Yes, you may be able to claim car insurance after a hit-and-run, but it depends on your policy and whether the other driver can be identified. If the driver cannot be found, comprehensive car insurance may cover damage to your own vehicle under an own-damage claim. However, third-party-only and third-party, fire and theft (TPFT) policies generally do not cover accidental damage to your own car.
If another driver hits your parked car or drives away after a collision, prioritise safety, collect evidence and make a police report within 24 hours. Notify your insurer promptly and follow its instructions before arranging repairs.
Does Car Insurance Cover Hit-and-Run Accidents?
Your available claim options depend on your policy. Here is a quick comparison:
Type of car insurance
Can you claim for damage to your own car?
Comprehensive
You may be able to make an own-damage claim, subject to policy terms.
Third-Party, Fire and Theft (TPFT)
Generally does not cover accidental damage to your own car.
Third-party only
Does not cover accidental damage to your own car.
If the driver is identified and their insurance details are confirmed, you may be able to make a third-party claim against their insurer. If the driver remains unidentified, claiming against their insurer is generally not possible.
Follow these steps to protect yourself and help support your insurance claim.
1. Make sure everyone is safe
Check whether anyone is injured and contact emergency services if necessary. Do not chase the driver who left the scene. If it is safe, move your car out of traffic.
2. Collect evidence of the accident
Take photos of the damage and accident scene if it is safe to do so. Record the time and location, as well as any details you remember about the other vehicle. Keep dashcam footage and witness details. If the incident happened in a car park or near a business, ask whether CCTV footage is available.
Evidence
Why it may help
Photos of the damage and accident scene
Shows the condition of your car and where the incident happened.
Other vehicle’s registration number, make or colour
May help the police identify the vehicle.
Dashcam or CCTV footage
May show how the accident happened.
Witness details
May support your account of the incident.
3. Make a police report within 24 hours
Report the accident to the police within 24 hours, as required for road accidents in Malaysia. Explain what happened, including the time, location and details of the driver who left. If you did not manage to get the registration number, still make a report and provide the information you have. Keep a copy of the report for your insurance claim.
4. Contact your insurer
Notify your insurance company or takaful operator as soon as possible. Ask whether you can make an own-damage claim, which documents are required and whether your car needs to be inspected first.
If your car is unsafe to drive, contact your insurer for towing instructions and guidance on which workshop to use. Avoid unsolicited tow-truck operators. Do not begin repairs before any required inspection or approval, as your insurer may need to assess the damage first.
What If the Hit-and-Run Driver Cannot Be Identified?
If the driver cannot be identified, you generally cannot claim against their insurer because their identity and policy details are unknown. However, if you have comprehensive insurance, you may be able to claim for your car’s damage under your own policy.
Situation
Possible claim option
The driver is identified and their insurance details are confirmed
A third-party claim may be possible if the driver is liable.
The driver cannot be identified and you have comprehensive cover
An own-damage claim may be possible, subject to your policy.
The driver cannot be identified and you only have TPFT or third-party cover
Accidental damage to your own car is generally not covered.
An Own Damage Knock-for-Knock (OD-KFK) claim generally requires the responsible driver and their insurance details to be identified, along with other eligibility conditions. It is therefore usually not an available option when the hit-and-run driver remains unknown.
Will a Hit-and-Run Claim Affect Your NCD?
Yes, your No Claim Discount (NCD) may be affected if you make an own-damage claim under your comprehensive policy. NCD is a discount based on your claims record, subject to the applicable policy rules.
Claim type
Possible effect on NCD
Own-damage claim
NCD is generally affected.
Eligible OD-KFK claim
NCD is generally protected, subject to eligibility conditions.
Third-party claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer
Your NCD is generally unaffected when you claim against the responsible party.
Before proceeding, ask your insurer about the effect on your NCD, any applicable excess and other charges. Compare the repair cost with the potential impact on your discount at the next renewal.
Conclusion
A hit-and-run can leave you with unexpected repair costs, especially when the other driver cannot be identified. Understand the coverage in your policy and check its exclusions and claim conditions before renewing.
Can I claim if someone hits my parked car and drives away?
You may be able to claim if you have comprehensive car insurance. Photograph the damage, make a police report within 24 hours and contact your insurer. If you only have third-party or TPFT cover, accidental damage to your own car is generally not covered.
What if I did not get the other vehicle’s registration number?
Make a police report and provide all the information you have. Dashcam footage, CCTV recordings or witness statements may help. If the driver cannot be identified, ask your insurer whether an own-damage claim is available under your policy.
Do I need a police report for a hit-and-run claim?
Yes. Make a report within 24 hours and keep a copy. Your insurer will generally need the report and supporting documents to assess the claim.
How long does a hit-and-run insurance claim take?
There is no fixed timeline for every claim. The duration depends on the damage, documents, investigation and insurer’s assessment. Contact your insurer using your claim reference number to check for updates.
Nabil Farhan· · 4 min read
