Someone doors your car and flees. Is it a hit and run?

It happens more often than you might think. You return to your parked car after a grocery run to find your passenger side door dinged or your mirror hanging loose — and there’s no note or responsible driver at the scene.

Or perhaps you’re driving through an intersection when another car sideswipes you before speeding off into the dark. Even worse, you’re struck by a vehicle while crossing the road, and the driver flees without offering help.

These are all examples of illegal hit-and-run incidents. Under Canada’s Highway Traffic Act (or the equivalent provincial legislation), any driver involved in a collision must stop, exchange information, and help if anyone is injured. Failing to stop can result in fines, demerit points, license suspension, or even criminal charges in severe cases.

Nationally, roughly one in 12 pedestrian fatalities involves a hit-and-run, according to Statistics Canada. While that figure specifically addresses pedestrian deaths, it does highlight a broader issue: hit-and-runs — from simple dooring incidents in parking lots to serious collisions — happen far more often than many drivers realize.

If you’re an unlucky victim of a hit-and-run — even a minor one — here’s how your insurance coverage applies, and what steps to take when the unexpected happens.

How your insurer handles hit-and-run claims

The way your insurer processes a hit-and-run claim largely depends on whether the other driver can be identified.

According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), hit-and-run damage is one of the most common types of claims seen in parking lots, especially during busy shopping seasons. Whether your vehicle was sideswiped, doored, or scraped, the key question is: do you know who did it?

“Yes — I identified the driver, got their plate number, insurance information, and their cooperation.”

In this case, your claim may proceed under Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD) coverage — available in provinces such as Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia and others. Under DCPD, your insurer pays for repairs and then recovers the costs from the at-fault driver’s insurer. As these claims are typically considered not-at-fault, you likely won’t have to pay your deductible. In provinces without DCPD — such as British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba — the process is similar but handled directly against the at-fault driver’s insurer.

“No — the other driver fled the scene and cannot be identified.”

In this classic hit-and-run scenario, your claim typically falls under collision coverage, which is optional in most standard auto policies. Collision coverage pays to repair your vehicle after a collision, regardless of fault.

In this case, your insurer will cover repairs after you pay your deductible, and you’ll be treated as an insured driver versus an unknown party. A police report is usually required to verify the hit-and-run. Without it, your insurer may classify the damage as an at-fault claim.

“I’m injured after a hit-and-run, and the responsible driver fled the scene.”

Uninsured Automobile coverage protects you when the at-fault driver cannot be located or does not have insurance. It can help cover vehicle repairs (up to certain limits), medical expenses, rehabilitation, and compensation if you or a passenger are seriously injured or killed.

Across Canada, auto insurance policies include some form of mandatory medical or rehabilitation coverage. In Ontario, this is called Accident Benefits, which provides medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits for you and your passengers — covering hospital bills, physiotherapy, and other recovery expenses — regardless of who was at fault.  

Related: At-fault accident rules: 10 common accidents and who is at fault

Steps to take after a hit-and-run

If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run, following these steps can strengthen your insurance claim and improve the chances of identifying the responsible driver.

Step 1: Gather information

• Note the time, location, and any details about the fleeing vehicle (make, model, colour, license plate, direction of travel).
• Take clear photos of your vehicle, the scene, and any marks or debris.
• Look for witnesses and get their contact information. Also check nearby for businesses or traffic cameras that may have captured footage.

Step 2: Report the incident to the police

• File a police report as soon as possible.
• Provide all details and photos you’ve collected.
• A police report is usually required by insurers to verify the hit-and-run.

Step 3: Contact your insurer

• Notify your insurer promptly, ideally within 24-48 hours. You can do this online, by phone, or through your broker.
• Provide your policy number, police report, photos, and witness information.
• Your insurer will advise whether your claim falls under DCPD, collision, or uninsured automobile coverage, and explain deductibles and limits.
• If the damage is minor – like a small scrape on your door – or close to your deductible, you might choose to pay for repairs yourself to avoid affecting your claims-free discount.

Read more: How to file a car insurance claim after a collision | Rates.ca

Reduce your risk of hit-and-run

While you can’t control other drivers, these practical steps can reduce your risk of a hit-and-run and support your claim if one occurs:

• Park smart: Choose busy, well-lit areas or spots near entrances and exits with security cameras. High visibility deters careless drivers and increases the likelihood of witnesses.
• Leave space: Avoid tight spots or areas where other vehicles are likely to scrape or “door” your car.
• Install a dash cam: Many modern dash cams record while parked, often using motion detection, providing crucial evidence in hit-and-run or dooring incidents.
• Practice the “Dutch Reach”: Use your far hand to open your car door so you naturally look over your shoulder, reducing dooring accidents.
• Be ready to exchange information: If you accidentally hit another car or cyclist, leave your contact and insurance details to avoid a hit-and-run scenario and potential legal or insurance complications.

If you’re unsure what your current auto policy covers, talk to your broker or insurer. They can help confirm whether your collision and uninsured automobile coverage meet your needs — and whether your deductible makes sense for your vehicle’s value and where you typically park.

The bottom line is simple: while you can’t always prevent someone from hitting your car and driving away, you can make sure you’re protected if they do.