A hit-and-run is one of the most stressful things that can happen to a driver. Whether it happens on the freeway, in a parking lot or on a quiet residential street, realizing the other driver has fled leaves many people unsure what to do next. This guide puts the most important steps first, then explains how the law, your insurance and the repair process work in Arizona.
What to do right after a hit-and-run: a quick checklist
- Get safe. Move your vehicle out of traffic to a well-lit, visible place if you can, and check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if there is immediate danger.
- Write down what you remember about the other vehicle: color, make, model, any part of the license plate, and which way it went.
- Photograph everything: the damage to your vehicle, the surrounding area, debris, paint transfer and anything that shows where the crash happened.
- Talk to witnesses and get their names and contact information.
- Report it to the police and keep the report number. Your insurance company will usually ask for it.
- Call your insurance company as soon as you can and tell them the other driver left the scene.
- Get a repair estimate so you know what the damage involves before repairs begin.
What Arizona law says about leaving the scene
Arizona law sets out a driver’s duties after a crash in A.R.S. 28-661 through 28-664. A driver involved in a crash must stop and stay at the scene, give their name, address and vehicle registration, show their driver license if asked, and help anyone who is injured. If they hit an unattended vehicle, they must find the owner or leave a written note with their information.
How serious it is to leave depends on what happened:
- Leaving a crash that caused injury or death is a felony (A.R.S. 28-661).
- Leaving a crash that damaged a vehicle someone was driving or attending is a class 1 misdemeanor (A.R.S. 28-662).
- Failing to give your information is a class 1 misdemeanor, and failing to help an injured person is a felony (A.R.S. 28-663).
- Hitting an unattended vehicle without stopping and leaving your information is a class 1 misdemeanor (A.R.S. 28-664).
If the driver is later identified, give any new information to the police so it can be added to your report.
How insurance usually handles a hit-and-run
When the other driver cannot be found, your own policy is usually what pays for the damage to your vehicle:
- Collision coverage usually pays to repair your vehicle after a hit-and-run, minus your deductible.
- Uninsured motorist coverage in Arizona covers bodily injury, not damage to your vehicle (A.R.S. 20-259.01). If you were hurt, ask your insurer about it.
Every policy is different, so check your own coverage and deductible with your insurance company. When you file the claim, have your police report number, your photos and any witness information ready, and keep copies of every estimate, receipt and message.
Getting your vehicle repaired
In Arizona you have the right to choose any repair facility, even if your insurance company recommends a different one; our insurance repairs page explains how that works. At USA Collision we work directly with all insurance companies, provide detailed repair estimates and keep you updated throughout the repair.
Common hit-and-run repairs include:
- Dent repair. Many dents and dings can be repaired, and some can be removed without repainting using paintless dent repair. See our auto body repair page.
- Bumper repair. Bumpers are often the first point of impact. We repair or replace damaged bumpers and check the parts behind the bumper cover.
- Paint and refinishing. Scratches, chips and scuffs are refinished to match the rest of your vehicle. Learn more about matching your vehicle’s paint color.
Every repair is backed by our lifetime warranty on workmanship for as long as you own the vehicle.
Lowering your risk of a hit-and-run
- Park in well-lit, busy areas and choose lots with security cameras when you can.
- Give your car room. Spaces away from tight rows and oversized vehicles mean fewer door dings and scrapes.
- Back into spaces where allowed, so it is easier and safer to pull out.
- Consider a dash cam. Models with a parking mode can record while your car is parked, which can help identify the other vehicle.
- Drive defensively. Stay alert, keep a safe following distance, signal clearly and take extra care at busy intersections.
When to talk to an attorney
If you were injured, or your insurance does not cover all of your losses, a consultation with an attorney can help you understand your options for recovering repair costs, medical expenses or other damages.
We are here to help
If you have been in a hit-and-run, USA Collision can help you get your vehicle back to its pre-accident condition. Request a free estimate online, call us at (602) 861-1919, or visit our Phoenix shop at 10020 N Cave Creek Rd.
