What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident

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Being in an accident of any kind is stressful, but being involved in a hit-and-run accident makes the situation worse. If this happens to you, here’s what you should do:

1. Check for injuries to you and your passengers.
2. Stay where you are and do NOT attempt to follow the driver who hit you.
3. Turn on your hazard lights.
4. Call 911. The operator will tell you if the police will be there or if you need to call or go to the police station to report the accident.
5. Take pictures of the damage if you can do it safely. You can also access your insurance ID card through the Shelter Mobile App if you don't have your physical card with you.
6. Get the name, address and phone numbers of any witnesses.
7. Record as many details about the car that hit you as possible, including the description of the car, license plate info (if you got any before they got away) and what direction they headed after they hit you. Include notes about the accident and specific damages to all vehicles involved.
8. If your car needs to be towed, make sure you know where they're taking it and how to reach them. Remove all valuables, including your insurance and registration information, beforehand.
9. Report your claim in one of the following ways:
   • Call us at 1-800-SHELTER (1-800-743-5837)
   • Log on to your My Shelter account
   • Report it through the My Shelter app
   • Visit https://www.shelterinsurance.com/CA/claims/file

Will My Insurance Cover This?
It depends on the coverage you have. Shelter offers optional Uninsured Motorist – Bodily Injury and Uninsured Motorist – Property Damage coverage, as well as collision coverage that may help you pay for some of the damages. If you don’t have these coverages, talk to your agent about them before an accident occurs. If you’ve already been involved in a hit and run accident and have these coverages, talk to your agent about which ones may apply.

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