To be properly compensated by their car insurance after a hit-and-run, drivers must meet these elements to be properly taken care of.
No matter how careful we are when driving, the danger often comes from other vehicles. But some motorists are sometimes unscrupulous on the road: when they realize that they are at fault, they prefer to flee rather than take responsibility for the damage caused. This is what happened to Anna, a young 32-year-old driver, who was hit by a truck trying to move into the right lane. “I was thrown into other lanes, my car spun and I found myself going the wrong way on the highway, facing a motorcyclist who landed on my windshield“, she remembers. In shock, the young driver does not really realize what is happening. “The vehicle behind me saw everything and the driver slipped me her business card. At the time, I refused her, thinking that everything was fine, but that’s what really helped me because no one other than her had seen the truck, which had simply disappeared from traffic.“.
Hit-and-run is a criminal offense punishable by law: up to three years of imprisonment, a fine of 75,000 euros, a withdrawal of 6 points from the license, and possibly a suspension of the driving license. Beyond the legal sanctions, the driver at fault is exposed to significant consequences with his insurer, who can immediately terminate his contract. For victims, fortunately there are solutions to obtain compensation, but it is crucial to know the prerequisites for effective treatment.
If we manage to note the license plate at the time (which is not always the case), it is a chance, which will help the police to identify the motorist who fled. However, this reflex is not enough, warns an insurance expert on the tiktok account @assur_conseils. To guarantee compensation, the insurance company needs solid evidence to open an appeal and justify its coverage. To do this, it is imperative to provide detailed photos of the incident (damage, position of vehicles, traces on the road), testimonies from other road users present on the scene, and above all a complaint to the authorities. This complaint receipt becomes a key element of your file. Without this tangible evidence, the insurer may consider that the case lacks foundation and refuse or delay compensation. It is therefore advisable to act quickly on the scene: photograph all the damage, collect the contact details of witnesses, and note all the relevant details (time, weather conditions, description of the vehicle at fault).
Furthermore, a common mistake can be costly for victims: not being covered by comprehensive insurance. If you only benefit from third-party insurance (civil liability), you will not be compensated for material damage caused by a hit-and-run, except in exceptional circumstances. In the latter case, only the Compulsory Insurance Guarantee Fund (FGAO) could intervene, and only if you have also suffered serious bodily injury justifying hospitalization or incapacity for work. In other words, many victims find themselves paying for reparations out of their own pocket even though they are completely innocent. This is why taking out comprehensive insurance represents essential protection.
Beyond these essential elements, some additional precautions prove wise. Report the claim to your insurer within five working days of the incident, preferably by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt. Write a detailed report indicating that you are the victim of a hit and run. Do not hesitate to carry out your own investigation: ask local residents or business owners who may have seen the offending vehicle. Finally, keep carefully all documents relating to your claim (photos, testimonials, filing of a complaint, correspondence with the insurer) because they will constitute the basis of your compensation file. Being the victim of a hit-and-run is a frustrating situation, but properly documenting the facts increases your chances of rapid and complete coverage by your insurance.
