8 facts about hit-and-runs

1. True or false? Hit-and-runs are the most common type of violation?

True. In 2020, more than half (53%) of road violations were hit-and-runs, according to the ministère de la Sécurité publique.

2. What are your obligations if you’re involved in a fender bender or collision?

• Provide help to anyone who needs it and remain on, or immediately return to, the scene of the accident
• Call the police if the owner of the damaged property is not present
• Provide the following information to the owner of the damaged property or the police:
  • Your name, address and telephone number
  • Your driver's licence number
  • The name and address indicated on the registration of the vehicle you were driving (if it’s different from yours)
  • The licence plate number of your vehicle
  • The name of your car insurance company and the insurance policy number

3. What is a hit-and-run?

According to the Highway Safety Code, a hit-and-run occurs when all three of the following conditions are met:

• Your motor or off-road vehicle collides with an object, a person or an animal weighing over 25 kg.
• You leave the scene without helping others who were involved in the incident who may have needed help.
• You don’t provide the required information.

4. True or false? If you cause damage to a vehicle while its owner is absent, all you need to do is leave a note with your contact information on the windshield?

False. You must immediately contact the police to notify them of the accident, even if you can’t wait for the return of the owner of the property you damaged. You must also provide him or her with the required information.

If you fail to comply with any of these obligations, it may be considered a hit-and-run.

5. True or false? You can pay a fine ranging from $200 to $2,000 and can be penalized with nine demerit points added to your driving record for a hit-and-run?

True. In addition to paying a fine, demerit points added to your driving record could raise your fees when you renew your licence.

6. Could you have a criminal record if you committed a hit-and-run?

Yes. In some cases, a hit-and-run is considered a criminal offence and if you're involved in one, your licence may be revoked and you could even face imprisonment. Before talking to the police, you should consult a lawyer.

7. Does your auto insurance cover you if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run?

Yes. Your auto insurance provides coverage if your contract includes one of the Section B coverages:

• Protection 1 “All perils”
• Protection 2 “Perils of collision and upset”

If you don’t hold one of these coverages, you can file a compensation claim with the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ).

8. What should you do if you are the victim of a hit-and-run?

1. Note the licence plate number of the vehicle causing the damage (if possible).
2. Call the police department to report the incident and obtain an incident report.
3. Call your broker to learn what you should do to file an auto insurance claim. Be sure to have your insurance policy and police report numbers on hand.

Insurance brokers are there to help you

Contact one of these professionals who can advise you on how to prevent losses.