Auto Insurance Claims: Lapsed policy vehicle parked / hit and ran, department of motor vehicles, detective work

Question
My vehicles policy was three weeks lapsed at the time it was parked properly on a California street. It was hit by another vehicle at high speed doing a great deal of damage, possibly totaling it just a few days ago. I found a license plate in the debris and followed radiator drainage from the crash to a vehicle a block away which was still hot and severally crushed with the matching plate on it. I notified police and they made a report but only gave me a number for the report and not the other vehicle info insurance registration etc. saying it would only be made available to my insurance carrier. How do I recover at this point? Should I reinstate my coverage at this point? What would be their incentive to negotiate on my behalf? Is there a workable way for me to file a claim against the other vehicles insurer? My vehicle was flawless a few days ago, new and being financed through the manufacturer. Any help or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated..-Dire Straights

Answer
Good grief!  This was an unfortunate event, but darn good detective work on your part.  

The only thing that the cop told you that may be correct is that he cannot directly give out the info.  If you go and get the report though, the driver's info may be on it now.    A hit and run is a traffic offense and I'm sure that through some court system research, you will find that the report number will be tied to some traffic charges that will identify the owner of that vehicle.  If they are not pressing traffic charges, then you'll want to take your info to the police chief and find out why not.  You are after all, a victim.  If you will contact your department of motor vehicles, you may find that they will release the information to you as long as you have the police report.  I don't see how the law would protect a hit and run driver in a case like this.  

As far as getting an insurance company to pick it up, it's not going to happen.

If all of the above fail, let me know.
Good luck and I'd appreciate your feedback.