Auto Insurance Claims: Do I pay my deductible?, uninsured motorists, policy booklet

Question
My vehicle was recently hit in a parking lot. There were no witnesses and the other driver didn't leave their information. I had my car repaired and had to pay my deductible. After talking to several friends they said I shouldn't have to pay it because I wasn't in the vehicle at the time and that it should be handled as a hit and run. Are they correct?

Answer
Hi Jason,
You will need to read the legal wording in your policy booklet for the definition of an 'Uninsured Motorists'.
The normal definition is that the other party must be identified and found to be uninsured before he is considered an 'uninsured motorists'.
The only state that I'm presently aware of with different wording is Louisiana.
There, if your car is hit and run while legally parked AND
you make a police report, your insurance company will repair your car under uninsured motorists.
I hope this has been of help.
Your feedback by rating my answer will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area 12-20-07 12:18 PM PST