What To Do When Someone Hits Your Parked Car - Apia

Finishing the grocery shopping only to find a big dent in your car door is an awful feeling, especially if the culprit didn’t leave their details. The good news is, if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident, your comprehensive car insurance could help.

Does car insurance cover hit-and-run accidents?

If you have Apia Comprehensive Car Insurance, you’re covered in the event of a hit-and-run. Where we agree the driver of your car was not at fault (this means that the other driver was entirely at fault) and you give us the responsible driver’s registration number, name and address, you won’t have to pay an excess. But you’ll probably have to pay it if the driver can’t be identified. This can be frustrating, but having to pay the total repair amount could cost you a lot more.

If you have Compulsory Third Party (CTP) cover (also called Green Slip in NSW and MAI in the ACT) or Third Party Fire and Theft cover and the police can’t track down the driver, you’ll likely be left to foot the bill for the repairs.

What do I do if my car is involved in a hit-and-run?

1. Try to prevent further damage

It’s important you do everything you reasonably can to limit and prevent further loss or damage (e.g. only drive your car if it's safe to do so).

2. Contact the police

An officer will usually document the incident and create an official report. They might also be able to track down the guilty driver if you weren’t able to get their registration number.

3. Collect as much information as possible

Make a note of the driver's name, address, phone number and registration number, if you can. Take photos of the damage and talk to witnesses to see if anyone can provide extra information.

4. Contact your insurer

It’s a good idea to contact your insurer as soon as possible so the details of the incident are clear in your mind. They’ll let you know what information is needed to make a claim and what the process will look like. If you were able to get the other driver’s details, your insurance company will work with them or their insurer to settle the claim appropriately.

Will I have to pay an excess?

If you couldn’t get the at-fault driver’s details, you’ll have to pay an excess if you choose to make an insurance claim to get the damage repaired. The other option is to pay for the repairs yourself. If you think the cost of repairs will be less than your excess amount, or you’re not sure, it might be a good idea to get quotes from smash repairers before making a claim to determine which option will cost less.

Will I lose my no claim bonus*?

A no claim bonus (NCB)* is a discount that rewards Apia drivers with Comprehensive Car Insurance for having a good claims history. You’ll keep your NCB* if:

• you’re claiming for windscreen or window glass damage only; or
• your NCB* is protected (Rating-P); or
• the accident was not your fault; and
• you can prove that another person was completely responsible; and
• you tell us the persons’ full name, current address and the registration number of their car.

For more information refer to the Product Disclosure Statement and Additional Information Guide.

Having the right cover might save you

Although discovering damage to your parked car can be stressful and upsetting, having the right car insurance in place can help to lighten the load.

Explore Apia Comprehensive Car Insurance

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