Hit-and-Run Accidents: What Your Car Insurance Covers
Finding damage on your parked car or watching another driver hit your vehicle and drive away can be frustrating. If the other driver cannot be found, you may wonder whether your car insurance will cover the repair costs.
The answer depends on your policy. Comprehensive car insurance may cover damage to your own car in a hit-and-run accident, subject to the policy terms. Third-party and third-party, fire and theft policies generally do not cover accidental damage to your own car.
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Does car insurance cover hit-and-run accidents?
Your car insurance coverage determines whether you can claim for damage caused by a hit-and-run driver. Here is a quick comparison.
| Type of car insurance | Covers damage to your car in a hit-and-run? |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive | May be covered under an own-damage claim, subject to policy terms |
| Third-party, Fire and Theft (TPFT) | Generally not covered |
| Third-party only | Not covered |
Comprehensive insurance offers broader protection for your own vehicle. However, if the other driver leaves without sharing their details, claiming against their insurer may not be possible unless they are identified and their insurance details can be confirmed. Read BJAK's guide to comprehensive car insurance to understand what this policy covers.
What should you do after a hit-and-run accident?
If another driver hits your car and leaves, follow these steps to protect yourself and support your insurance claim.
Step 1: Make sure everyone is safe
Check whether anyone is injured. If someone needs urgent medical attention, call 999. Move your car out of traffic only if it is safe to do so. Do not chase the other driver. Your safety is more important than trying to stop them.
Step 2: Record the accident scene
If it is safe, take photos and videos of the damage and surrounding area. These details may help the police and insurer understand what happened.
| What to record | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Damage to your car | Documents the damage |
| Other vehicle's registration number | May help identify the driver |
| Vehicle make, model and colour | Helps with identification |
| Accident location and time | Records when and where it happened |
| Witness details or dashcam footage | May provide supporting evidence |
If the accident happened in a car park or near a shop, check whether CCTV footage is available. Keep any footage you already have and share relevant evidence with the police or insurer.
Step 3: Make a police report within 24 hours
In Malaysia, road accidents should be reported to the police within 24 hours, in accordance with the applicable road traffic law. Provide the details you know, including the time, location, damage and any information about the vehicle that left. Even if you did not see the other vehicle's registration number, make a report and explain what happened. Keep a copy because your insurer may need it to process your claim.
Step 4: Notify your insurance company
Contact your insurer as soon as possible to report the hit-and-run accident. Ask whether you can make an own-damage claim and what documents or inspections are required. Check your policy's notification requirements. BJAK's car insurance claim guide explains the general claims process and why it is important to report an accident promptly.
Step 5: Arrange an approved tow or workshop
If your car cannot be driven safely, contact your insurer to arrange towing or ask which towing service you should use. Avoid unsolicited tow-truck operators and confirm that the workshop is approved by your insurer. Do not start major repairs before the insurer has completed any required inspection or given approval. This helps ensure the damage can be assessed properly.
Step 6: Prepare your claim documents
Your insurer will confirm the documents needed for your case. These may include:
| Document or evidence | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Police report | Records the reported accident |
| Identity card and driving licence | Verifies your details |
| Insurance policy information | Confirms your policy |
| Vehicle registration details | Identifies your car |
| Photos and videos | Shows the damage and accident scene |
| Dashcam footage or witness details | May help establish what happened |
| Repair estimate or inspection report | Helps assess repair costs, if requested |
Submit the requested documents as soon as possible. You can also refer to BJAK's guide on documents required for an insurance claim.
Step 7: Wait for the insurer's assessment
Your insurer will review your documents, assess the damage and determine whether your policy covers the claim. If approved, the insurer will explain the repair process and any applicable excess or other charges. Keep your claim reference number and follow up with your insurer if you need an update. The final outcome depends on your policy terms, the evidence available and the insurer's assessment.
How can you claim if the hit-and-run driver cannot be found?
If the other driver remains unidentified, you generally cannot claim against their insurer because their identity and insurance details are unknown. However, if you have comprehensive insurance, you may be able to claim for your car's damage under your own policy.
This is usually treated as an own-damage claim, which may affect your No Claim Discount (NCD). Your insurer can explain the applicable conditions and charges.
| Situation | Possible claim route |
|---|---|
| The other driver is identified and their insurer is confirmed | A third-party claim may be possible if the driver is liable |
| The other driver cannot be identified and you have comprehensive cover | An own-damage claim may be possible |
| The other driver cannot be identified and you have TPFT or third-party cover | Damage to your own car is generally not covered |
An Own Damage Knock-for-Knock (OD-KFK) claim is generally intended for eligible accidents where the other vehicle and its insurer can be identified. It is usually not an option when the hit-and-run driver remains unknown.
For more information about claim options, read BJAK's car insurance claim guide.
Will a hit-and-run claim affect your NCD?
Your NCD may be affected if you claim for your car's damage under your own policy. The impact depends on the claim route and circumstances.
| Claim type | Possible effect on NCD |
|---|---|
| Own-damage claim under your comprehensive policy | NCD will generally be affected |
| Eligible OD-KFK claim when you are not at fault | NCD is generally protected, subject to applicable conditions |
| Third-party claim against an identified at-fault driver's insurer | Your NCD is generally not affected |
If the driver cannot be identified, an own-damage claim may be your available insurance option, but it could affect your NCD. Use the BJAK NCD Checker to check your current discount, and confirm the expected impact with your insurer before proceeding.
What if you only have third-party insurance?
Third-party insurance covers your liability for injury, death or property damage caused to other people. It does not cover accidental damage to your own car.
Therefore, if an unidentified driver hits your car and drives away, you will generally need to pay for your own repairs if you only have third-party insurance. TPFT also generally excludes accidental damage to your own car, although it includes protection against specified fire and theft risks.
Before your next renewal, compare car insurance options on BJAK to review the available coverage types and choose one that suits your needs.
Frequently asked questions about hit-and-run insurance claims
You may be able to claim if you have comprehensive car insurance. Record the damage, make a police report within 24 hours and notify your insurer. If you have third-party or TPFT cover, damage to your own car is generally not covered.
Make a police report and provide any evidence you have, such as photos, dashcam footage or witness details. If the driver cannot be identified, you may need to make an own-damage claim under your comprehensive policy.
You should report the accident to the police within 24 hours and keep a copy of the report. Your insurer will generally need the report and may request additional documents to assess your claim.
If you claim under your own policy, your NCD will generally be affected. The exact outcome depends on the claim circumstances and applicable policy terms. Confirm this with your insurer before proceeding.
You may be able to make a third-party claim if the driver is identified, their insurance details are confirmed and they are liable for the accident. If the driver remains unknown, you generally cannot claim against their insurer.
The timeframe depends on the damage, documents submitted, investigation and insurer's assessment. Contact your insurer for updates and avoid starting repairs before the required approval.
Compare car insurance on BJAK
A hit-and-run accident can leave you with unexpected repair costs, especially if the driver cannot be found. Understanding what your policy covers can help you prepare for these situations. Compare car insurance on BJAK to review coverage options for your vehicle and choose a policy that suits your needs.