Someone Hit My Wing Mirror and Drove Off: What to Do?
February 27, 2024
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Discovering that someone has hit your wing mirror and then fled the scene can be both frustrating and disheartening, especially when you yourself always follow the rules of the road. And while this kind of hit-and-run incident might leave you without an immediate way to hold the responsible party accountable, there are a number of steps you can take to manage the situation effectively and ensure your vehicle is restored without unnecessary stress. Here's what you need to know.
First up, you’ll want to safely assess the extent of the damage to your wing mirror; depending on the impact, the damage could range from a minor scratch to a complete break. Understanding the severity of the damage will help you when it comes to deciding the next steps to take, especially when it comes to repairs and whether or not you want to make an insurance claim.
If there were any witnesses to the incident or you're in a location with CCTV, you’ll want to try to gather as much information as possible to prove that you’ve been a victim of a “hit-and-run” wing mirror incident. Any detail can significantly aid in tracking down the responsible party, so think of everything; dash cams, nearby CCTV from shops, and even testimonies from nearby pedestrians. Witnesses can also provide statements, and CCTV footage might capture the registration number of the vehicle that hit your wing mirror. If you can, note the time and date, as this could help in obtaining CCTV footage.
It’s also a good idea to take photographs of the damage and the surrounding area where the incident occurred; when combined, all of these documents will be key when reporting the incident to the police and your insurance provider.
Given the hit-and-run nature of the incident, it’s also a good idea to report the incident to the police as soon as possible - after all, failing to stop after causing damage to a vehicle is a criminal offence in the UK. The police report will also serve as another essential document when you're dealing with your insurance company, and helps tilt the balance in your favour.
Once you’ve got your documents gathered, contact your insurance provider and inform them of the incident, providing them with all the documentation you've put together, including the police report number. If the incident was not your fault, your insurance company might also be able to guide you through the process of making a claim without affecting your no-claims bonus.
Finally, while waiting for the insurance process to unfold, you'll need to consider repair options for your wing mirror. If the damage is minor and inexpensive, you might prefer to opt for a temporary fix, especially as your excess (as well as the potential increase in your premium) can mean that it ends up costing you more to make a claim in the long run. However, for more significant damage, getting quotes from reputable repair shops is wise; this ensures that you're ready to proceed once you receive the go-ahead from your insurance.
Being the victim of a hit-and-run can be a challenging experience, but knowing how to handle the situation can alleviate some of the stress involved. By following these steps, you can ensure that you've done everything within your power to resolve the incident efficiently. Remember, the key is to act promptly and gather as much evidence as possible to support your case, whether it's for the police, for insurance purposes, or for your own records.
In the UK, you should report a hit-and-run incident to the police within 24 hours; prompt reporting can increase the chances of the police identifying the perpetrator and can be crucial for insurance claims.
Yes, if you have comprehensive insurance, your policy will typically cover the cost of repairing or replacing a wing mirror damaged in a hit-and-run incident. However, you may be required to pay the excess, depending on your policy terms.
If you're unable to afford the excess, consider contacting your insurance provider to discuss your options. Some insurers may offer payment plans or waive the excess in certain circumstances, especially if the incident was not your fault.
While claiming compensation for a hit-and-run can be more challenging - especially if the perpetrator isn't found - you may be eligible for compensation through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) if you have the necessary documentation and police report.
