What Documents Do You Need for a Credit Hire Car?

Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful experience—especially when you are left without a vehicle to carry out your daily responsibilities. If the accident was not your fault, a credit hire vehicle can provide a like-for-like replacement quickly, without any upfront cost to you. However, in order to receive a credit hire car, you must provide a set of documents that help validate your claim and ensure you are eligible.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explain what documents you need for a credit hire car in the UK, why each document is required, and how to prepare them to avoid delays.

What is a Credit Hire Car?

Before diving into the documentation requirements, let’s briefly explain what a credit hire car is.

A credit hire car is a temporary replacement vehicle provided to a non-fault driver following a road traffic accident. Instead of paying out of pocket, the cost of hiring the vehicle is claimed back from the at-fault party’s insurance. This service is designed to ensure that the innocent driver remains mobile without having to bear any immediate financial burden.

Why Are Documents Required?

Credit hire companies and their legal teams need documents for several key reasons:

• • To verify your identity and driving eligibility
  • To assess liability and confirm you’re not at fault
  • To establish your genuine need for a replacement vehicle
  • To ensure legal compliance and insurance coverage
  • To recover hire charges from the at-fault insurer

Without these documents, the credit hire company cannot protect their interests or yours. Providing the right documents early helps speed up the process and avoid delays.

Full List of Documents You May Need

Here is a breakdown of the essential documents typically required to process a credit hire claim in the UK:

1. UK Driving Licence (Photocard and/or Paper Counterpart)

Purpose: To verify your legal entitlement to drive and confirm your identity.

• • The photocard should be valid and not expired.
  • If applicable, provide the old-style paper counterpart.
  • For taxi drivers or chauffeurs, a valid private hire or public hire licence may also be required.

Why It Matters: Credit hire companies must confirm that you are legally allowed to drive a vehicle before handing one over. If your licence has points or restrictions, it may also affect insurance coverage.

2. Proof of Address

Purpose: To verify your current residence and validate insurance and delivery details.

Acceptable documents (dated within the last 3 months) include:

• • Utility bill (gas, water, electric)
  • Bank or credit card statement
  • Council tax bill
  • Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement

Why It Matters: Credit hire companies must be able to deliver the car to your address and comply with legal verification processes, such as Know Your Customer (KYC) checks.

3. Proof of Insurance

Purpose: To confirm you were insured at the time of the accident and determine the terms of your coverage.

Required items:

• • Insurance certificate or policy schedule
  • Proof of renewal if recently changed
  • Confirmation of courtesy car entitlement (if any)

Why It Matters: Credit hire may not be necessary if your policy already includes a suitable courtesy car. Some insurers also require you to notify them before accepting a third-party replacement.

4. Vehicle Ownership or Use Authorization

Purpose: To show that the damaged vehicle was owned by you or you were an authorised user.

Required items may include:

• • V5C (logbook)
  • Lease agreement (for company or leased vehicles)
  • Authorization letter (if using a family member’s or company car)

Why It Matters: Credit hire is usually only provided to those who are without a usable vehicle. The hire company needs to confirm the link between you and the damaged car.

5. Accident Details and Report

Purpose: To determine fault, assess liability, and ensure you’re eligible for credit hire.

You will be asked to provide:

• • Date, time, and location of the accident
  • Description of how the accident occurred
  • Details of all parties involved
  • Photos of the accident scene (if available)
  • Police incident reference number (if reported)

Why It Matters: If it’s clear the other driver was at fault, the hire company has confidence that the cost of hire will be recoverable from the at-fault insurer.

6. Proof of Need for Replacement Vehicle

Purpose: To justify the hire—showing that you rely on a vehicle for personal or professional use.

This can include:

• • Work schedules or travel logs (for commuting or delivery work)
  • Proof of children’s school runs or appointments
  • Medical records (if car is needed for hospital visits)
  • Taxi or rideshare driver license and shift records (for commercial drivers)

Why It Matters: Without a demonstrable need, credit hire claims may be challenged by the at-fault insurer. The hire must be “reasonable and necessary.”

7. Credit Hire Agreement Form (CHA)

Purpose: To formalize the terms of the credit hire and your obligations.

This form typically includes:

• • Daily hire rate
  • Vehicle type and category
  • Terms of use and return
  • Your commitment to cooperate with the claims process

Why It Matters: This agreement protects both you and the credit hire company. It ensures you understand that the hire costs will be recovered from the at-fault insurer and not you personally (in most cases).

8. Taxi or Private Hire Badge (If Applicable)

For taxi drivers or chauffeurs who rely on their vehicle for income, you’ll be asked to provide:

• • Local authority licence badge
  • Private Hire or Hackney Carriage licence
  • Vehicle plating documents

Why It Matters: You may be provided with a plated vehicle that complies with your licensing authority’s requirements.

9. Photographic ID (In Addition to Driving Licence)

Though your driving licence acts as proof of identity, some hire companies may ask for:

• • Passport
  • National ID card (if applicable)
  • Work ID (in commercial claims)

Why It Matters: This is part of anti-fraud verification and ensures your identity matches all documentation submitted.

Optional but Helpful Documents

These documents are not always required but can help speed up the process:

• • Witness statements
  • Dashcam footage
  • Correspondence with your insurer
  • Vehicle repair estimate or inspection report
  • Written admission of liability (from other party)

The more documentation you provide, the stronger your case will be—especially if there are disputes over fault or necessity.

How to Prepare Your Documents

To ensure your credit hire process goes smoothly:

• • Scan or take clear photos of all your documents.
  • Use PDF format for electronic submissions when possible.
  • Organise documents by category: ID, insurance, accident details, etc.
  • Keep backup copies in cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).
  • Submit documents promptly to avoid delays in vehicle delivery.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• • Outdated documents: Utility bills older than 3 months may be rejected.
  • Blurry photos: Illegible scans may slow down verification.
  • Missing signatures: CHA forms must be fully signed and dated.
  • Inconsistent details: Ensure that your name, address, and car registration match across all documents.

What Happens After You Submit the Documents?

Once all documents are submitted and reviewed:

• • The credit hire company verifies your eligibility.
  • The correct vehicle type is matched to your needs.
  • A delivery date and time is scheduled.
  • The vehicle is dropped off and your hire period begins.

If any documents are missing or unclear, the process may be delayed until they’re resolved.

Conclusion

Obtaining a credit hire car in the UK can be a fast and stress-free process—provided you have the correct documentation ready. By understanding what documents you need and why they matter, you can avoid unnecessary delays and ensure your mobility is restored as quickly as possible after an accident.

Here’s a quick recap of the essential documents:

• • UK driving licence
  • Proof of address
  • Proof of insurance
  • Ownership or authorisation of the damaged vehicle
  • Accident details and supporting evidence
  • Proof of need for a replacement vehicle
  • Signed Credit Hire Agreement
  • Taxi licence or badge (if applicable)

Taking the time to prepare and submit accurate documents is the most important step you can take in securing a suitable credit hire vehicle with minimal disruption.