Insurance Coverage for Uninsured and Hit-and-Run Incidents in Ontario

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BEN AZIMI /
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Insurance Coverage for Uninsured and Hit-and-Run Incidents in Ontario

Insurance Coverage for Uninsured and Hit-and-Run Incidents in Ontario

In Ontario, basic automobile insurance policies must include provisions for incidents involving uninsured automobiles or hit-and-runs. Such coverage compensates and protects those injured regardless of whether the vehicle was parked, or the at-fault driver fled the scene. The policy responds if the vehicle meets the statutory definition of an “automobile” in your jurisdiction.

Immediate Steps Following a Hit-and-Run

1. Report the Incident: Inform the police within 24 hours to support legal action against the fleeing driver, a serious offense that can lead to prosecution and imprisonment. Prompt reporting facilitates faster insurance claim processing.

2. Seek Medical Attention: Immediately address any injuries, which can worsen over time.

3. Document Everything: Record details about the hit-and-run vehicle and take extensive photos of your vehicle's damage.

4. Gather Evidence: Collect witness statements and review any available surveillance footage.

You should notify your insurer about the incident within seven days and submit a detailed claim with supporting evidence within 30 days.

Coverage Details for Uninsured Automobiles

• Personal Injury Compensation: You may be eligible for up to $200,000 in personal injury compensation through basic uninsured motorist coverage. This cap is shared among all victims and may be reduced by $25,000 if property damage claims are involved.

• Lack of Collision Coverage: If your policy lacks collision coverage, it won’t cover damages to your vehicle in these scenarios. However, such incidents shouldn’t affect your insurance premiums, though you will need to pay the deductible.

• Compensation for Non-Vehicle Owners: Pedestrians or cyclists without vehicle insurance can seek up to $200,000 from the Ontario Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund.

• Increased Liability Coverage: Adding an OPCF-44R endorsement to your vehicle insurance policy can increase your liability coverage up to $2 million for incidents involving unidentified or hit-and-run drivers.

Proving Your Claim

To successfully claim, you must demonstrate that an uninsured vehicle was at fault. This can be challenging, and inadequate evidence may lead to claim denial. However, thoroughly documenting the incident and gathering proof promptly can significantly improve your claim’s chances.

Uninsured Automobile Coverage

This coverage is designed to help you recover lost income and cover substantial expenses such as income replacement and rehabilitation costs due to injuries from uninsured, unidentified, or underinsured drivers.

Statutory Accident Benefits

These benefits are mandatory; if injured in a vehicular accident, you can claim from your own insurance. This extends to uninsured passengers and children involved in hit-and-run incidents, who may claim through the driver’s or a parent’s car insurance.

At Azimi Law we handle personal injury cases and help people who have been injured obtain favorable outcomes by applying our knowledge of the workings of insurance companies.