Hit and Run or Uninsured Driver in California: How to Get Your Car Fixed

Few things are more frustrating than having your car damaged by someone who drives away, or who turns out to have no insurance. You still have options for getting it repaired. Here is what California drivers should do.

This is general information, not legal advice. Your policy and situation determine what is covered.

Right after it happens

• Make sure everyone is safe and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
• Write down everything you can: plate number (even partial), make, model, color, direction of travel, and any damage to the other car.
• Look for witnesses and cameras. Nearby businesses, doorbell cameras, and dash cams can identify a driver.
• Take photos of your car, the scene, and any debris left behind.
• Call the police and get a report number. Your insurer will likely ask for it.
• Report to the DMV if required. In California, a crash with an injury or more than $1,000 in damage must be reported on form SR-1 within 10 days.

Which coverage may pay for the repair

• Collision coverage pays to repair your car regardless of fault, minus your deductible. This is often the simplest path in a hit and run.
• Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) can cover damage caused by an uninsured driver. In California it generally requires that the at-fault driver or vehicle be identified, and it has a coverage limit. If you have collision coverage, a separate collision deductible waiver may also apply when an uninsured driver is at fault.
• The at-fault driver directly. If an uninsured driver is identified, you may be able to seek repayment from them, often with help from your insurer.

Coverage details vary, so call your insurer or agent and ask exactly what applies.

Getting the repair started

Whichever coverage pays, you choose where your car is fixed. Give your insurer your claim number, tell them you are using Fix Auto Apple Valley, and we will handle the estimate, photos, and any supplements for hidden damage. See our insurance claim assistance page and your right to choose a body shop.

Paying out of pocket? We will give you a clear estimate and talk through options, such as repair versus replacement of parts, without cutting corners on safety.

While your car is being repaired

Ask about our local shuttle and rental car help. Whether rental is covered depends on your policy; our article on rentals and shuttle rides during repair explains how it works.

Common questions

Will a hit and run raise my rates?

That depends on your insurer and the circumstances. Ask your agent. A police report showing you were not at fault helps.

What if I only found the damage later, in a parking lot?

Treat it the same way: photos, a police report if your insurer requires one, and a claim. Check for nearby cameras quickly, since footage is often erased after a few days.

Text us if you are not sure where to start. We will help you sort out next steps.