If you were not at fault in a road accident, a credit hire car can keep you mobile without paying upfront. The hire company supplies the vehicle and then claims the charges back from the at-fault driver’s insurer. This guide walks through the whole timeline, from the moment of the accident to doorstep delivery and collection, and lists the documents that help the process move quickly.
If you need a replacement car now, see our credit hire car service or replacement vehicle after accident service.
What Is a Credit Hire Car?
A credit hire car is a replacement vehicle supplied to a non-fault driver whose car is off the road after an accident. You do not pay at the start. The hire company recovers its charges from the at-fault party’s insurer as part of your claim. Credit hire is not available if you were at fault. In that case, any courtesy car depends on your own policy. See credit hire and courtesy cars: key differences explained and credit hire vs insured hire vs subrogation.
Credit Hire Timeline at a Glance
| Stage | What happens | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Accident | Stay safe, exchange details, take photos, report to police if required | Same day |
| 2. Report and enquiry | Tell your insurer; contact a credit hire company or solicitor | Same day or next day |
| 3. Eligibility check | The provider checks that you were not at fault, that the other driver is insured, and that you need a car | Often within hours, depending on the case |
| 4. Documents and agreement | You provide ID and details and sign the credit hire agreement | Usually the same day as approval |
| 5. Vehicle matching | A suitable vehicle is chosen based on your genuine needs | Same day |
| 6. Delivery | The car is brought to your home, workplace or garage | Often same or next day, depending on availability |
| 7. Hire period | You use the car while your own is repaired or a total loss is settled | Days to weeks |
| 8. Collection | The hire company collects the car and inspects it | When your car is ready or you are paid out |
Timings vary by provider, vehicle type and how quickly liability is accepted. For the shorter first steps, read what to do after a car accident.
Who Qualifies for Credit Hire?
Providers usually look for the following:
- You were not at fault, and the at-fault driver is identified and insured.
- You hold a valid UK driving licence.
- Your car is undrivable, unroadworthy or off the road for repairs.
- You have a genuine need for a replacement car.
- Your own policy does not already give you a suitable courtesy car, or the one offered is unsuitable.
See your rights to a replacement vehicle after a non-fault accident and do I need to inform my own insurance about a credit hire car. If the other driver is uninsured or untraced, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau may be relevant.
Step-by-Step: Credit Hire Car Delivered to Your Door
Step 1: Report the accident
Report it to your insurer as your policy requires, and speak to a credit hire company or solicitor. The provider asks for the accident details to confirm you were not at fault.
Step 2: Assessment
A case handler collects the accident details, reviews the damage and liaises with your repairer or accident management company. They will also ask you to confirm your identity and licence.
Step 3: Vehicle matching
The provider arranges a suitable car. After a non-fault accident this is often similar to your own, but what is recoverable is a car you reasonably need. See do you always get the same size replacement vehicle after an accident.
Step 4: Agreement
You sign a credit hire agreement stating that the hire charges will be claimed from the at-fault insurer. You do not pay upfront, but read the agreement carefully. Some agreements make you liable for the charges if the claim fails or if you breach the terms. Ask what happens if liability is disputed and keep a copy.
Step 5: Doorstep delivery
The vehicle is delivered to your home, workplace or repairer. At handover a representative should:
- Check your licence and the signed paperwork.
- Explain the car’s controls, especially for hybrid, electric or automatic vehicles.
- Record the car’s condition with photos, mileage and fuel level.
Take your own photos too, and keep a copy of the handover record.
Step 6: Using the hire car
You can generally keep the car for as long as it is reasonably needed, usually until your car is repaired or a total loss settlement is paid. See how long can I keep the credit hire vehicle. Use the car only as allowed in the agreement and tell the provider if your circumstances change.
Step 7: Collection
When your own car is ready, the provider arranges collection and inspects the vehicle. Photograph the car again at return and ask for written confirmation of the return date.
What Types of Vehicles Can Be Delivered?
Availability depends on the provider and on what you genuinely need. Options can include saloons and hatchbacks, SUVs, electric vehicles, licensed taxis and private hire vehicles, and vans. Drivers who work in the trade can read credit hire explained: essential information for taxi drivers.
Documents You May Need for a Credit Hire Car
Having these ready can prevent delays. Providers differ, so ask for their exact list.
| Document | Why it is needed | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| UK driving licence | Confirms you are entitled to drive | A provider may check your record with your permission using a DVLA share code. Have your photocard ready |
| Proof of address | Confirms your details and delivery address | Recent utility bill, bank statement, council tax bill or tenancy agreement |
| Proof of insurance | Shows you were insured and what cover you have, including any courtesy car | Policy schedule or certificate |
| Proof of ownership or authority to use the car | Links you to the damaged car | V5C logbook (GOV.UK), lease agreement, or written permission if it is a company or family car |
| Accident details | Helps establish fault and your claim | Date, time, place, description, other driver and vehicle details, photos, police reference if reported |
| Evidence of need | Shows the hire is reasonable and necessary | Commute or work pattern, school runs, appointments, or business records |
| Signed credit hire agreement | Sets out the rate, terms and your obligations | Check it is fully signed and dated |
| Taxi or private hire licence and plate details (if relevant) | Needed so a suitable licensed vehicle can be supplied | Local authority badge and vehicle licence |
| Extra photo ID (if requested) | Anti-fraud verification | Passport or other photo ID |
Helpful extras: witness details, dashcam footage, repair estimate or inspection report, and correspondence with your insurer or the other driver.
How to prepare your documents
- Take clear photos or scans of every document.
- Save them as PDFs and sort them by category (ID, insurance, accident, hire).
- Keep backups in secure cloud storage.
- Check that your name, address and registration match across all documents.
- Send everything promptly. Missing or unclear documents are a common cause of delay.
Need help with evidence at the scene? The Highway Code explains what to do after a collision.
Things to Watch Out For
- Read the agreement. Understand the daily rate, the hire period and who is liable if the claim does not succeed.
- Inspect the car at delivery and record any existing damage.
- Avoid unnecessary extras. See hidden costs in replacement vehicle agreements.
- Watch for unsolicited offers. See replacement vehicle scams to avoid.
- Keep the hire period reasonable, because insurers challenge long hires. See how much does a credit hire car cost.
If your hire charges are challenged, read effective strategies for resolving credit hire car bill disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to involve my own insurer? You should tell your insurer about the accident as your policy requires. You may still use a credit hire company for the replacement car.
Will it affect my no-claims bonus? If you were not at fault and your insurer recovers its costs, your no-claims discount is normally protected. Check your policy terms or ask your insurer.
How quickly can a car be delivered? Often the same or next day once eligibility is confirmed, but it depends on the provider, the vehicle type and the information you supply.
What if the at-fault insurer disputes the claim? The provider may negotiate or take legal action. Check your agreement to see whether you could be liable if the charges are not paid.
Can I choose the car? To an extent. The provider will match your genuine needs, such as seats, gearbox and business use. Tell them about any special requirements in advance.
What if my insurer is slow to respond? See if the insurance company delays a replacement car.
Get a Replacement Vehicle Delivered
Marigold Services helps drivers across East London with replacement vehicles, recovery and claims. Explore our credit hire car, car recovery after accident, insurance claim after accident and car accident claims services. For a full overview, read credit hire explained for UK road traffic accident claims, and see how a teacher got a replacement car within 24 hours.
Sources and Further Reading
- The Highway Code, GOV.UK
- View or share your driving licence information, GOV.UK
- Vehicle log book (V5C), GOV.UK
- Motor Insurers’ Bureau
- Association of British Insurers
- Financial Ombudsman Service
- Case law: Dimond v Lovell [2002] 1 AC 384; Lagden v O’Connor [2003] UKHL 64; Stevens v Equity Syndicate Management Ltd [2015] EWCA Civ 93
This article is general information, not legal advice. Policy terms and legal rules change, so check your own documents or speak to a qualified adviser.
