Hit and Run: What to Do and How to Claim

A hit and run is one of the most stressful things that can happen on the road. Someone hits your car and drives off, leaving you with damage, possibly injuries, and no idea who they are. In Scotland, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offence. The driver can face up to six months in prison, a fine, and disqualification. But that does not help you in the moment. Here is what to do.

Try to note as much as you can about the other vehicle. The registration number is the most valuable piece of information. Even a partial plate is useful. Note the make, model, and colour of the car and the direction it went. If there are any witnesses, get their details immediately.

Check for CCTV cameras nearby. Shops, petrol stations, car parks, and residential doorbells may have captured the incident. Take photos of your vehicle damage and the scene while everything is fresh.

Call 101 (or 999 if anyone is injured) and report the hit and run as soon as possible. In Scotland, failing to stop after an accident is investigated by Police Scotland and, if the driver is identified, can be referred to the Procurator Fiscal for prosecution. A police report also creates an official record that supports your claim.

If the other driver is never identified, you can claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) under their Untraced Drivers Agreement. This covers personal injury compensation but, unlike claims against uninsured drivers, it does not cover vehicle damage. That is an important distinction.

If the driver is traced (through CCTV, witnesses, or police work) but turns out to be uninsured, your claim moves to the MIB's Uninsured Drivers Agreement instead, which does cover vehicle damage with a £350 excess.

If you have comprehensive cover, you can claim for vehicle damage through your own insurer. You will need to pay your excess, and it may affect your no-claims bonus in the short term (though it should be reinstated once it is confirmed that the accident was not your fault). Whether to claim on your own policy or wait for the MIB process depends on the amount of damage and your excess level.

For MIB untraced driver claims, you need to apply within three years of the accident. But the sooner you start, the better. Evidence fades, witnesses forget details, and CCTV footage is typically overwritten after 30 days. Acting quickly gives your claim the best chance.

Been the victim of a hit and run? Tell us what happened and we will advise you on the best way forward.