Credit Hire Timeline: From Accident to Delivery

In the UK, being involved in a road traffic accident can be stressful and disruptive. If your vehicle is damaged and you’re not at fault, one of the most immediate concerns is finding a replacement vehicle. This is where credit hire services come in. Credit hire allows you to obtain a replacement vehicle quickly, with the costs claimed later from the at-fault party’s insurance.

Understanding the credit hire timeline—from the moment of the accident to the delivery of the replacement car—**can help you stay informed and stress-free throughout the process. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of what typically happens, including legal, procedural, and practical stages.

Step 1: The Accident Happens

The timeline begins the moment you’re involved in an accident. Whether it’s a minor collision or a major crash, it’s important to follow these initial steps:

• • Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries.
  • Call Emergency Services: If anyone is injured, call 999.
  • Exchange Details: Share insurance, vehicle, and personal details with the other driver.
  • Gather Evidence: Take pictures of vehicle damage, the scene, and collect witness information if available.
  • Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid accepting blame at the scene—liability should be determined later.

Step 2: Report the Accident

Within 24 to 48 hours, you should report the accident to your insurer—even if you don’t intend to claim through your own policy. Failing to report promptly may violate your policy conditions.

If you believe you were not at fault, now is also the time to contact a credit hire company or legal representative who can assist with arranging a like-for-like replacement vehicle.

Step 3: Initial Assessment and Claim Review

The credit hire company will carry out an initial assessment which includes:

• • Liability Check: They evaluate the accident details to ensure there is a reasonable prospect of recovering costs from the at-fault insurer.
  • Eligibility: They check if you are eligible for credit hire (i.e., not at fault, not already provided a courtesy car, etc.).
  • Vehicle Need: They will confirm that you require a vehicle for daily needs—commuting, business, school runs, etc.
  • Insurance Policy Review: Some insurers provide a courtesy car, but this is often limited to basic models. If you require a like-for-like replacement, credit hire is often the best solution.

This stage typically takes 1-2 working days, depending on how quickly the required documents and evidence are submitted.

Step 4: Documentation and Agreement

Before delivering the replacement vehicle, the credit hire company will need you to:

• • Sign a Credit Hire Agreement (CHA): This legally binds you to repay the cost of the hire if it is not recovered from the at-fault insurer. However, most reputable firms offer a no-win, no-fee-style agreement.
  • Provide Identification: You will need a valid UK driving licence and proof of address.
  • Accept Terms and Conditions: These cover issues such as daily hire rates, use limitations, and return policies.

Once documentation is completed and approved, the delivery is scheduled. This stage usually lasts 1 day, assuming no complications.

Step 5: Vehicle Matching and Allocation

The credit hire company will assign a like-for-like vehicle based on:

• • Your car’s make and model
  • Usage (personal or business)
  • Any special features (e.g., wheelchair access, automatic gearbox, large boot size, taxi requirements)

High-end or specialised vehicles may take longer to source, but standard vehicles like saloons or hatchbacks can often be allocated immediately.

Delivery is generally arranged within 24 to 48 hours of signing the hire agreement.

Step 6: Vehicle Delivery

Once everything is in order, the replacement vehicle is delivered to your home, workplace, or another convenient location. At this point:

• • The vehicle is checked with you present.
  • You receive keys, fuel, insurance documents, and emergency contacts.
  • A handover sheet is signed, and your hire period begins.

The delivery process is usually completed in a few hours, making the transition as smooth as possible.

Step 7: Your Vehicle Is Repaired or Declared a Total Loss

While you’re driving the replacement vehicle, the following happens in the background:

1. Inspection of Your Damaged Vehicle:

• • Engineers or independent assessors inspect your damaged car.
  • This occurs at your home, a recovery yard, or the repair garage.

2. Valuation and Repairs:

• • If the car is repairable, it is sent to an approved repair centre.
  • If written off (total loss), the insurer issues a valuation and offers a settlement.

This step can take anywhere from 7 days to 3 weeks, depending on parts availability, repair duration, or settlement negotiations.

Step 8: Communication with the At-Fault Insurer

Meanwhile, your credit hire company or solicitor:

• • Contacts the at-fault driver’s insurer
  • Shares evidence: police reports, witness statements, dashcam footage
  • Begins recovery of hire costs

If liability is accepted early, the process is quick. If liability is disputed, it may take longer or even require legal proceedings. Nevertheless, you are typically still entitled to drive the replacement vehicle during this time.

Step 9: Return of the Credit Hire Vehicle

Once your original car is repaired or a financial settlement is agreed upon for its total loss:

• • You arrange a convenient date to return the credit hire vehicle.
  • The vehicle is collected and inspected.
  • A return receipt is signed confirming the vehicle’s condition.

The credit hire company will then conclude your hire period.

Step 10: Post-Hire: Billing and Recovery

You, as the non-fault driver, will not typically pay anything upfront. Instead:

• • The hire company claims the cost directly from the at-fault party’s insurer.
  • If there is a dispute, your legal representatives may initiate proceedings to recover costs.
  • You may be asked to cooperate in providing additional documentation or witness statements.

Only in rare cases where liability cannot be proven or recovered, the company may explore repayment options with you—but this risk is minimal if the facts are clear and liability is accepted.

Typical Timeline Summary

Tips to Speed Up the Process

• • Act Quickly: Report the accident and contact the credit hire company as soon as possible.
  • Have Documents Ready: A valid licence, proof of need, and a clear description of the incident will speed up approval.
  • Be Responsive: Respond promptly to phone calls, emails, or document requests.
  • Use Legal Support: If the credit hire is arranged through a solicitor, coordination with insurers is often faster.

Conclusion

The credit hire process, from the accident to delivery of a replacement vehicle, is designed to restore your mobility and convenience without upfront financial stress. With proper documentation, timely reporting, and cooperation, the entire process can be remarkably smooth.

While timelines can vary depending on the circumstances and the type of vehicle required, most non-fault drivers are back on the road with a suitable replacement in 2 to 3 days.

Understanding this timeline can empower you to make informed decisions and reduce the stress that comes after an accident.