Liability Only Car Insurance Will it Cover Hit and Run Accident?

Reader’s Question:

I got involved in a hit and run in Houston.  I got the other person’s license plate number. I have the liability car insurance on my vehicle which will not cover a hit and run. How can I know out if the individual that hit me has car insurance or not?

Anna

Houston, TX

If you have not yet reported the hit and run you should do so as soon as possible by calling the Houston law enforcement agency so they can investigate. With the license plate number you have for the at-fault motorist in the hit and run, hopefully the police can track down the owner of the vehicle.

According to the Texas Department of Insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage will pay for your damage in a hit and-run accident only if the accident is reported to the police. Even if you don’t have this type of coverage it is likely if you find the at-fault car owner their insurance provider will require a police report on the accident.

If the motorist is found and the car owner takes responsibility then you should be able to place a claim with their insurance company. If instead the police are only able to find the owner of the car then you may need to check with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to see if they will release information on the person’s car insurance information that is on file with them.