Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Hit and Runs
I was rear ended by a new car, no license plate, this past weekend. The driver sped up and drove away before I could do anything. I believe it might be the new Prius C - Summer Rain Metallic because of the distinct color and the back looked identical.
My car is 2012 Honda Civic. The rear tail light is damaged, there are scratches on the bumper and the bumper sticks out a little bit. I am unsure of internal damages, since I have not gotten it fully checked out. I have Mercury insurance with full coverage. Can I claim the hit and run under the uninsured motorist coverage for property damage? Some people said because it is a hit-and-run, unless I can prove the driver does not have insurance, I can't not claim UM coverage. That does not make sense to me.
3 attorney answers
As long as there was (1) contact by the hit-and-run car and (2) you reported it to the police, you should get UM coverage. Report it to the police if you haven't already.
Answering your question does not make me your lawyer. No attorney-client relationship is created until we enter into a written agreement signed by both you and I.
If you have full coverage with Mercury I cannot imagine you will have any problem collecting uninsured motorist coverage Whatever you do report the incident to the police. A late report is better than no report. When push comes to shove Mercury will pay your claim.
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I have reported to police already. As a follow up question, I understand UM covers bodily injury, but is it true that it will not cover property damage unless I provide evidence that the driver did not have insurance? (which seems like impossible given the circumstances)
Thank you for your response.
Gordon Ralph Levinson
Call to discuss further.