Ask an Agent

Have a question? We're here to help.

Ask an agent for free

Question

Why do I have to pay a deductible if I was hit by an uninsured driver?

My car was hit while it was parked and the other driver took off. The police were able to track him down and he was found to be at fault. Now I am stuck having to pay my $500 deductible because the driver didn't have insurance at the time of the accident. Why can't my insurance company bill him instead of making me pay for the deductible when I was clearly not in the wrong at all for the hit and run?

Aug 13, 2024 Palmer, AK

Answer

Author profile picture
The nation's leading independent insurance comparison site

The Zebra is an independent insurance advisor and quote comparison site with headquarters in Austin, Texas. Utilizing its real-time quote comparison …

Unfortunately, recovering the cost of your deductible, if the other driver is uninsured, is up to you. I would definitely recommend asking to speak with a supervisor at your insurance company to see if you have any other options available, but you may have to pay the deductible simply to start the repair process. You might want to consider taking the uninsured driver to small claims court if you aren't able to work it out with your insurance company. Or you could always contact an attorney to discuss the details of the incident and what options are available to you.
Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Pin
Shield checkmark No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Will my insurance rate increase after an uninsured motorist claim?

I'm sorry to hear about the hit-and-run! That is a very frustrating situation. Uninsured motorist property damage coverage usually comes with a deductible, much like your collision coverage would. However, unlike collision coverage, an uninsured motorist property damage claim won't raise your premi…
Feb 14, 2024 Frederick, MD

Is Acuity’s zero-deductible glass thing real, or only on certain cars?

Yes, Acuity does offer full glass coverage as an optional add-on in many states, especially in the Midwest and mountain regions where rock chips and cracks are common. Without it, your windshield repair would fall under your comprehensive deductible, which might be $500 or $1,000—so it’s easy to se…
Mar 18, 2026 Loveland, CO

Can my insurer deduct depreciation and a deductible from the same claim?

Although it feels unfair, it's normal for home insurance to subtract both the deductible and the depreciation of an item if you are covered on an ACV (Actual Cash Value) basis. Your deductible is the fixed amount you agreed to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. That applies to every …
Aug 13, 2026 Cohoes, NY

Do I pay a deductible for a liability claim?

Good question! With Safe Auto (and most insurers), deductibles only apply when you have collision or comprehensive coverage. Since you only carry liability insurance, your own vehicle isn’t covered in an at-fault accident, which means there’s no deductible to pay.Here’s how it breaks down:Your car:…
Mar 26, 2026 Chicago, IL