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What to Do If the Other Driver Leaves the Scene (Hit-and-Run)

If the other driver drives off after a car accident — even a minor one — it’s considered a hit-and-run. Failing to stop and exchange details after an accident is a criminal offence in every Australian state and territory. Here’s what to do.&nbsp; Don’t chase the other vehicle&nbsp; It’s tempting, but chasing an at-fault driver is unsafe and can put you and other road users at risk. It can also affect your own insurance position. Stay at the scene and focus on gathering evidence.&nbsp; Capture as much detail as you can.&nbsp;<ul><li>Write down or voice-record the other vehicle’s registration number, make, model and colour as soon as it’s safe.&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>Note the direction the vehicle drove off in and any distinguishing features (damage, stickers, roof racks, tinted windows).&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>Note the driver’s description if you saw them — approximate age, gender, hair, clothing.&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>Take photos of your own vehicle, the location, and any debris left on the road (e.g. broken indicator lens, paint transfer).&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>Pin the location on your map app and screenshot it to confirm the exact time and place.&nbsp;</li></ul>Find witnesses&nbsp; Ask anyone nearby if they saw what happened or got a clearer look at the other vehicle. Collect their full name, mobile number and email. Even one witness who confirms the rego plate or direction of travel can be critical to your claim.&nbsp; Report it to police&nbsp; You must report a hit-and-run to police. Call 000 if you or anyone else is injured or if the other vehicle is still nearby. Otherwise, report it to your local police station or via your state police website (most states allow online reporting for minor incidents). Make a note of the police event number — your insurer will ask for it.&nbsp; Check for nearby cameras&nbsp; Look around for CCTV on nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or doorbell cameras on residential streets. Note their location so police or your insurer can request footage before it’s overwritten — most CCTV is only retained for a few days.&nbsp; What happens next&nbsp; If police identify the at-fault driver and they’re insured, your claim and any accident replacement vehicle will be handled in the normal way. If they can’t be identified, you may still be able to claim through your own comprehensive insurance, but you’ll usually have to pay the excess. Right2Drive’s no-cost replacement vehicle generally requires an identified, insured at-fault driver — call 1300 100 121 to talk through your specific situation.

What to Do If the Other Driver Leaves the Scene (Hit-and-Run)

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