Hit and run, what's my best course of action?
 

So I was driving and some b!tch pulled into the road without looking. Now I need a new bumper cover, right headlight, fender and whatever else might be broken underneath. As soon as it happened, she ran and I didn't find her again nor did I get her plate. Taking the car to some random shops for estimate it came out to be $3500. (headlight is $800 and fender $700!!!)

I have Wawanesa with full coverage, but they said this isn't covered under uninsured motorist since I don't have her name which sounds like BS. If I claim this (over $1000) my rate will go up for 3 years. What do you guys think is the best option? The rate hike might be just $300/year, but it's not certain until I claim it. (I hope that karma gets that b!tch!!!)

I also need a recommendation for a good bodyshop. I'm near the South Coast Mitsubishi dealer.

Why didn't you run after her?

Damn same exact thing happened to me last week except my car was in a parking lot while I was out eating. My driver's side fender, side of the bumper and headlight are getting repaired at the moment. It was $5400 in damages but I just paid a $500 deductible and have accident forgiveness. I also couldn't get it under uninsured motorist. Feelsbadman :(


Edit - hit up Sam "Smash" at HB Mitsubishi. They have a reputable body shop. Say someone from the forums referred you.

Damn that sucks :( Maybe you could get used head lights/ a fender off the forum or vendors :/

Somebody hit and runs me they better be prepared for the fight of their life! Sorry to hear your misfortune

I would start cursing around the area till you see her again. Odds are she lives/works around there. And did you get a make and model? If you did I would ask all the body shops to keep an eye on that car and ask them to call you if they have her come in.

+1. Chances are you have about 100hp or so that her.. Why not just follow her?

Anyway.. Sucks man. Hope you get it fixed and everything is back to normal. I would just go the insurance way.

Why didnt u chase her??? :/

Probably to avoid further damage to his car, or the shock factor of being hit. Don't always think on your toes when your in a accident.

Same **** happened to me...sorry for them thinking they could outrun a 600 HP car {thumbup} and lucky for me to have my concealed carry permit.

1. Sorry this happened but there is more to this story then whats here....

2. In a hit and run you call the police, even if its after the shock and awe are gone.

3. Your insurance company has an A rating. I checked. Bottom line with a police report they HAVE to pay for your car at the very least as a collision.

4. One accident wont raise rates 300 per year.

5. Surely you remember the car type, color, make.. etc etc...?

shouldn't this be covered under comprehensive coverage?

comp usually covers vandalism/hitting a deer/hail damage/etc where responsible party is either unknown or not a person... seems similar in this case. at any rate, it should NOT affect your premium, since it wasn't your fault. comp claims should not affect premiums.

#1. File a police report. Without one, many insurance companies will not pay.

#2. Document the damage now. Photos.

#3. This is usually covered under uninsured motorist, but sometimes it comes under comprehensive. Either way, with full coverage, it is covered.

Are you sure you didn't hit something? Your story is kind of weird if you ask me. Why didn't you call the cops?

Thanks guys for the replies. So to clarify some things. Immediately after the collision, she backed up the car. I was distracted and was just thinking I'll pull over and get all the info. (I assumed she was honest) So I had my head down to grab all the food that just spilled to the floor. It took only 5 seconds maybe. When I came back up, she was already gone.

No I did not hit something and trying to claim a hit and run. And yes I did call the cops to get a report filed, and they couldn't do anything besides give me a police report. Which is totally understandable. Props to LAPD for getting there in less than 10 min with a great attitude. Currently trying to get the video footage (if any) from the supermarket's security office. I called Wawanesa back and this time they said I should be covered without a rate increase. So the previous Wawanesa rep must have misspoke. Maybe I didn't make it clear that I have comprehensive coverage.

Since insurance is taking care of it without a rate hike, I reported to them and filed a claim. Now I just need to find a good bodyshop. I spoke with Sam at HB Mitsubishi, and I couldn't get a straight answer. I'll call back and try again. Any other suggestions for bodyshop?


*edit* called Sam back, he said other than their own bodyshop on site, he doesn't have a recommendation.