When involved in a hit and run incident, whom must the insured promptly notify?

When involved in a hit-and-run incident, the insured must promptly notify the police. Reporting the incident to law enforcement is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps create an official record of the accident, which is essential for any future claims or investigations. The police can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and take statements, all of which are important for assessing the situation.

Reporting the incident also contributes to public safety, as it allows the police to track patterns of hit-and-run incidents in the area, which might lead to identifying and apprehending the responsible party. Additionally, some insurance policies require a police report to process a claim for damages resulting from a hit-and-run.

While notifying the insurance company is also important, especially to initiate the claims process, immediate notification to the police is generally the priority in such scenarios. Witnesses may provide valuable information but are not the primary individuals to notify following an accident. The insurer's adjuster becomes involved later in the claims process, not immediately after the incident. Therefore, the police notification is the most critical step to take promptly following a hit-and-run.