A Road Traffic Accident
A road traffic accident refers to a car collision involving a vehicle where one car collides with another vehicle, a pedestrian, or property. The impact can cause injuries, disabilities, damages, and other losses. Many of us do not know how to deal with the aftermath of a car accident. A road accident is as devastating as it is life-threatening. Car accidents result in injuries, trauma, and significant financial loss.
A courtesy car can help reduce stress by providing a temporary car while your car is being repaired. A courtesy car will keep you on the road and avoid additional expenses. Generally, some car insurance companies will aim to provide you with a courtesy car within a week after the accident, but you will likely need to go through more paperwork to get it.
Provision of a Courtesy Car
The provision of a courtesy car mainly depends on your car insurance policy. You need to review your policy to see if it covers a courtesy car. If your policy does, you are eligible for one while your car undergoes repairs through an approved garage. However, the make, model, size, and type of the car provided might differ from your own vehicle.
In the case of non-fault accidents, you are eligible for a courtesy car, whereas the other party may not be eligible for one in every accident scenario. If the accident was your fault, the provision of a courtesy car will depend on your insurance policy.
Time Frame to Get a Courtesy Car
The time frame for receiving a courtesy car after an accident depends on several factors:
- Insurance Policy: A specific condition in your policy will detail when a courtesy car is provided. Some insurance companies offer it immediately after the accident, while others may require an inspection of your vehicle’s damages first.
- Repair Period: If the garage expects your vehicle to be fixed within a short period, they may not offer a courtesy car. Conversely, for a longer repair duration, a courtesy car is typically provided.
- Availability of Courtesy Cars: If the garages or insurance company have a limited number of courtesy cars, you may have to wait until one becomes available.
Steps Involved in Getting a Courtesy Car
The process of getting a courtesy car after an accident usually involves the following steps:
- Report the Accident to Your Insurance
After ensuring everyone is safe, report the accident to your insurance company. If your policy covers a courtesy car, make sure you request it. Some insurers offer it automatically after reporting the accident, while others may require a specific request for the temporary car. - Vehicle Inspection
The insurance company will arrange an inspection to assess vehicle damages before providing a courtesy car and to determine the repair duration. - Signing an Agreement with Insurers
Before receiving the car, you will need to sign an agreement that covers the terms and conditions of use for the courtesy car. This agreement will outline the duration of use, mileage, and insurance coverage. Always read the terms carefully to avoid any hidden charges.
How Long Can You Keep the Courtesy Car?
If your insurance policy covers the provision of a courtesy car, you will be able to keep it while your vehicle is repaired.
If your car has been stolen, if you are not satisfied with the vehicle repairs, or if the vehicle is declared a total loss after the accident, you may be allowed to keep the courtesy car for up to 14 days. After this period, you can explore alternate options, such as purchasing a new vehicle or renting one.
You do not have to worry about tax and insurance, as these are already covered, and you will be under the same terms and conditions as if you were driving your own car.
Alternatives to Courtesy Cars
If there is a delay in getting a courtesy car or if you are not eligible for one, here are some alternatives:
- Rental Car: Some insurance companies offer rental vehicles as a substitute. Check with your insurer and review the terms.
- Vehicle Sharing Services: Many companies, like Accident Claims Assist, offer hourly or daily rentals.
- Public Transport: Depending on the repair timeframe, using public transport may be a feasible option.
Courtesy Car & Hire Car
Courtesy cars and hire cars are provided based on the circumstances of the accident and your needs.
If the accident was not your fault, you are legally eligible to recover all your costs and losses from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This includes the cost of a replacement car and any other losses you may sustain as a result of the accident. Accident Claims Assist provides relevant services without hassle. Once instructed by you to act on your behalf, Accident Claims Assist can help you receive a suitable replacement vehicle. We can also assist with vehicle repairs, storage, recovery, and other services. Costs are recovered from the at-fault driver’s insurance company at standard hire car rates.
Who Will Pay the Charges for the Courtesy Car?
You need to speak with your insurance company and review your policy before obtaining a courtesy car. If you have comprehensive car insurance coverage, you may receive a courtesy car while your car is being repaired.
If you have a third-party car insurance policy, a courtesy car is not provided free of cost. You will have to pay a small fee to use a courtesy car after the accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get a Courtesy Car If My Car Is Roadworthy?
It depends on the damage to your vehicle to determine if it’s roadworthy or written off. If the vehicle is roadworthy, the driver may continue using their car. However, in the case of non-fault accidents, the driver may require a courtesy car for minor repairs.
What Is the Age Limit to Get a Courtesy Car?
The minimum age limit to get a courtesy car is 18 years. Some vehicle providers may have limitations for younger drivers or older individuals.
What Is Credit Hire?
Credit hire is a service that provides you with a temporary vehicle to use. Accident management companies assess your accident circumstances and offer you a hire vehicle.
Can I Get the Courtesy Car with Any Insurance?
- Third-Party Insurance: If you have a third-party only or third-party fire and theft insurance policy, you are generally responsible for organizing everything after an accident. This is where we can help; we can arrange a courtesy car and assist with vehicle repair.
- Comprehensive Insurance: With this insurance policy, you will be covered for vehicle repairs and may receive a standard courtesy car from a garage approved by your insurance company.
If you are looking for a replacement or hire car or need to claim for your vehicle, Accident Claims Assist is here to help. You can use the services of Accident Claims Assist for a like-for-like courtesy car or hire car after an accident.
