Hit and run in NYC — what to do

Stay at the scene. Document everything — your vehicle damage, surrounding area, time of day, weather conditions. If you have any partial information about the fleeing vehicle (color, make, model, partial plate, direction of travel), record it immediately while memory is fresh.

Look for witnesses — passersby, store employees, residents in the area. NYC also has extensive surveillance — nearby businesses, traffic cameras, parking lot cameras. The NYPD can pull footage during their investigation.

Hit and run accidents are crimes in New York — leaving the scene of an accident is a misdemeanor for property damage only, felony if there are injuries. NYPD will respond to the scene and file a Police Accident Report (MV-104).

The police report is essential for your insurance claim. Without it, claims often face delays or denial — carriers want documented evidence the accident occurred.

If you were hit while driving and the other driver fled, your collision coverage handles the repair (subject to deductible). Your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may also apply if you have it.

If your parked car was hit and the other driver fled, your comprehensive coverage handles the repair. Comprehensive deductibles are typically lower than collision deductibles — often $250–$500.

Once police report and insurance claim are filed, get a written estimate from a body shop you trust. NY Insurance Law §2610 protects your right to choose. D. MacArthur Auto Body handles hit-and-run claims regularly — file the supplements properly, bill direct, you pay only the deductible.