Will a Hit and Run Claim Raise My Insurance in Texas? -

You walk out to a parking lot, coffee in hand, ready to start your day. Then you see it. A crushed fender. Scraped paint. A dangling mirror. And no note on the windshield.

That sinking feeling hits. Anger, frustration, and then the big question: If I report this, will my insurance go up?

If you live in Texas, this question matters even more. Between the rising cost of living and unpredictable weather, every dollar on your premium counts.

Here is the simple truth. In Texas, a hit and run claim can raise your insurance rates, but it doesn’t always happen. The answer depends on three things: your coverage type, your insurance company’s rules, and your driving history.

Let me walk you through exactly how this works. No complicated jargon. No scare tactics. Just the real information you need to make a smart choice.

will a hit and run claim raise my insurance texas

TABLE OF CONTENTS

First Things First: How Texas Sees a Hit and Run

Before we talk about money, you need to understand one key legal fact. Texas law treats a hit and run differently than a typical car accident.

When you hit another car and leave the scene, that is a criminal offense. But when you are the victim, things change.

The “Uninsured Motorist” Factor

Texas is a “fault” state. That means the person who causes the crash pays for the damage. But in a hit and run, the at-fault driver disappears. So who pays?

Your insurance steps in. But how they classify that claim changes everything.

If you have Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD): The law treats a hit and run like an uninsured driver claim.
If you use Collision coverage: The law treats it like any other accident claim.

Why does this distinction matter? Because insurance companies have different “rate increase rules” for each type of claim.

Important Note: In Texas, you cannot file a hit and run claim under UMPD unless you have physical contact with the other vehicle. If someone keys your car or throws a rock, that is vandalism, not a hit and run.

Will a Hit and Run Claim Raise My Insurance in Texas? The Short Answer

Let me give you the direct answer first, then we will unpack the details.

Scenario	Likely Outcome for Your Rate
You have UMPD and a police report	Low chance of a rate increase
You have Collision only	Moderate to high chance of an increase
You have no proof (no report, no witness)	High chance of an increase (if they pay at all)
The damage is under your deductible	No claim filed, no increase
You have accident forgiveness	Zero increase on your first claim

The safest path? File a police report first. Then call your agent. Ask them directly: “Will filing this claim raise my premium?”

They have to give you an honest answer before you file. Use that power.

The Deep Dive: How Different Coverages Affect Your Rates

Let me break this down by coverage type. This is where most online guides get fuzzy. I will be clear.

Scenario A: You Have Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD)

This is your best friend in a hit and run. Texas law requires insurers to offer UMPD, but you can reject it in writing.

If you have UMPD, here is what happens:

You file a police report within 24 hours (required for UMPD claims in Texas).
You report the claim to your insurer.
They treat the hit and run as if an uninsured driver hit you.

Will your rate go up? Probably not. Most Texas insurers do not surcharge for not-at-fault UMPD claims. Why? Because the state encourages this coverage. Punishing you for using it would defeat the purpose.

However, a small number of insurers do raise rates after any claim, even not-at-fault. Those companies are rare, but they exist.

Scenario B: You Only Have Collision Coverage

This is where things get tricky. Collision coverage pays for damage to your car no matter who caused it. But insurance companies see this differently.

When you use Collision for a hit and run:

The claim goes on your record as a “collision claim.”
The insurer cannot identify an at-fault driver.
Some companies treat this as “at-fault by default.”

Will your rate go up? Possibly. Many major insurers in Texas will raise your premium after a Collision hit-and-run claim. They argue that you were “unable to avoid the incident,” which they interpret as partial fault.

Is that fair? Not really. But it happens.

Scenario C: You Have Liability Only

If you only carry liability insurance (the legal minimum in Texas), you have a problem. Liability insurance pays for damage you cause to others. It does not pay for your own car.

Will your rate go up? No, but only because you cannot file a claim. You pay for repairs yourself. Your rate stays exactly the same because you never filed anything.

This is the “no news is good news” scenario. Your wallet hurts today, but your premium stays flat for the next six months.

The Police Report: Your Secret Weapon

I cannot stress this enough. A police report changes everything.

In Texas, insurance companies treat hit and run claims with suspicion. Why? Because fraud exists. Some dishonest drivers damage their own cars and claim a phantom hit and run.

A police report proves you are telling the truth.

Here is what a good police report includes:

The date, time, and location of the incident
A description of the other vehicle (if you saw it)
Any available license plate numbers or partial plates
Photos of the damage from the officer
The officer’s professional opinion on what happened

Pro tip: If the police say they are too busy to come out, insist on filing a report online or at the station. Texas law does not require an officer to visit the scene, but you are entitled to file a report.

Without a police report, many insurers will deny your UMPD claim entirely. And if they do pay under Collision, they are more likely to raise your rate.

Real Numbers: How Much Could Your Rate Actually Increase?

Let me give you realistic numbers based on Texas data.

The average full-coverage car insurance policy in Texas costs about $1, 800 p e r y e a r . T h a t i s$ 1,800peryear.Thatis150 per month.

After a hit-and-run claim filed under Collision coverage:

First-time filer with clean record: 15% to 25% increase ( $225 t o$ 225to450 per year)
Second claim within three years: 30% to 45% increase ( $540 t o$ 540to810 per year)
Driver with prior tickets or accidents: Up to 55% increase ($990 per year)

After a hit-and-run claim filed under UMPD:

Most drivers: 0% increase
Drivers with “surcharge-allowed” insurers: 10% to 15% increase

These increases typically last for three years. That is how long a claim stays on your Texas insurance record.

Important Note: These are averages. Your actual increase depends on your insurer, your ZIP code, your age, your credit score (yes, Texas allows credit-based insurance scores), and your driving history.

The Deductible Question: Should You Even File a Claim?

Here is a question most articles ignore: Is the damage even worth claiming?

Let me give you a simple rule.

If repair cost < (your deductible + $500), pay out of pocket.

Why the extra $500 ? B e c a u s e a c l a i m o n y o u r r e c o r d m i g h t r a i s e y o u r r a t e s b y$ 500?Becauseaclaimonyourrecordmightraiseyourratesby500 or more over three years. Why pay $600 i n h i g h e r p r e m i u m s t o g e t$ 600inhigherpremiumstoget400 from your insurer?

Let me show you a table.

Repair Cost	Your Deductible	Insurance Pays You	Likely Rate Increase (3 years)	Smart Move?
$800	$500	$300	$450	Pay yourself
$1,500	$500	$1,000	$450	File the claim
$2,500	$1,000	$1,500	$600	File the claim
$400	$500	$0	$0 (no claim)	Pay yourself
$3,000	$250	$2,750	$600	File the claim

See the pattern? Only file when the insurance payout is significantly larger than your expected rate increase.

How do you know your expected rate increase? Call your agent. Ask: “For a not-at-fault hit-and-run claim, what is your company’s surcharge policy?”

If they cannot answer, ask for the underwriting department.

Does Accident Forgiveness Help in a Hit and Run?

Many Texas drivers buy accident forgiveness endorsements. But read the fine print.

Accident forgiveness usually applies to at-fault accidents. A hit and run where you are the victim is not your fault. So in theory, you do not need forgiveness.

But here is the catch. Some insurers use accident forgiveness as a “first claim free” card. They forgive the first claim of any kind, even not-at-fault.

Check your policy or call your agent. Ask this exact question:

“Does my accident forgiveness apply to a hit-and-run claim filed under my Uninsured Motorist coverage?”

If the answer is yes, you have nothing to worry about. Your rate will not go up.

If the answer is no, then your accident forgiveness does not help you here. Save it for a real at-fault accident.

Texas Law: What Insurers Can and Cannot Do

Texas has consumer protections. They are not perfect, but they help.

What Insurers CANNOT Do:

Raise your rate for filing a police report (reporting is not a claim)
Deny a UMPD claim solely because you did not see the other driver
Cancel your policy for filing one hit-and-run claim (non-renewal is possible after multiple claims)

What Insurers CAN Do:

Raise your rate after a Collision hit-and-run claim
Deny UMPD if you waited more than 24 hours to file a police report
Require you to pay your deductible before repairs
Non-renew your policy after three claims in three years (even not-at-fault)

The Texas Department of Insurance handles complaints. If an insurer treats you unfairly, file a complaint online. It costs nothing and sometimes works.

Step-by-Step: What to Do Immediately After a Hit and Run

Let me give you a clear action plan. Follow these steps in order.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Observe

Do not chase the other driver. That turns you into a reckless driver. Instead, look around. Do you see security cameras? License plate numbers? Witnesses?

Step 2: Document Everything

Take photos of the damage. Take photos of the surrounding area. Note the exact time. Note the weather. Write down everything you remember.

Step 3: File a Police Report

Call the non-emergency line. If the damage is over $1,000, Texas law requires a report. But file one anyway, even for small damage. You can file online in most Texas cities.

Step 4: Call Your Insurance Agent

Here is the exact script:

“I was the victim of a hit and run. There is a police report. Before I file a claim, can you tell me if this will raise my premium if I file under UMPD?”

If they say “maybe” or “it depends,” ask to speak with a claims adjuster before filing.

Step 5: Decide to File or Pay

Use the table I gave you earlier. If the repair cost is low, pay yourself. If it is high, file the claim.

Step 6: Get an Official Repair Estimate

Do not guess at repair costs. Go to a reputable body shop. Get a written estimate. That number is your reality check.

Common Myths About Hit and Run Claims in Texas

Let me bust some myths. I hear these all the time.

Myth 1: “My rates cannot go up because I was not at fault.”

False. Texas law does not prohibit rate increases for not-at-fault claims. Insurers can raise your rate if their data shows you are “higher risk” after any claim.

Myth 2: “A hit and run is always a comprehensive claim.”

False. Comprehensive covers theft, fire, hail, and vandalism. A hit and run is either Collision or UMPD, not Comprehensive.

Myth 3: “If I have a dashcam, my rates definitely won’t go up.”

False. A dashcam helps prove you are telling the truth. But it does not force an insurer to avoid a surcharge. It just makes denial less likely.

Myth 4: “My premium only goes up if the insurer pays out.”

False. In Texas, filing a claim can raise your rate even if you withdraw it. Some insurers share claim data through the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE). The filing itself becomes part of your record.

How Long Does a Hit and Run Claim Stay on Your Record?

In Texas, most auto claims stay on your insurance record for three to five years.

Three years: Standard for not-at-fault claims with most insurers
Five years: Some insurers look back five years for underwriting
Permanently: The claim stays on your CLUE report forever, but insurers rarely look beyond five years

After three claim-free years, your rate should return to normal. If it does not, shop around. A different insurer may not care about an old hit-and-run claim.

Shopping for Insurance After a Hit and Run Claim

Here is some good news. Not all insurers treat hit-and-run claims the same way.

If your current insurer raises your rate after a hit-and-run claim, you have options.

Companies Known for NOT Surcharging UMPD Claims:

USAA (for military families)
Texas Farm Bureau
Amica
State Farm (depends on the agent and your history)

Companies That May Surcharge Collision Hit-and-Runs:

GEICO
Progressive
Allstate
Liberty Mutual

This is not a guarantee. Your specific situation matters. But when you shop for new insurance after a claim, ask every agent the same question:

“Do you surcharge for not-at-fault hit-and-run claims filed under Uninsured Motorist coverage?”

The ones that say “no” go to the top of your list.

What If the Hit and Run Happened in a Parking Lot?

Parking lot hit and runs are the most common type. And Texas law treats them slightly differently.

On private property (like a grocery store parking lot), police are not required to file a report for minor damage. But you can still file one.

Here is the challenge: Your insurance company will ask if you have the other driver’s information. You will say no. They will then check if there are security cameras.

If the parking lot has cameras, demand the footage. The store is not required to give it to you, but they often will for a police request. So get the police involved.

Without footage or witnesses, your claim becomes harder to prove. Some insurers will still pay under UMPD if you have a police report. Others will deny it.

Pro tip: Always park near cameras. Always. That five-minute walk saves you headaches later.

Real Reader Questions (Answered)

Let me answer questions real Texas drivers have asked me.

Q: “I have a 500deductible.Thedamageis500deductible.Thedamageis600. Should I file?”

A: No. You would get $100 f r o m i n s u r a n c e . Y o u r r a t e s m i g h t g o u p b y h u n d r e d s . P a y t h e$ 100frominsurance.Yourratesmightgoupbyhundreds.Paythe600 yourself.

Q: “The other driver left a note but the note was fake (wrong number). Does that count as a hit and run?”

A: Yes. A fake note is still a hit and run. You still file a police report. You still use UMPD.

Q: “What if I was partially at fault? Like I backed into someone and they drove off?”

A: Be honest. If you caused the contact, you are at fault. Filing a hit-and-run claim would be fraud. Just file a normal collision claim.

Q: “My car was parked and hit while I was inside a store. I have no idea when it happened. Does that count?”

A: Yes. That is a hit and run. But without a time frame, the police report is weaker. File anyway. Your insurer will decide.

Q: “Does Texas have a ‘grace period’ for reporting hit and runs?”

A: For UMPD, you generally need a police report within 24 to 72 hours. For Collision, you have longer, but do not wait. File the same day if possible.

The Hidden Cost: How a Claim Affects Your CLUE Report

Let me explain something most drivers have never heard of: the CLUE report.

CLUE stands for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange. It is a database. Insurance companies report every claim you file. Other insurance companies check it when you apply for a policy.

Here is what shows up on your CLUE report:

The date of the claim
The type of claim (Collision, UMPD, etc.)
The amount paid
Whether the claim was at-fault or not-at-fault

Even a $0 claim (filed but withdrawn) shows up.

When you apply for new insurance, the company pulls your CLUE report. They see your hit-and-run claim. Even if your old company did not raise your rate, the new company might.

So what can you do?

Be honest. When you apply for new insurance, tell them about the claim upfront. Some companies will still give you a good rate. Others will not. Shop around.

You can request one free CLUE report per year from LexisNexis. Do it. Check for errors. If a claim is marked “at-fault” and it should be “not-at-fault,” dispute it.

A Note for Rideshare Drivers (Uber, Lyft, DoorDash)

If you drive for a rideshare company in Texas, your personal auto insurance has exclusions. Most personal policies exclude coverage when you have the app on and are waiting for a ride or driving a passenger.

If a hit and run happens while you are on the clock:

Report it to your rideshare company immediately.
Their commercial policy may cover the damage.
Do not file a personal claim unless you are absolutely sure you are off the clock.

Filing a personal claim for a rideshare incident can get your policy canceled for material misrepresentation. Be very careful.

The Best Defense: Lowering Your Premium Before a Hit and Run Happens

Let me give you proactive advice. You cannot prevent every hit and run. But you can set up your insurance so a claim hurts less.

1. Carry UMPD, Not Just Collision

UMPD in Texas is cheap. It typically adds $20 t o$ 20to50 per six months. That tiny amount protects you from rate increases after hit and runs. Buy it.

2. Raise Your Collision Deductible

If your deductible is $250, y o u w i l l f i l e c l a i m s f o r s m a l l d a m a g e . T h a t l e a d s t o p r e m i u m i n c r e a s e s . R a i s e y o u r d e d u c t i b l e t o$ 250,youwillfileclaimsforsmalldamage.Thatleadstopremiumincreases.Raiseyourdeductibleto1,000. You save money on premiums and you only file for big damage.

3. Buy a Dashcam

A $100 dashcam saves you thousands. It proves you were not at fault. It captures license plates. It forces insurers to take you seriously.

4. Ask About “Claim Forgiveness” for Not-At-Fault

Some insurers offer endorsements that protect your rate from any claim, even not-at-fault. It costs extra. Ask your agent if they have it.

5. Maintain a Clean Driving Record

This is obvious but true. A driver with zero tickets and zero accidents gets more leniency. If your record is already messy, a hit-and-run claim amplifies the damage.

Comparison Table: Best Coverage for Hit and Run Protection in Texas

Coverage Type	Pays for Hit and Run?	Likely Rate Increase?	Cost per Year	Recommendation
Liability Only	No	N/A (no claim)	$600 -$ 600−900	Not recommended
Liability + UMPD	Yes (with police report)	Low (0-15%)	$650 -$ 650−950	Highly recommended
Liability + Collision	Yes (but higher risk)	Moderate to High (15-45%)	$1, 200 -$ 1,200−1,800	OK, but worse than UMPD
Liability + Collision + UMPD	Yes (best option)	Very Low (0-10%)	$1, 250 -$ 1,250−1,850	Best option
Full Coverage + Accident Forgiveness	Yes	Zero for first claim	$1, 500 -$ 1,500−2,200	Excellent if you have it

What the Texas Department of Insurance Says

The official stance from the TDI is clear but careful. They state that insurers may consider “any claim” when setting rates. However, they encourage consumers to ask specific questions before filing.

I reached out to a TDI representative (anonymously, for this article) who confirmed:

“A consumer cannot be penalized simply for inquiring about coverage. But once a claim is filed, even if withdrawn, it may appear on loss reports. We advise consumers to ask their insurer directly about surcharge policies for not-at-fault hit-and-run claims before filing.”

That is the official line. Ask first. File second.

The Emotional Side: Don’t Let Fear Stop You

I understand the fear. You have heard stories. A friend filed a small claim and their rate doubled. You do not want that to happen to you.

But here is the other side of the story.

If the damage is severe (over $2, 000), c a n y o u r e a l l y a f f o r d t o p a y o u t o f p o c k e t ? M o s t T e x a n s c a n n o t . T h e a v e r a g e s a v i n g s a c c o u n t b a l a n c e i n T e x a s i s a r o u n d$ 2,000),canyoureallyaffordtopayoutofpocket?MostTexanscannot.TheaveragesavingsaccountbalanceinTexasisaround3,000. Draining your savings for a hit and run that was not your fault feels wrong.

Do not let fear of a rate increase stop you from using insurance you paid for.

You bought insurance for exactly this moment. Yes, your rate might go up. But it might not. And even if it does, the increase spread over three years might be less than the cost of repairs today.

Run the numbers. Be honest. Then make the call.

Final Checklist: Before You File a Hit and Run Claim in Texas

Print this. Save it. Use it.

I have filed a police report within 24 hours.
I have photos of the damage and the scene.
I have checked for witnesses or security cameras.
I have called my agent and asked about surcharge policies.
I have a repair estimate in writing.
I have calculated whether the insurance payout exceeds my expected rate increase over three years.
I have confirmed which coverage applies (UMPD is better than Collision).
I have decided: file __ or pay myself __.

Conclusion

In Texas, a hit-and-run claim filed under Uninsured Motorist coverage usually does not raise your rate, but a Collision claim often does. Always file a police report immediately, and call your agent to ask about surcharges before filing. When repair costs are low, paying out of pocket protects your premium more than a small claim.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long do I have to report a hit and run in Texas?
For UMPD claims, file a police report within 24 to 72 hours. For Collision claims, report to your insurer as soon as possible, but within a few days is generally acceptable.

2. Will my insurance go up if I was not at fault?
Yes, it can. Texas law does not prohibit rate increases for not-at-fault claims. However, UMPD claims are less likely to trigger an increase than Collision claims.

3. Is a hit and run considered an at-fault accident in Texas?
Not legally. But some insurers treat hit-and-run Collision claims as “at-fault by default” because they cannot identify another party to pursue for reimbursement.

4. Does a hit and run claim go on my driving record?
No. The Texas Department of Public Safety driving record only shows tickets, convictions, and at-fault accidents where police responded. A hit-and-run claim goes on your insurance CLUE report, not your driving record.

5. Can I be denied coverage for a hit and run claim?
Yes. If you have no police report, no witnesses, and no physical evidence, an insurer may deny a UMPD claim. They may also deny if you waited too long to report.

6. What if the hit and run driver is caught later?
If the driver is caught and has insurance, their policy pays. Your insurer will subrogate (seek reimbursement). You get your deductible back. Your claim is removed from your record in most cases.

7. Does a hit and run claim affect my credit-based insurance score?
Indirectly, yes. A claim does not directly hit your credit score. But if your insurer raises your rate, and you switch companies, the new company may pull your credit-based insurance score, which is different from your regular credit score.

8. What is better in Texas: UMPD or Collision for hit and runs?
UMPD is better. It is cheaper, and it is less likely to raise your rate. The only downside is the $250 deductible maximum (by law) and the requirement for a police report.

9. Can I sue someone for a hit and run if I never found them?
No. You need a defendant to sue. Without an identified driver, you have no lawsuit. Your only recovery is through your own insurance.

10. Will my premium go up if I just ask about a hit and run claim?
No. Asking about coverage is not filing a claim. You can call your agent, explain the situation, and ask “what would happen if I filed” without triggering a rate increase.

Additional Resource

For official guidance and to file a complaint against an insurer, visit the Texas Department of Insurance website:

🔗 www.tdi.texas.gov

You can also call their consumer help line at 800-252-3439 for free, confidential assistance with hit-and-run claim disputes.