Insurers want you to collect all the evidence to prove your case when you’re involved in a car accident. But what happens when the other driver drives off without giving you his details?

Car insurers maintain that it is your duty to obtain all the information from the other driver when you are in are involved in a car accident. But a hit-and-run does happen, or the other driver may refuse to give you his or her details. So what happens in this case?

According to Marius Neethling, a personal lines underwriting manager at Santam, it is best not to engage the driver in such instances. Instead, he advises you to take photos of the other driver’s car, ensuring that you get the make, and the model of the driver’s car as well as the vehicle’s registration number, and licence disc on the windscreen. This will be enough to conduct a trace on the other vehicle.

He adds that you must also get pictures of the damage to your car and theirs if possible.

“If there were any witnesses, collect their contact details as they will be able to substantiate your case,” says Neethling.

Neethling says acquiring all the necessary information on the vehicle ensures that your insurer acquires all the rights to recovery or subrogation rights due to you, once the claim has been settled.

Waynand van Vuuren, spokesperson for King Price, recommends that you report the accident to the nearest police station within 24 hours.

“Call the police to report a case. They will investigate further in order to find the driver,” he says.

According to South African laws, even if the accident is not your fault, you are required to stop at the scene and help any injured people.

Will I still be able to claim from my insurer?

It’s important to know that if a third party hits your vehicle and drives off, your car will still be covered by your comprehensive insurance, says Van Vuuren.

Comprehensive car insurance allows you to claim for accidents whether they are your fault or not. Without  insurance you would pay for the cost of those damages from your own pocket.

However, you must always adhere to the terms and conditions of the policy.

Van Vuuren says you can also approach the road accident fund to institute a claim if you suffered injuries during the accident.

However, if you are the guilty party, there is no cover available for a hit-and-run incident.

In addition, it is against the law to flee the scene of an accident and if you do leave without providing the necessary information you can be charged with a criminal offense.

Remember that if the driver of the other vehicle threatens you and you feel unsafe, you are entitled to drive to the closest police stations to report the accident.

This article has been prepared for information purposes only and it does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. The publication, journalist, and companies or individuals providing commentary cannot be held liable in any way. Readers are advised to seek legal, financial, or medical advice where appropriate.