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insurance won't cover my hit-and-run damage, seriously?
Just got off the phone with my insurance company, and I'm honestly pretty annoyed right now. Had a hit-and-run a couple weeks ago - someone sideswiped my parked car overnight, left no note, nothing. Filed the claim, did everything they asked, even got a police report. And today, they straight-up denied it. Said something about insufficient evidence or whatever. Like, what more evidence do they want? Me to chase down the mystery driver myself?
I pay my premiums every month, never had an accident before, and now when I actually need them, they're suddenly ghosting me. Feels like they're just looking for any excuse not to pay up. Wondering if this is just my bad luck or if insurance companies are always this shady when it comes to hit-and-runs. Has anyone else dealt with something similar?
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3 replies
Dealing with insurance after a hit-and-run can be super frustrating, especially when you've done everything right. Had something similar happen to me a couple years back - parked outside my apartment overnight, woke up to find my side mirror smashed and paint scraped off the door. No note, no witnesses, nothing. I thought having comprehensive coverage meant I'd be covered, but my insurance initially pushed back too, citing lack of evidence.
Here's what helped me out: First, I asked for a detailed explanation in writing about why exactly they denied the claim. Sometimes just making them put it down on paper can make them reconsider their stance. Next, I escalated it internally - asked politely but firmly to speak with a supervisor or claims manager. They tend to have more authority and flexibility. Finally, if that doesn't work, you can always file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner. Insurance companies hate dealing with regulators, so sometimes just mentioning that you're considering this step can get them to take another look at your case.
Hang in there...it's definitely not just you. Hope you get it sorted soon.
In many policies, damage from an unidentified driver is handled under collision coverage rather than comprehensive, and collision may have a deductible. The exact wording and local rules matter, so check which coverage the insurer assessed and what deductible applies before assuming the denial means there’s no coverage.
If they’re calling it a lack of evidence, it may help to pin down what fact they don’t accept. Ask what evidence would change the decision, then send any photos, nearby-camera footage, or witness information you actually have through their reconsideration process. That’s different from disputing which coverage applies; it gives them more to assess about how the damage happened.