The Process of Getting a Replacement Car After an Accident

Car accidents can be stressful and disruptive, especially if your vehicle is no longer drivable. Fortunately, in the UK, there are clear steps you can take to get a replacement car after an accident—either through your own insurance company or a credit hire company if you were not at fault. This article outlines the process, your rights, and what to expect when arranging a courtesy car or hire car after an accident.

Step 1: Report the Accident to Your Insurance Provider

The first thing you should do after an accident—once everyone is safe—is to report the incident to your insurer, even if you don’t plan to make a claim. Your insurance company will guide you on how to proceed, assess liability, and determine whether your car is repairable or a write-off.

Be sure to provide the following:

• 1. Your policy number
     
  2. The accident date and time
     
  3. The other party’s details (if applicable)
     
  4. Photos of the damage (if available)
     
  5. A police reference number if the police were involved
     

Timely reporting is essential, especially if you want to be eligible for an insurance replacement car or courtesy vehicle.

Step 2: Determine Who Was at Fault

One of the most important factors in determining whether you’re entitled to a replacement vehicle after an accident is who was at fault.

1. 1. Non-fault accident: If the other driver was responsible, you may be eligible for a like-for-like hire car provided by a credit hire company or arranged through your insurer. The cost will usually be recovered from the at-fault party’s insurance.
   2. Fault accident: If you were at fault, your access to a replacement vehicle depends on your policy. Some comprehensive car insurance policies include a courtesy car as standard, while others offer it as an optional add-on.

       

Step 3: Get an Assessment of the Damage

Your insurer may request that your car is assessed by an approved repairer to determine whether it can be fixed or is beyond economic repair (i.e., a write-off). This will affect how long you need a temporary replacement car.

1. 1. If repairable, your insurer may offer you a courtesy car during repair.
   2. If the vehicle is written off, they may still provide a replacement hire car, but often for a limited period—usually 7 to 14 days.

Step 4: Arrange a Replacement Vehicle

Option 1: Courtesy Car from Your Insurer

If your policy includes courtesy car cover, your insurer will arrange a basic vehicle for you. However, note:

1. 1. It may not be a like-for-like replacement.
   2. It’s typically a small car (e.g., Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa).
   3. Availability depends on the repair garage’s fleet.
   4. It’s usually only available during the repair period, not after a write-off.

Option 2: Credit Hire Company (For Non-Fault Drivers)

If the accident was not your fault, you may be eligible for a like-for-like hire vehicle from a credit hire company. These companies provide you with a vehicle similar to yours and recover the cost from the at-fault driver’s insurer.

Benefits include:

1. 1. Same size/type of vehicle (e.g., SUV, van, or luxury car)
   2. Delivered to your home
   3. No upfront payment

Credit hire firms are especially useful if your insurer only offers a basic courtesy car, and your car is a premium or specialist vehicle.

Step 5: Provide Required Documentation

To arrange a replacement car after a non-fault accident, you’ll need to provide:

1. 1. Proof of non-fault (e.g., accident report, witness statement)
   2. Driving licence and insurance certificate
   3. Incident reference number
   4. Repair or total loss confirmation

The replacement vehicle will be supplied only if there’s strong evidence that the other driver was responsible. If there’s a dispute, the credit hire company may delay the handover until liability is confirmed.

Step 6: Using the Replacement Car

Once you receive the temporary car, you can use it as normal, but you must:

1. 1. Treat it with care
   2. Not use it for business purposes (unless agreed)
   3. Return it when requested (especially if a claim is disputed or denied)

The hire company or insurer may have tracking or telematics on the vehicle, so misuse could affect your claim.

Step 7: Return or Replace the Vehicle

Your hire car after accident must be returned when:

1. 1. Your own car has been repaired and returned to you
   2. You’ve accepted a settlement for a write-off
   3. You purchase a new vehicle

Delays in returning the vehicle after this point may result in personal liability for ongoing hire charges.

Important Considerations

1. Time Limits

Most credit hire cars are provided for a specific number of days—commonly up to 14 days after a write-off. If you delay purchasing a new car or accepting an offer from your insurer, you may lose your right to a replacement.

2. Policy Type

Only comprehensive policies typically include a courtesy car. Third-party or third-party fire & theft policies usually don’t provide one unless purchased as an add-on.

3. Optional Add-Ons

Some insurers offer enhanced replacement car cover options, such as:

• • Like-for-like replacement vehicle cover
  • Extended courtesy car period
  • Replacement vehicle if your car is stolen or written off

These may cost extra but offer peace of mind.

4. Legal Representation

If you’re involved in a non-fault accident, consider working with a claims management company or solicitor to ensure you get a non-fault replacement vehicle quickly and without complications.

Final Thoughts

Getting a replacement car after an accident in the UK involves several steps, but understanding your rights and the role of your insurer can make the process smoother. Whether it’s a basic courtesy vehicle during repairs or a credit hire car for a non-fault driver, there are options to keep you mobile while your claim is being processed.

If you’re unsure of your policy benefits or the next steps, speak to your insurance provider or a claims specialist as soon as possible. Acting quickly ensures that you don’t miss out on your entitlement to a hire vehicle after an accident.