Your duty in a UM/UIM claim: notify the police after a hit-and-run

What to do after a hit-and-run: the insured’s duty in UM/UIM claims

If you’ve ever been sideswiped by a hit-and-run driver, you know the adrenaline dump is real. You pull over, check for injuries, and gauge the damage to your vehicle. In that moment, there’s a quiet, legal duty you’re probably not thinking about—one that can shape how your UM (uninsured motorist) or UIM (underinsured motorist) claim plays out in New York. The duty? Notify the police about the hit-and-run. It sounds simple, but that single step can be the difference between a smooth claim and a frustrating back-and-forth with an insurer.

Let’s unpack why this matters, what it looks like in real life, and how to handle the moment well—so you’re prepared if this ever happens to you.

The backbone of UM/UIM claims in New York

First, a quick refresher. UM and UIM coverages come into play when the person who caused the crash either has no insurance or not enough to cover your damages. In New York, like many states, you carry these coverages as part of your auto policy. They’re designed to protect you, your passengers, and your vehicle when the at-fault driver is underinsured or uninsured.

Here’s the core point you need to remember: when a hit-and-run occurs, your claim isn’t just about the damage to your car. It hinges on evidence that a crash happened and that the other party can’t be found or can’t pay. That is where the police report becomes essential. It creates an official record of the incident, including where it happened, when, what injuries or damages occurred, and the circumstances that led to the crash. This isn’t a bureaucratic formality—it’s the backbone that helps you establish the facts for your UM/UIM claim.

Why notifying the police is the right move

• It creates an official trail. Insurance companies want objective documentation. A police report provides a contemporaneous account that your insurer can rely on, rather than a recollection months later.

• It helps identify the other party. In a hit-and-run, there may be witnesses, plate numbers, or distinctive vehicle details that law enforcement can pursue. That pursuit increases the odds that the responsible driver will be located or that enough evidence will exist to support your claim.

• It supports your credibility. You’re not making a vague “someone hit me” claim. You’ve escalated to law enforcement, so your account comes with a level of seriousness and verification.

• It aligns with legal expectations in many situations. In cases of property damage or personal injury, notifying authorities is often required by law. Doing so promptly minimizes questions later about whether the incident actually occurred.

What happens after you notify the police

After you report a hit-and-run, you’ll typically receive a case or incident number. That number becomes part of your claim file and gives you a reference point for follow-up with both the police and your insurer. While you’re at it, you’ll want to gather information that strengthens your case:

• Details from the scene. Time, location, weather, traffic conditions, and any evidence at the site (photos, video, skid marks) can be useful.

• Witness information. If someone saw what happened, their contact details and a brief statement can help.

• Photos of the damage. Clear pictures of the vehicle, any debris, and the surrounding area provide a tangible map of what occurred.

• Your medical notes. If you were hurt, keep medical records and anything your doctor says about injuries and care.

• Your police report number. Keep this handy; you’ll need it when you file the UM/UIM claim with your insurer.

What about the other duties you might hear about?

You’ll often hear suggestions like forwarding every claim to your insurer or submitting photos straight away. Those actions are sensible, but they don’t replace the critical step of notifying the police in a hit-and-run scenario. They’re part of the broader process, not the primary duty in this specific situation. Waiting for your insurer to contact you isn’t the same as actively reporting the incident. The insured’s job is to establish the incident with authorities first, then collaborate with the insurer to document the loss, quantify damages, and pursue the UM/UIM option.

A practical path to filing a UM/UIM claim after a hit-and-run

• Call the police immediately if you’re safe to do so. Don’t pause to assess fault or argue with other drivers. Your priority is safety and a formal report.

• Obtain the police report number and the officer’s name. This makes it easier to follow up and to reference the incident later.

• Gather evidence on scene if you can. Photos of both vehicles, the location, any street signs, and dashboard cameras or witness statements can reinforce your account.

• Notify your insurer. Do this as soon as practical. Provide your police report number, a concise description of what happened, and any evidence you’ve collected.

• Keep medical records organized. If you were injured, your medical bills and doctor’s notes will matter in the UM/UIM claim.

• Follow up in writing. A brief email or letter confirming the incident details and your police report number can help keep everyone on the same page.

• Don’t admit fault at the scene. Statements like “It was my fault” or “I’m not sure what happened” can complicate your claim. Stick to the facts you know and defer fault determinations to the investigators.

Tips to stay prepared in New York

• Have a ready-to-go safety kit in your car: a charged phone, a notepad, a pen, a disposable camera or camera on your phone, and the emergency contact numbers for your insurer.

• Keep a copy of your insurance card and policy details accessible. Know your UM/UIM coverage limits so you’re not hunting for information mid-crisis.

• Practice a quick script. If you’re involved in a hit-and-run, you can say, “I exchanged information with the other driver, but I couldn’t locate them. I notified the police and will file a claim.” Simple and accurate statements help prevent misrepresentations later.

• Consider a dash cam. It can capture crucial details like vehicle make, model, color, and license plate, which can be incredibly helpful when the other driver doesn’t stick around.

• Understand the local rules. New York’s approach to uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage has nuances. A quick chat with your insurer about whether you have the right coverage and the steps to file can save headaches.

Common pitfalls—and how to avoid them

• Waiting to report the incident. The sooner you involve the police and your insurer, the better your chances of a smooth claims process. Delays can complicate timelines and documentation.

• Sharing fault or blame. Even if you think you contributed to the crash, avoid self-blame statements. Let investigators and claims professionals determine fault.

• Missing or inaccurate information. Incomplete police reports or missing witness contacts can stall a claim. Take notes, ask for copies, and double-check dates and locations.

• Forgetting to document injuries. If you felt fine at first but later developed symptoms, don’t assume they’re not connected. Medical documentation matters for UM/UIM claims.

How this fits into the bigger picture of New York auto damage appraisal

In New York, a clear, well-documented path through the damage appraisal process helps ensure you’re adequately compensated when the other driver can’t pay. The police report isn’t just a formality; it’s a foundational piece of evidence that supports your UM/UIM claim. The insurer will use the documentation to verify the incident, assess the damage, and determine compensation. A solid starting point—rooted in notifying authorities—can make the appraisal smoother and more accurate.

A quick recap you can carry with you

• If a hit-and-run happens, notify the police right away. It’s the insured person’s key duty in UM/UIM scenarios.

• Get the police report number and keep it with your claim files.

• Gather photos, witness details, medical records, and any other supporting evidence.

• Notify and coordinate with your insurer promptly; don’t wait for a callback.

• Be careful about fault, but don’t ignore injuries or damage. Document everything.

• For your own peace of mind, consider tools like a dash cam and a ready-to-go information kit in your car.

A practical mindset for tough moments

Car crashes are jarring, and the aftermath can feel overwhelming. The important thing is clarity: you’re protecting yourself and setting up the path for a fair resolution. The act of notifying the police is not about a single moment; it’s about the chain of documentation that follows—police records, witness statements, medical bills, and, ultimately, a fair appraisal of your damages. In the middle of chaos, a small, deliberate step can save you from a lot of trouble later.

If you’re navigating a UM/UIM situation in New York, you’re not alone. Insurance policies are loaded with language and options, but the core idea stays simple: when the other driver isn’t there to own the consequence, you lean on the law and on solid evidence to get the outcome you deserve. The police report is your ally in this process, turning a messy incident into a documented truth that your insurer can act on.

So, the next time a hit-and-run shakes your world, remember the duty that matters most: contact the authorities. It’s the sturdy anchor that helps your New York auto damage appraisal journey stay on course, even when the road gets bumpy. And if you take nothing else away from this, let it be this: you don’t have to navigate this alone. Lean on the process, collect what you can, and keep moving forward—quietly confident that you’ve done what’s needed to protect your rights and your peace of mind

What the insured must do in a UM/UIM claim after a hit-and-run

If you’re ever sideswiped and the other driver vanishes into traffic, the aftermath can feel like a scramble. The adrenaline fades, the car door creaks open, and you start weighing what to do next. In New York, there’s a clear duty for the insured in a UM/UIM claim that often gets overlooked in the chaos: notify the police about the hit-and-run. It’s not a flashy move, but it’s the anchor that keeps your claim grounded and easier to manage through the New York auto damage appraisal process.

Let’s break down why this matters, what to do in the moment, and how this one step threads through the rest of your claim.

UM/UIM in a nutshell—why you care

UM stands for uninsured motorist, and UIM for underinsured motorist. These coverages kick in when the driver who caused the crash either has no insurance or not enough to cover the damage and injuries. In New York, you carry these protections inside your own policy, designed to safeguard you, your passengers, and your ride when the other party can’t pay up.

The key idea: a hit-and-run isn’t just a bad luck moment. It’s an incident where evidence matters a lot—proof that a crash happened, and proof that the other party can’t be located or refuses to pay. That’s where a police report becomes essential. It’s not just paperwork; it’s documentation that supports your claim when you turn to UM/UIM benefits.

Why notifying the police is the right move

• It creates an reliable record. Insurance companies rely on facts, not fuzzy memories. A police report provides a documented account from the moment of the incident, which helps your claim stay on solid footing.

• It helps investigators chase down the other driver. In a hit-and-run, any lead—the plate number, a rough description, or witness statements—gets a leg up when law enforcement is involved.

• It boosts your credibility. If you’ve escalated the situation to a formal report, your account carries more weight than a passerby recollection, which can matter when the insurer is weighing coverage.

• It aligns with legal requirements. In many cases, reporting accidents with damage or injury promptly is the prudent (and sometimes required) thing to do, reducing questions later about the incident’s legitimacy.

What happens after you report the hit-and-run

Once you’ve told the police, you usually get a case or incident number. That number should travel with your claim file, because it ties together the police documentation with your insurance paperwork. Here’s what to gather and why it helps:

• Scene details. Note the time, location, weather, traffic patterns, and any visible clues from the scene. Photos and video can capture skid marks, debris, and the overall layout.

• Evidence from others. If a passerby or witness saw something, collect their contact info and a short statement. Witness accounts can be a powerful corroboration.

• Photos of the damage. Clear, close-up images of the vehicle and the surrounding area map out what happened and help the appraiser see the extent of the damage.

• Medical records. If there were injuries or any symptoms later on, keep medical notes and bills—they often factor into the UM/UIM evaluation.

• Police report number. Keep this handy; you’ll need it when you file the claim and for any follow-up inquiries.

What about other duties you might hear about?

Folks might tell you to forward every claim, or to rush photos to the insurer right away. Those steps are sensible, but they don’t replace the critical duty of notifying the police in a hit-and-run situation. They’re pieces of a larger process, not a substitute for that key initial step. Waiting to hear from the insurer isn’t the same as actively reporting the incident. Your job is to establish the incident with authorities first, then work with the insurer to document the loss, quantify damages, and pursue UM/UIM coverage.

A practical path to filing a UM/UIM claim after a hit-and-run

• Call the police right away if you’re safe. Your safety comes first. Don’t stall to argue about fault—let the scene be processed and documented.

• Get the report number and officer’s name. This makes follow-up straightforward and helps keep your claim organized.

• Gather scene evidence if you can. Take photos from multiple angles, capture nearby signs, and note the location specifics. A dash cam can be especially handy here.

• Notify your insurer promptly. Share a concise description of what happened, include the police report number, and attach any collected evidence.

• Organize medical information. If you were injured, keep all medical records and doctor notes ready for the claim.

• Follow up in writing. A short email or letter restating the incident details and including your police number helps prevent mix-ups.

• Be careful about fault. Don’t admit fault at the scene or in early conversations. Let investigators determine fault based on the evidence.

Tips to stay prepared in New York

• Keep a compact safety kit in your car: a charged phone, a small notepad, pen, a camera or good camera phone, and quick access to your insurer’s contact info.

• Have your policy handy. Know your UM/UIM coverage limits so you’re not scrambling in a crisis.

• Practice a simple script. If you’re involved in a hit-and-run, a straightforward line like, “I reported the incident to the police and will file a UM/UIM claim” keeps things clear.

• Consider a dash cam. It provides a visual record of vehicle details, even when the other driver doesn’t stay.

• Learn the basics of New York’s uninsured/underinsured rules. A quick chat with your insurer about the process can save headaches later.

Common pitfalls—and how to avoid them

• Delaying the report. The sooner you involve the police and your insurer, the smoother the process tends to be.

• Blaming yourself. It’s natural to question fault, but avoid making self-blaming statements. Let the investigation sort that out.

• Missing information. Incomplete police reports or lost witness contacts stall claims. Take notes, ask for copies, and verify dates and locations.

• Overlooking injuries. Even if you feel fine at first, symptoms can show up later. Document any medical developments to protect your UM/UIM rights.

How this fits into the bigger picture of New York auto damage appraisal

In New York, the road from incident to compensation runs through careful documentation. The police report isn’t a mere form; it’s foundational evidence for your UM/UIM claim. Appraisers and insurers rely on accurate records to verify the crash, assess damages, and determine fair compensation. Starting with a solid police report can make the entire damage appraisal process quicker and more precise.

A quick recap you can carry with you

• In a hit-and-run, notifying the police is the insured’s essential duty in UM/UIM scenarios.

• Save the police report number and keep it with your claim files.

• Gather photos, witness details, medical records, and any other supporting evidence.

• Notify your insurer promptly and provide the police report number.

• Be careful about fault, but don’t skip documenting injuries or damages.

• Equip your car with a dash cam and a ready-to-use information kit for peace of mind.

A practical mindset for tough moments

Crashes shake you up, no doubt. The path forward can feel technical, almost like learning a new language of insurance and appraisal. But the core idea stays simple: you’re protecting yourself by building a clear, documented trail. The police report is your ally, turning a chaotic moment into concrete facts that your insurer can act on. It’s not about heroics; it’s about making sure you’re treated fairly when the other driver isn’t there to answer for their part.

If you ever find yourself in a UM/UIM situation in New York, you’re not alone. Insurance rules can feel dense, but the essence is straightforward: get authorities involved, collect solid evidence, and stay organized. The police report sets the course, guiding your claim through the auto damage appraisal process toward a fair outcome. And remember, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Rely on the process, gather what you can, and move forward with confidence—knowing you’ve done what’s needed to protect your rights and your peace of mind.