My 2019 Toyota Tacoma was just smacked in a hit-and-run — I have dash cam footage and a plate number, but only liability insurance. Is there any way to get compensated for the damage?

The ins and outs of liability car insurance

Most states require liability car insurance, although the minimum required coverage varies. Ohio requires both bodily injury liability coverage as well as property damage liability coverage.

Other states (Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota and Pennsylvania) require no-fault or personal injury protection insurance. That means you don’t need proof of fault to make an insurance claim. You claim your own injuries or property damage, and the other parties make claims to their own insurance companies.

Bodily injury liability is included, and it covers injuries to third parties such as other drivers, passengers or pedestrians. It also covers eligible ambulance, emergency medical, ongoing care and rehabilitation expenses. If you’re sued, it can provide coverage for lost wages, legal fees and even pain and suffering.

The coverage can also include property damage liability, which covers other vehicles, buildings, structures such as fences, and personal property inside the other vehicle. Liability car insurance may have coverage limits for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident and property damage per accident. You may have to pay out of pocket If the expenses exceed the maximum.

The cost of your insurance will depend on the coverage types and limits you choose, as well as your age, where you live, the type of car you drive and the number of miles you drive in a year.

Your driving history and credit-based insurance score will also be considered, though some states restrict how these various factors can be used, if at all.

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How can you protect yourself from a hit-and-run?

If you want to insure your property and bodily injury expenses, you’ll need a full coverage policy. This typically includes:

• Collision insurance, which covers your vehicle and property regardless of who’s at fault
• Comprehensive coverage, which covers damage to your car from sources other than an accident
• Uninsured motorist, which covers your costs if the other driver is at fault and is uninsured or underinsured
• Personal injury protection, which covers your loss of income as well as medical costs

Typically these are add-ons to your base coverage and can be purchased separately.

In the case of a hit-and-run, you may be able to file a claim if you have uninsured motorist coverage, collision coverage or personal injury protection. Uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory in 20 states and the District of Columbia. No matter what coverage you have, try to get as many details about the other car as possible, as it will help. Remain on the scene and report the incident to the police immediately.

While Johnson didn’t remain on the scene, he should still report the accident to the police. In some states, it’s a legal requirement to report any accident involving damage or injury within a specific timeframe. Some have provisions for accidents involving “phantom vehicles,” where a vehicle causes an accident without making physical contact.

After the accident, file an insurance claim as soon as possible. Your policy will likely outline the required timeframes for reporting. It varies by state, but there are statutes of limitations on when you can make personal injury or property damage claims and when you can sue.

Also, keep records of all your interactions with the insurance company. If your insurance company denies the claim, and you have the appropriate coverage, you can still appeal. If that’s the case, you may want to consult a lawyer first.

Opting to carry only liability insurance may be budget-friendly, but it can have consequences if you’re involved in a hit-and-run. Speaking to an insurance broker to determine what type of insurance best fits your needs and your budget could be worth the extra effort.