An accident can happen to anyone. But when the other driver takes off without identifying themselves, the frustration is huge. Who’s going to pay for the repairs? Does insurance cover that? And if it doesn’t, are you stuck pulling out your credit card?
Good news: in a lot of situations, the SAAQ (Quebec’s auto insurance board) can compensate you, even if the person at fault has vanished. Here’s what you need to know to file a request and avoid getting stuck with the bill.
🚗 What exactly is a hit-and-run?
Under the law, a hit-and-run happens when a driver involved in an accident doesn’t stop to identify themselves or to help, whether it’s after a minor fender bender or a more serious crash. It’s a serious offence, and fortunately, you have options.
📝 The SAAQ can help you... if you meet all of these conditions:
Here are the criteria you have to meet to qualify for compensation from the SAAQ after a hit-and-run:
- ✅ The accident happened in Quebec
- ✅ You’re the owner of the damaged vehicle or of the property that was hit (fence, bike, etc.)
- ✅ You’re not entirely at fault for the accident
- ✅ Your insurance doesn’t cover hit-and-runs
- ✅ Your insurance policy includes civil liability of $50,000 or more
- ✅ You reported the accident to the police within 48 hours
- ✅ You filed a request with the SAAQ within 60 days
- ✅ No repairs were made to the vehicle before the SAAQ’s assessment (and you haven’t sold it or sent it to the scrapyard)
- ✅ Your licence is valid, with no suspension
- ✅ The vehicle is registered and the registration is valid
- ✅ The damage is more than $500 (the SAAQ holds back a deductible of 10% of the vehicle’s value, minimum $500, and pays a maximum of $10,000)
👉 For all the official details and the forms, go straight to the SAAQ page: 🔗https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/accident-route/delit-fuite
📷 What should you do right after the hit-and-run?
Even if the other driver takes off, what you do can make all the difference in getting compensated:
- 01Stay calm and stay safe
- 02Write it down: the plate, the make of the vehicle, the direction it went, the time of the accident
- 03Find witnesses and get their contact information
- 04Take photos of the damage, the scene, anything useful
- 05Call the police quickly and ask for a report
- 06Don’t repair anything right away if you think you’ll file a request with the SAAQ
🛠️ And then what?
At Débossatec, we can:
- Assess the damage to your vehicle with no obligation
- Help you understand whether your case can be covered by the SAAQ
- Advise you on the right time to repair (and keep things from getting worse)
- Lend you a vehicle if you need one while the repairs are done
- Do repairs backed by a lifetime warranty, if the SAAQ approves your request
✅ In short
A hit-and-run isn’t the end of the world. The SAAQ has mechanisms in place to protect victims, as long as you follow the steps properly. If you’re in this situation, don’t wait. The faster you react, the better your chances of being compensated.
And the repairs?
Come see us in Terrebonne. We take care of your vehicle like it’s our own.
