A lot of drivers only find out the rules after they have already been in an accident, which is the worst possible time to be caught out. This guide walks you through what you are entitled to and how to avoid being left without transport when you need it most.
The Three Main Types of Replacement Car
People tend to use the phrase “courtesy car” to mean any replacement vehicle, but there are really three different arrangements.
A basic courtesy car is the small, modest vehicle often supplied by a bodyshop while your own car is being repaired. It usually has a small engine, a small boot and basic features, and it is not matched to the size of your own car.
A like-for-like hire car closely matches the size and type of your own vehicle. If your car is an estate, you get an estate. If you drive an automatic, you get an automatic. These are more common after a non-fault accident.
A credit hire vehicle is provided by a separate company that then recovers the cost from the at-fault driver’s insurer. You do not pay for the hire yourself, provided the claim succeeds.
At-fault vs Non-fault: Why It Changes Everything
Fault is the single biggest factor in what kind of car you are offered.
| Situation | Who Pays for Repairs? | Typical Replacement Car |
|---|---|---|
| At-fault accident | Your own insurer (minus excess) | Basic courtesy car, only if included in your policy |
| Non-fault, through your insurer | Your insurer, who then recovers costs | Basic courtesy car, usually a small hatchback |
| Non-fault, using credit hire | The at-fault driver’s insurer | Like-for-like replacement for the length of repair |
| Glass-only claim | Your insurer, under glass cover | Usually no replacement car provided |
What Your Policy Wording Really Says
Courtesy cars are often described as “free” or “included,” but the small print tells a fuller story. Many comprehensive policies include a courtesy car only while your vehicle is being repaired by an approved garage. If the car is written off or stolen, the entitlement often ends on the day the claim is settled.
Some policies offer no courtesy car as standard and treat it as a paid extra. Others restrict the hire to drivers over a certain age. A careful read of your schedule and policy booklet is the only way to know for sure.
Using an Insurance-approved Repairer
Choosing an approved repairer makes the process simpler. An approved bodyshop has already met your insurer’s standards, so there is less back and forth about estimates and timelines.
At Infiniti Motor Group, we provide insurance approved accident repair for drivers across East London and Essex. Because we are on the approved lists of every major insurer, work can be authorised quickly.
How Credit Hire Works
For non-fault drivers, credit hire can be the best way to get a suitable replacement car. The hire company recovers its costs from the at-fault insurer, so you do not pay out of pocket as long as the claim is accepted. You must, however, cooperate with the company and stick to the terms of the agreement. For an official explainer, Citizens Advice sets out the position clearly in their guide on vehicle insurance if the accident was not your fault.
Letting Someone Else Do the Heavy Lifting
Dealing with insurers, assessors and authorisations is time-consuming, which is why many drivers prefer to hand the process to a specialist. Our full accident claim management service speaks to the insurers on your behalf, arranges recovery if needed, and keeps the repair moving.
Getting Clear Guidance Before You Need It
The best time to understand your courtesy car entitlement is before you ever have a claim. Check your schedule today and confirm whether a replacement vehicle is included or a paid add-on. You can also learn more about our bodyshop and how we handle claims and replacement vehicles for drivers across Barking and East London.
Knowing the rules puts you in control and protects you from being left without transport when you need it most.