivers Need to Know

Every year, countless accidents occur because drivers aren't prepared for unexpected encounters with animals on the road. Whether it's a deer darting across a rural highway or a stray dog wandering into city traffic, these moments can be dangerous for both humans and animals. Staying alert and understanding how to respond in these situations can make a critical difference in preventing harm and keeping roads safer for everyone.
Read more
Quest for the Best 2025

We Did It Again! 5-Time Gold Winners in Quest for the Best

We’re proud to announce we’ve won Gold in MyFM 101.3’s Quest for the Best – Insurance Category for the 5th year in a row! Thank you to everyone who voted and continues to support us. If you're a client, we’re grateful for your trust. If you’re looking for a second opinion, we’d love the chance to earn your business.
Read more
Happy driver

The Benefits of Raising Your Limits

An overwhelming majority of states require individuals to carry insurance in order to operate a vehicle. While meeting these minimum limits may be enough to get you on the road, they may be inadequate if you are involved in a serious accident. For better protection, you may want to consider raising your limits to secure proper protection.
Read more
Murphy Insurance Team

27 Reasons to Work with Murphy Insurance Agency

For more than 88 years, Murphy Insurance Agency has been a trusted partner for families, individuals, and businesses across Massachusetts. As a family-owned and independent agency, we prioritize relationships over transactions, offering guidance and support tailored to your needs. With access to more than 25 top-rated carriers, we deliver personalized solutions, competitive options, and peace of mind. Discover 27 reasons why thousands have chosen Murphy Insurance to protect what matters most.
Read more
Personal Article Floater

What Is a Personal Article Floater—and Do You Need One?

Many people assume that their home or renters insurance covers all their personal belongings—but it's not always that simple. While these policies do offer significant protection, there are usually limits, especially when it comes to high-value or one-of-a-kind items. If you own something valuable, rare, or that you often take with you, you may want to consider adding a personal article floater to your coverage.
Read more
Home Fall Prep for Winter

Fall Into Home Prep: Smart Projects to Help You Avoid Winter Insurance Claims

Fall is the perfect time to tackle home maintenance projects before winter sets in. Use our seasonal checklist to protect your home, prevent costly damage, and keep everything running smoothly—inside and out.
Read more

Visit Our Auto Insurance Page

Auto Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we are here to assist you in obtaining the appropriate auto insurance. Choosing the appropriate auto insurance coverage can be overwhelming. Every insurance company has its unique offerings, making it challenging to compare options effectively. That’s where we shine. We simplify the process by helping you evaluate provider and policy choices, seek out discounts, and optimize your car insurance within your budget constraints. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are well-protected.