Many people depend heavily on cars, especially if they live in rural areas or locations with limited public transport. Fortunately, many insurance companies offer a standard courtesy car after an accident so that you can stay on the road while your vehicle is being repaired.
Replacement Vehicle Eligibility
Eligibility for a replacement vehicle includes various vehicles, such as cars, motorbikes, PCO (Private Carriage Operator) vehicles, and commercial vehicles, depending on your needs. Drivers typically remain eligible for a replacement vehicle until their repair claims are settled. In many cases, a replacement vehicle can be arranged on the same day as the accident.
What is a Replacement Vehicle?
A supplier provides a replacement vehicle when the hirer’s vehicle becomes undrivable due to damage or theft. However, suppliers have different terms and conditions for providing replacement vehicles.
Replacement Vehicle Through Credit Hire
Credit hire organizations often provide replacement vehicles through credit hire agreements. The cost of the temporary credit hire vehicle is recovered from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, usually by the GTA (General Terms Agreement) standard replacement vehicle agreement.
Eligibility for a Replacement Vehicle
In the UK, entitlement to a replacement vehicle often depends on the type of vehicle, whether it is a PCO, private hire, or personal use vehicle, and the specific circumstances, such as an accident, a new car purchase, or an MOT failure.
General requirements for the vehicle include:
- Vehicle Mileage & Age: Some vehicles, such as PCO, taxis, or private hire cars, may have age and mileage restrictions (e.g., under four years old and less than 55,000 miles).
- Vehicle Emissions: Vehicles must meet emission standards, such as Euro 6 or its equivalent.
- Capacity Range: Private hire cars must be capable of transporting at least four passengers.
- Vehicle Class Approval: Vehicles must meet specific standards through Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) or Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA).
- Valid MOT: Vehicles must have a valid MOT and be taxed.
- Insurance Cover: You must have an active insurance policy before driving the vehicle.
- Vehicle Registration: Vehicles must be registered with the DVLA.
Replacement Vehicle After a Fault Accident
If you are involved in a fault accident in the UK, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle through your insurance company. However, this typically applies if you have comprehensive coverage or your car is declared a total loss.
Non-Fault Accident Replacement Vehicles
If you were not at fault for the accident, you could be entitled to a replacement vehicle through credit hire companies or vehicle services. These costs are claimed from the at-fault driver’s insurance as part of the losses caused by the accident. You may be eligible for a replacement vehicle regardless of your insurance coverage.
Types of Replacement Vehicles
Various services are available to help drivers obtain temporary replacement vehicles after a road accident. The key factor in acquiring these services is determining liability.
- Non-fault accidents: The non-fault driver can claim replacement vehicle costs from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
- At-fault accidents: The at-fault driver generally cannot claim for a replacement vehicle and may have limited options.
When Am I Entitled to a Replacement Vehicle?
You are entitled to a replacement vehicle and compensation if you have been involved in a non-fault accident. In this case, the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for covering all of your losses.
Insurance companies typically provide replacement vehicles within 24 to 48 hours of the accident. However, if you proceed with the claim through an accident management company, you may not receive a comparable replacement vehicle. Accident management companies arrange comparable vehicles and compensation services through their solicitors.
Claiming for Vehicle Damage
You are entitled to claim a replacement vehicle while waiting to repair your car. This is known as “loss not insured”, meaning that if you have third-party insurance, you only have coverage for vehicle damage that is your fault—any other losses are considered uninsured.
Some insurance policies include courtesy vehicles, but this is not guaranteed. For example, some insurers only provide a courtesy car if your vehicle is repairable. If your vehicle is beyond repair (a write-off), you may not be entitled to a courtesy car through your insurer.
This differs from a credit hire vehicle, which is provided on a non-fault basis by a credit hire company, with the costs recovered from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Obtaining a replacement hire car through a third-party claims company allows you to get a hire vehicle paid for by the third-party insurer, keeping you on the road in a car similar to yours.
Looking for a Replacement Vehicle After an Accident?
If you need a replacement vehicle after an accident, Accident Claims Assist can help. We offer an alternative to claiming a courtesy vehicle through your insurance company. The benefit of using a claims management company is that you do not have to pay policy excess. You can also be assured of receiving a suitable replacement vehicle until your write-off claim is settled or your vehicle is repaired.
