Car Totaled in Hit and Run – Best Option?

Hi PEEPS,

I’m in a bit of a tough spot and could really use some advice. My car was flipped in a hit and run, and it’s been a nightmare trying to deal with the aftermath. I have Geico insurance with uninsured motorist property damage but not collision. Apparently, in California, that won’t do much unless you actually catch the person who hit your car.

Right now, my car is sitting in a towing yard because I have nowhere else to keep it. I’m considering selling it to a scrapyard to get something out of it since I highly doubt we will ever find the person who crashed into me. Without catching the culprit, I can’t get the $3500 towards my car.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Should I just go ahead and sell it to a scrapyard, or is there something else I should consider?

I’m sorry to hear about your situation; that sounds incredibly frustrating. Given that you have uninsured motorist property damage but not collision coverage, you’re in a tough spot since, as you mentioned, the insurance payout depends on finding the responsible party. If your car is significantly damaged and repair costs are high, selling it to a scrapyard might be a practical option to recoup some value. However, before you do that, consider getting an assessment from a mechanic to see if any parts can be salvaged or sold separately, which might fetch a better price than a lump sum from a scrapyard. Additionally, you could check if any local charities or organizations accept car donations, which might provide a tax deduction benefit. Lastly, if you haven’t already, consult with Geico and explain your situation in detail—they might have some additional advice or options that could help.

I just looked up California’s uninsured motorist statute. That is awful. In most states, a hit-and-run is considered an uninsured motorist case. In Alabama, interaction is not even required.