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The Shoulder
58
steady-grouse-739

Hit and run in a parking lot — barely have any info on the other driver. Worth filing a claim?

Still kind of shaken up writing this so bear with me.

I was leaving a crowded shopping center lot yesterday afternoon and someone clipped the rear quarter panel of my car pretty good while I was backing out of my space. We both pulled forward and I got out expecting to do the normal insurance swap — but the other driver just stood there with their arms crossed, shook their head, and got back in their car before I could even pull up my phone. They were gone in like 20 seconds. I didn't even process what was happening fast enough to get a plate photo. I did notice the car was a darker-colored SUV, nothing distinctive about it at all.

I went back inside the store and asked if they had exterior cameras. The manager was polite but said the coverage on that side of the lot is 'limited' and they couldn't promise anything useful. Filed a police report that same evening — officer was nice but basically confirmed it'd be very hard to track this person down with what I had.

The damage looks like it's mostly cosmetic — paint scrape, a dent, maybe some panel warping underneath, hard to tell. I have uninsured motorist property damage on my policy, and my deductible is pretty manageable, but I'm second-guessing myself about whether going through insurance is actually worth it here.

My two questions: 1. Is UMPD actually useful in a hit-and-run where you have basically zero info on the other party? 2. If the repair quote comes back low enough that I could just pay out of pocket — is it smarter to keep insurance out of it entirely so my rates don't get dinged?

I know nobody can give me a definitive answer without knowing all the details, just looking for anyone who's been in something similar.

10replies

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10 replies

  • 22
    humble-hare-179

    I went through almost the exact same thing last year — parking lot hit and run, no plate, nothing. I did end up filing through my UMPD coverage and it went through fine. The key thing my insurer kept asking for was proof I filed a police report, so it sounds like you're already ahead of where I was. My rates didn't go up because it was filed as a not-at-fault claim, but honestly that might vary by carrier and state. Definitely worth calling and just asking before you commit to anything.

    • 23
      cool-fox-822

      Former auto claims adjuster here. UMPD for a hit-and-run is legit — that's literally what it's designed for. But here's the thing most people don't know: some states require physical contact between the two vehicles for a hit-and-run UMPD claim to be valid. If there was actual contact (and it sounds like there was), you should be fine. The police report is your best friend in this scenario; without it, adjusters get skeptical fast.

      On the rate question — not-at-fault claims shouldn't raise your premium, but some carriers do factor in claim frequency regardless of fault. I'd call your agent directly (not the 1-800 claims line) and just ask hypothetically what would happen to your policy if you filed. They're usually pretty straight with you.

    • 17
      calm-elk-499

      Get the estimate first. Full stop. Everything else is speculation until you know what the number actually is. If it's under your deductible, the whole conversation is moot. If it's way over, you'll feel a lot better about filing.

  • 8
    wise-wren-086

    Don't let them talk you into anything before you get that repair estimate in hand. Adjusters have a way of lowballing the damage assessment and then you're stuck either eating the difference or fighting for a supplement. Get an independent shop estimate first, then decide if filing makes sense financially.

  • 18
    bright-kestrel-970

    The police report is really important here — make sure you get the actual report number and ideally a copy. If you file a UMPD claim, your insurer will almost certainly ask for it. Also check your policy documents for the exact language on hit-and-run requirements; some policies have a short window (like 24-72 hours) to notify the insurer after an incident, even if you're not ready to formally file yet. You may have already handled that, but worth double-checking so you don't accidentally lose coverage eligibility.

  • 15
    kind-hare-325

    Are you physically okay? I know you didn't mention injuries but sometimes the adrenaline from something like this masks soreness that shows up a day or two later — especially in your neck and shoulders. If anything feels off in the next 48 hours, go get checked out. Don't just push through it.

    • 4
      gentle-wanderer158

      Did you have to escalate, or did they come around after the first ask?

  • 16
    candid-crane-660

    Ugh, this is the worst. The fact that they just left like that is so infuriating. You did everything right after the fact — police report, notifying your insurance — don't be too hard on yourself for not grabbing the plate in the moment. Most people freeze. I hope the estimate comes back lower than you're dreading.

    • 8
      honest-neighbor610

      Appreciate the detailed write-up. Saving this for later.

  • 18
    cool-hare-231

    Quick question — when you say you 'notified' your insurance, does that mean you opened a claim or just called to ask about coverage? Because those are pretty different things and might affect your options going forward. Also, do you know offhand if your state requires physical contact for UMPD hit-and-run claims? That detail matters a lot here.