Don’t panic after a hit-and-run: Here’s how car insurance helps Filipino drivers

Hit-and-run cases are becoming more and more common, especially in crowded city streets and heavy traffic areas. In such situations, the driver often panics and flees the crime scene. In such a situation, the victim's car and its owner suffer, but not if the victim has car insurance.

Yes, with a proper car insurance policy, you can claim for a hit-and-run incident and avoid the financial burden of repairs. In this article, we’ll discuss car insurance and how it can be helpful in stressful situations.

Let’s get started….

What counts as a hit-and-run incident?

A hit-and-run is an incident in which another driver hits your car - it can be a minor bump or a severe collision - and the driver flees the scene without apologising or providing any information. In the Philippines, hit-and-run is a punishable offence.

Common examples of hit-and-run cases

• A motorcycle scratches your car and speeds off
• A vehicle sideswipes your car and refuses to stop
• Your parked car got hit by another vehicle that disappeared

Misconception about hit-and-run

• Hit-and-run only applies if the damage is serious
• Minor dents and scratches do not qualify as hit-and-run
• Insurance does not cover damages caused by a hit-and-run

Also Read: Impact of safety features on car insurance premiums

Initial steps to take after a hit-and-run

First things first, stay calm, check for everyone’s safety and prepare for the next step. Here is the basic guideline -

Ensure personal safety

Before anything else, check if -

• Anyone got injured
• The surroundings are safe
• The vehicle’s position; see if movement is required to avoid a traffic jam

Evidence collection

It is essential to collect evidence from the scene, especially if the other driver has fled. It is advisable to -

• Take photos of the damage, take multi-angle shots.
• Make a video of the surroundings, capture the signal, visibility, traffic, etc.
• Gather the witnesses' names and contact information
• Secure dashcam footage (if available)

Notify the local authorities

It is essential to report the incident to the police and secure a report. This will help strengthen your claim application.

Car insurance & hit-and-run: What a Filipino driver should know

If you have ever been a victim of a hit-and-run, you must understand that no one can help you better than your insurance provider. Your policy is your biggest saviour, protecting you legally, financially, and emotionally.

How does CTPL insurance help?

Compulsory Third-Party Liability (CTPL) insurance is mandatory in our country. And that’s for a reason: apart from the LTO requirement, it offers essential third-party coverage, including bodily injury or death. It does not cover damage to your car; therefore, in the event of a hit-and-run incident, CTPL won’t cover the repair, and we consequently need more insurance.

What does comprehensive insurance cover?

As discussed, CTPL insurance does not cover damage to your vehicle, and it is here that a comprehensive car insurance policy steps in. Depending on the policy, it usually includes damage to the car, theft, fire, flood, and hit-and-run collision.

This indicates that comprehensive insurance will cover repairs even if the offending driver can’t be identified.

Other helpful additional coverage (add-ons)

If you are a smart Filipino car owner and policyholder who is interested in additional coverage. Here are a few add-ons you can get: Personal Accident coverage, Roadside Assistance, and Excess Bodily Injury. These extra bits of coverage offer greater peace of mind in the event of an accident.

Also Read: Windscreen coverage in the Philippines explained: Inclusions, exclusions, and why it matters

How to file an insurance claim after a hit-and-run

Claiming insurance after a hit-and-run case is easy, given that you know the process. Here are the essentials you should know -

What documents do you need to prepare & submit?

When submitting a duly accomplished claim form, you need to submit the following documents -

• Vehicle’s OR/CR
• Driver’s license
• Police report
• Photos & videos
• Insurance policy copy

What is the claim process timeline?

Depending on the insurance provider, the claim processing timeline is usually 7 to 14 days, during which the first few days are dedicated to initial approval, followed by investigation, repairs, ordering parts, and other formalities.

Why do claims get delayed?

Here are some common reasons claims are delayed in the Philippines: missing documents, conflicting driver statements, and unclear evidence.

How do insurance providers investigate hit-and-run cases?

Most insurance providers in the Philippines follow a strict review process while investigating a hit-and-run case -

Evaluating vehicle damage
The provider will send an adjuster to inspect the vehicle, estimate the repair cost, and verify whether the damage matches the policyholder's account of the accident.

Verification of facts
Providers need to verify every fact the policyholder provides during the claim process. This is done by reviewing dashcam footage (if available), witness statements, the police report, and repair estimates.

All this helps the insurer ensure that the claim filed is valid and should be approved.

Also Read: Difference between basic car insurance and add-ons: Insights for Filipino drivers

Tips to get faster claim approval (and avoid stress)

Tip 1: Keep your policy updated
As a car owner with a car insurance policy, it is your duty to ensure the premium is paid and that coverage is optimal and suitable.

Tip 2: Maintain dashcam evidence
Do you know that a dashcam can speed up your claim application process? Yes, such evidence can speed the process by almost 50%.

Tip 3: Communicate with your provider
Clear, open communication with your insurance provider is essential and very helpful when filing a claim. Be it responding to a message, notifying the provider, or confirming the list of required documents, stay in touch with your provider.

What every Filipino driver should remember (in case of a hit-and-run case)

• A hit-and-run case is covered under Comprehensive Insurance; CTPL is of no help
• Get a police report to support your claim
• Document the scene with photos, videos, and witness information
• Make sure your policy stays active and up to date
• Dashcam footage can significantly help your claim
• Contact your provider immediately

Also Read: Essential facts about total loss in car insurance: A simple guide for Filipino drivers

Bottom line

An accident or collision of any kind is dangerous and stressful; however, what is essential is staying calm and prepared. Two things that will make all the difference and help you bounce back here are the proper knowledge and a reliable car insurance policy. Just remember to notify your agent or provider asap and get the work started, as a delay can complicate the claim process, and you might end up shouldering unnecessary expenses. You can even speed up the process by clicking photos of the damage, gathering & submitting proper documents, and being truthful to your agent.

With a reliable car insurance provider and an optimum policy by your side, you can stay safe, secure, and have support through every step.

Also Read: Car Flooding 101: What to do and when insurance will cover the damage