Hit and Run Car Insurance Claim Process & Compensation
A hit-and-run accident can leave victims and their families dealing with injuries, emotionalRead more
What is a Hit and Run Case?
A hit-and-run case is a criminal offence where the driver collides with another person or vehicle and intentionally leaves the scene without stopping to assist the victim, report the incident, or provide their contact and insurance details. These cases may involve:
- A vehicle hits a pedestrian and flees the scene
- A car collides with another vehicle and drives away
- An unidentified vehicle causes injuries to a two-wheeler rider
- An accident causing death or severe injuries, and the offending vehicle cannot be traced
Hit and Run Case Compensation Under Section 161
Since, in a hit and run case, the identity of the vehicle or driver is unknown, victims or their families can claim compensation under Section 161 of the Motor Vehicles Act.
Who Can Claim Compensation?
- A victim suffering grievous hurt
- Legal heirs in case of victim's death
- Authorised representative
Who Pays the Compensation?
- Government-backed compensation mechanism
- Not recovered from the unidentified driver
Compensation Amount for Hit and Run Cases
| Nature of Accident |
Compensation Amount |
| Death |
Rs. 2 Lakh |
| Grievous Hurt |
Rs. 50,000 |
Does Car Insurance Cover Hit and Run Accident Cases?
Yes, if the vehicle responsible for the accident cannot be identified or traced, you may be able to raise a claim against your car insurance for the damage to your own car. But the scope of coverage varies based on whether you have a comprehensive policy or only third-party insurance.
Hit and Run Coverage Under Comprehensive Insurance
If an unidentified vehicle hits your parked car, scratches it while passing by, or causes a collision and then flees, you can raise a claim under your comprehensive car insurance for damages incurred to your own car. The claim payout depends on your policy terms, applicable deductibles, and the extent of the damage.
No Compensation Under Third Party Insurance
If you only have third-party insurance, it will not cover damage to your own vehicle caused by a hit-and-run accident, and you have to bear repair expenses on your own.
Hit & Run Car Insurance Claim Procedure
After these basic steps are covered, the claimant can apply for hit and run insurance compensation in the following manner:
- The victim of the hit-and-run accident or his legal representative must file an application to the Claims Enquiry Officer in the respective Taluka. It must be noted that this application can be filed only by the accident victim who has sustained serious injuries or suffered property damages.
- The injured party/victim is free to appoint his/her family member or even an agent as a legal representative.
- If a death occurs in the accident, the legal representative can file for compensation on the deceased person's family's behalf.
- After making all due enquiries, the Claims Enquiry Officer will submit his report, along with other relevant documents like an injury certificate or post-mortem certificate, to the Claim Settlement Commissioner.
- The Claim Settlement Commissioner will coordinate with the District Collector or the Deputy Commissioner at the district level, following which the claim will be processed.
- The compensation dues will be sanctioned within 15 days from the time the Claim Enquiry Officer receives the report. He will then communicate the sanction order to the nominated office of the concerned insurance company.
Note: Currently, there is no restriction/limit concerning the number of days after the accident within which the compensation application must be filed.
