What You Need To Know About Getting A Courtesy Car After An Accident

A courtesy car can be a massive help after an accident, enabling you to carry on your everyday activities with minimal disruption. Whether it’s commuting to work, taking kids to school, running errands or looking after elderly relatives, if you’re without a car, even for a few days, it can be a major inconvenience.

And while plenty of insurers include a courtesy car as part of comprehensive car cover, not all do, so it pays to know what your rights are and how you can access transport if you need it.

What Is A Courtesy Car?

A courtesy car is a temporary vehicle that your garage will let you use while your own vehicle is being repaired. If you have comprehensive car insurance, the use of a courtesy car is typically included in the policy. If you only have third-party insurance, you may be able to include courtesy car use for an additional fee.

Any named driver on your policy will usually be able to use the courtesy car, though there may be age limits which apply.

The type of courtesy car you get will often be different to your own, but again it all depends on what’s stated on your policy. Usually, it will be something small, economical and compact. However, some policies stipulate a car of a similar size and style to your own.

The Difference Between A Courtesy Car And A Hire Car

Generally speaking, getting a courtesy car after an accident is only an option if your vehicle is repairable. It’s also usually subject to availability – if the repairer is particularly busy, you may not have access to one. Additionally, if your car is written off, stolen or unrecoverable, you won’t get a courtesy car.

Naturally, this can be an issue when you’re trying to go about your daily life, so many insurers offer additional car hire cover, which does mean you’ll get a car. Unlike a courtesy car, this will be of a similar size and style to your own car and will usually remain available to you until a settlement is agreed or your car is repaired.

Common Courtesy Car Conditions

Many policies include courtesy car cover, but there are certain circumstances which affect it:

• Courtesy car use may be limited to drivers over 21
• You may not get a courtesy car if you take your car to a non-approved repairer
• Courtesy cars are subject to availability; they’re not guaranteed
• You won’t get a courtesy car if your car is written off, stolen or unrecoverable (see above for hire car cover)
• You’re unlikely to get a courtesy car for minor damage repairs, such as the windscreen

Fault Vs Non-Fault Accidents

If you’re in an accident and it’s not your fault, you’ll usually be entitled to a courtesy car or a hire car until the repair is finished or the claim is settled. This will typically be paid for by the at-fault party’s insurance.

If you were at fault, then you may not be entitled to a courtesy car, although it will depend on your individual policy. If your policy is comprehensive, it may include a courtesy car provision regardless of whether you caused it or not.

Need a courtesy car fast? Get in touch with our team and we’ll handle the rest

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