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

<h2>Is It Illegal to Leave the Scene of a Car Accident in New Zealand?</h2><p>If the other driver drives off after a car accident — even a minor one — it's considered a hit-and-run. Under the Land Transport Act 1998, a driver involved in an accident must stop, check whether anyone has been injured, and render all practicable assistance to any injured persons. Failing to do so is a criminal offence in New Zealand.</p><p>Knowing what to do next can help protect your safety, support an insurance claim, and improve the chances of identifying the other driver.</p><h2>Don't Chase the Other Vehicle</h2><p>It may be tempting to follow the other driver, but chasing a vehicle after an accident is unsafe and can put you and other road users at risk. It may also affect your insurance position. Instead, stay at the scene and focus on gathering evidence.</p><h2>Gather as Much Information as Possible</h2><h3>Record the Other Vehicle's Details</h3><ul><li><p>Registration number (rego)</p></li><li><p>Vehicle make and model</p></li><li><p>Vehicle colour</p></li><li><p>Any visible damage or distinguishing features</p></li></ul><h3>Note Which Direction They Drove Off</h3><ul><li><p>Direction the vehicle travelled</p></li><li><p>Stickers, roof racks, tinted windows or other features</p></li><li><p>Approximate speed or behaviour if relevant</p></li></ul><h3>Remember the Driver's Appearance</h3><ul><li><p>Approximate age</p></li><li><p>Gender</p></li><li><p>Hair colour or style</p></li><li><p>Clothing or distinguishing features</p></li></ul><h3>Take Photos of the Scene</h3><ul><li><p>Damage to your vehicle</p></li><li><p>Accident location</p></li><li><p>Skid marks or debris</p></li><li><p>Broken parts or paint transfer</p></li></ul><h3>Save the Exact Location</h3><p>Pin your location in a maps app and take a screenshot to confirm the exact time and place of the incident.</p><h2>Find Witnesses</h2><p>If anyone nearby saw what happened, collect their full name, mobile number and email address. Even one witness who confirms the registration number or direction of travel can help Police or insurers identify the other driver.</p><h2>Report a Hit-and-Run Accident to Police in New Zealand</h2><h3>When to Call 111</h3><p>Call <a href="tel:111" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">111</a> immediately if anyone has been hurt, if you are afraid for your safety, or if cars are blocking the road.</p><h3>How to Report a Minor Hit-and-Run</h3><p>For non-emergency incidents, you can report by phone using <a href="tel:105" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">105</a>, online <a href="https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>, or in person at your local station. Keep a record of your Police event number, as your insurer will likely request it.<br><br>If the accident involves an injury or death, you must report it to an enforcement officer as soon as reasonably practicable, and no later than 24 hours after the accident.</p><h2>Check for CCTV or Nearby Cameras</h2><p>Look for nearby business CCTV, traffic cameras, or residential doorbell cameras. Note their locations quickly, as footage is often overwritten within a few days. Police or insurers may be able to request access to this footage.</p><h2>Can You Still Claim Insurance After a Hit-and-Run in New Zealand?</h2><h3>If the Other Driver Is Identified</h3><p>If Police identify the other driver and they are insured, your claim is generally processed in the normal way.</p><h3>If the Driver Cannot Be Found</h3><p>Car insurance is not compulsory in New Zealand, which means some drivers on the road carry no insurance at all. If the at-fault driver cannot be identified, you may still be able to claim through your own comprehensive insurance, although an excess may apply.<br><br>For replacement vehicle eligibility after an accident, an identified and insured other driver is usually required. If you're unsure about your situation, call <a href="tel:0800004203" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">0800 004 203</a> to discuss your options.</p><p></p>

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

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