Stay On The Road: How Our Courtesy Cars Keep You Moving

Enjoying the use of a courtesy car while your vehicle is in for repair can be hugely convenient and take the sting out of the disruption caused by a car accident. It means you can still go about your daily life without relying on others or public transport.

Most comprehensive car policies offer courtesy cars as part of their non-fault accident policies, but if you’re on a more basic policy, such as third party only, then you can buy it as an add-on.

Your insurer or an accident management company will organise a courtesy car for you, typically for as long as your own car is being repaired.

Understanding Courtesy Cars

Courtesy cars are a service provided under your insurance policy where you’re given a replacement car while your own is repaired. They’re usually small and economical runarounds that are cheap to run. If your usual car is a performance vehicle or an SUV, it’s unlikely you’ll have like-for-like,  although this may depend on your policy, so it’s worth checking the exact wording. Additionally, if the garage doesn’t have any available, you may not get one at all. You may also have to use an insurer-approved garage to benefit from the courtesy car part of your policy.

It's also worth noting the distinction between a courtesy car and a hire car. If your policy specifies a hire car rather than a courtesy car, you’re likely to have access to a car from the start to the end of your claim, and it will be similar to your current vehicle.

Duration of Use

Getting a courtesy car after an accident is limited to the duration of the repairs in the garage. If your vehicle is deemed a total loss and written off, then the provision of a courtesy car is unlikely to apply. However, if you’re eligible for a hire car under your policy, you may have use of this from soon after the accident until your claim is settled.

Eligibility for a Courtesy Car

Again, it all depends on what your insurance policy says. Many people do get a courtesy car as standard, but not all. There are other factors that come into play, too:

1. Age and history – You may be restricted if you’re under or over a certain age or have a higher risk profile
2. Type of insurance – If you have comprehensive insurance, it usually has a courtesy car provision. If you only have third-party coverage, it’s unlikely you’ll get a car unless the accident wasn’t your fault and the other party’s insurer pays for it
3. Availability – There are plenty of auto repair shops with courtesy cars, but if your repair is carried out at peak times, there may not be one immediately available

Am I Insured to Drive a Courtesy Car?

Yes, if you have a courtesy car clause in your insurance policy, then your insurance covers you driving the car under the same terms. This also extends to any named drivers on your policy. However, it’s always best to check.

At EvolveArc, we have a fleet of courtesy cars available for the duration of your repair and are able to loan you a car up to the same value as your own vehicle.

Get in contact with the team at EvolveArc today!

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