Guide
What to Do After a Hit and Run in Florida
A hit and run leaves you with the damage and none of the other driver’s details. Acting quickly gives police — and you — the best chance of finding them.
By Swift Accident Help Editorial Team · Last reviewed · General information, not legal advice
Key takeaways
- Don’t chase the other vehicle. Get safe and call 911.
- Write down every detail of the other vehicle as soon as you can.
- Report it to police immediately. Leaving the scene of an injury crash is a felony in Florida.
- Tell your own insurer. Your PIP generally covers your injuries whoever caused the crash.
Hit-and-run checklist
Get safe and call 911
Check for injuries and call 911. On a highway, *FHP (*347) reaches the Florida Highway Patrol.
Write it down
Plate (even partial), make, model, colour, damage, number of occupants and direction of travel.
Look for witnesses and video
Ask people nearby, and note homes and businesses with cameras. Footage is often overwritten quickly.
Photograph the scene
Your vehicle, paint transfer, debris and injuries.
Get the report number
Leaving the scene means a long-form police report is required.
Call your insurer
Report the crash promptly and ask what coverage on your policy applies.
How your own insurance may help
Florida PIP generally pays 80% of reasonable medical expenses up to $10,000, whoever was at fault — so long as initial care is received within 14 days.
Uninsured motorist coverage is included on Florida policies at your bodily injury limits unless you rejected it, or chose lower limits, in writing. Whether it applies to your hit and run depends on your policy — ask your insurer. See the uninsured driver guide.
Frequently asked questions
What happens to the driver if they’re caught?
Leaving the scene of a crash involving injury or death is a felony in Florida, with the level depending on the seriousness of the injuries.
What if I only have part of the plate?
Report it anyway. Combined with the make, colour and damage, it can help police identify the vehicle.
Does my insurance cover a hit and run?
Your PIP generally applies to your injuries. Whether uninsured motorist or other coverage applies depends on your policy — ask your insurer.
Sources
Official sources this page relies on. Laws and procedures change — check the source for the current version.
- Florida Statutes § 316.027 — Crash involving death or personal injuries — The Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)
- Florida Statutes § 316.061 — Crashes involving damage to vehicle or property — The Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)
- Florida Statutes § 316.065 — Crashes; reports; penalties — The Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)
- Florida Statutes § 316.066 — Written reports of crashes — The Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)
- Florida Statutes § 627.736 — Required personal injury protection benefits — The Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)
- Florida Statutes § 627.727 — Motor vehicle insurance; uninsured and underinsured vehicle coverage — The Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)
- *FHP (*347) — Contact the Florida Highway Patrol — Florida Highway Patrol
Related help
- Hit and runThe other driver drove away without stopping.Read more
- Accident with an uninsured driverWhat Florida drivers must carry, and how UM coverage works.Read more
- How to get a Florida crash reportThe Florida Crash Portal, fees, and who can get a report in the first 60 days.Read more
- Florida’s PIP 14-day ruleWhy getting initial care within 14 days matters for your PIP benefits.Read more
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