(TL;DR at the bottom) In mid-December 2024, my parked car was involved in a hit-and-run while I was at home. Surveillance footage revealed a white Mercedes struck my vehicle and fled. Unable to identify the driver immediately, I reported the incident to the police and my insurance company. By early January, my car was declared totaled. As a tobacco inspector, my job required a personal vehicle for site visits. Without transportation, I was removed from the schedule and subsequently terminated. Despite actively seeking employment since January, I’ve been unable to secure a new position.  In March, I noticed the same white Mercedes parked nearby. After running the VIN, my insurance confirmed it belonged to a neighbor. She had concealed her vehicle for over two months following the incident. Upon presenting this evidence, her insurance company accepted liability, acknowledging her prior claim in December for hitting a parked car. However, her policy only covers the Pennsylvania state minimum of $5,000 for property damage, which was paid to my insurer. After settling my car loan, I received $3,000 from my insurance, insufficient to replace the vehicle. Without steady income, securing auto financing has been challenging. I purchased my 2018 Mazda6 Grand Touring Reserve in April 2023. The total finance amount was $21,116 , I put down $4,500 and made regular monthly payments until the car was totaled in December 2024. At the time of the accident, it was valued at $16,500. After the remaining loan balance and deductible were paid, I received only about $3,300 ,far below what I had put into the car and not enough to replace it To date, my neighbor has not acknowledged the incident or attempted to discuss it with me. Without a vehicle, my ability to work has been severely impacted, and relying on public transportation and rideshares has become financially burdensome during unemployment. I’ve now missed approximately 12 weeks of full-time wages as a direct result. I reside in Philadelphia, PA. ___________ My questions: • Given the circumstances, what additional insurance coverages could have better protected me in this situation? • Are there specific endorsements or policy options that can safeguard against underinsured drivers causing significant losses? • What steps should I take when the at-fault party’s insurance coverage is insufficient to cover damages? Any guidance or insights from those familiar with insurance claims and coverage options would be greatly appreciated. __________ TL;DR: Neighbor’s hit-and-run totaled my car, leading to job loss. Her insurance covered only $5,000, leaving me unable to replace the vehicle or secure new employment. Seeking advice on insurance coverages that could have mitigated this loss and steps to take when the at-fault party’s coverage is inadequate.