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Hire on Repairs After a Road Accident – What UK Drivers Need to Understand

Getting into a road traffic accident is stressful and shocking enough. Whether a minor scratch or a more serious accident, the aftershock usually comes with a whirlwind of telephone calls, paperwork, and conclusions. One of the major concerns for many people? How are they going to get around while their vehicle is being repaired? That is where the term “hire on repairs” derives from.

If you have recently been involved in an accident and are wondering how this all works, don’t worry, you are not alone. This guide breaks it down in a simple, human way so you know precisely what your possibilities are and how to get back on the road without unnecessary headaches.

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What Is a Credit Hire Company?

A credit hire company jumps in to provide a replacement car while your vehicle is being repaired, especially in non-fault accident claims. They will give you the car on credit, meaning you don’t pay the cost out of pocket at the time. Later, the credit hire company recovers the costs from the other driver’s insurance company. These credit hire companies are great because they handle a lot of the logistics, delivering the car, managing communications with insurers, and often helping coordinate the vehicle repair itself. Just ensure you are working with a reputable and reliable provider to avoid any hidden fees or tricky situations down the line.

What Is Hire on Repairs?

In basic terms, hire-on-repair refers to a replacement or a courtesy vehicle provided while your vehicle is being repaired after a road accident. Depending on the circumstances, this replacement vehicle might be offered by your insurers, the at-fault driver’s insurance company, or through a credit hire company.

This service makes sure that you are not left stuck and can go about your daily life, getting to work, dropping the children at school, and performing other daily tasks while your car is in the garage.

Who Is Eligible to hire a Vehicle?

Whether you are eligible for a replacement vehicle depends on two points:

Who was at fault, and what is in your insurance policy?

If You are Not at Fault

If you are not liable for the road accident, then you are entitled to a like-for-like replacement vehicle at no upfront cost to you. This is often arranged through a credit hire company, which provides the car on credit and then recovers the cost from the at-fault driver’s insurer.

You won’t need to pay any upfront charges, and in many situations, the replacement car can be delivered to your doorstep.

If You Are at Fault

Whether your eligibility to get a replacement car depends on your insurance policy coverage. If you have comprehensive insurance cover, you may be eligible for a courtesy car, usually a small standard vehicle, while your vehicle is being repaired. If you only have third-party insurance cover, you may have to make your own plans unless the insurance policy includes an additional replacement car feature.

Always review the feature and coverage in your insurance documents or speak to your insurance provider to confirm what’s included.

How Long Can You Keep the Hire Car?

You are usually allowed to keep the replacement car until your car is fully repaired, or if it’s a total loss, until your insurance company settles your claim and you receive compensation.

Credit hire companies and insurance companies work with repair shops to track progress, but it is always a good idea to stay connected. Delays in vehicle repair can be because of parts availability or garage workload can extend the credit hire duration, but so long as everything is documented, it is usually covered.

Will I Get a Comparable Vehicle?

One of the key benefits of going through a credit hire organization or a well-prepared insurance company is the option to get a like-for-like vehicle according to your requirements.

This means if you drive a BMW, a van, or a luxury car, you should be offered approximately similar not just a standard courtesy car. This is especially useful if you depend on your vehicle for specific requirements, whether that is moving equipment, daily activities, or long-distance travel.

Why It Matters

Let’s be realistic: being without a car, even for a few days, can completely disturb your life. Public transport is not always reliable or available, and ride-sharing charges can add up quickly. That is why having access to a replacement car during repairs can make a massive difference in reducing stress and having life move on. But there are many things you should be informed of before jumping in.

Our Services

Efficient and reliable accident recovery services to transport your vehicle safely and promptly.

Secure and convenient storage solutions for your vehicle while you manage your claim.

Thorough vehicle inspections to assess damage and facilitate accurate repair estimates.

Access to high-quality rental vehicles to keep you mobile while your own vehicle is repaired.

Expert repair services to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition.

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At Accident Claims Assist, we pride ourselves on our dedication to exceptional customer service. Our team of experienced professionals is here to guide you through every step of the claims process with:

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Stuck without a car? We arrange like to like replacement vehicles for free, so you’re never inconvenienced.

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Vehicle Recovery and Repairs

We provide no-cost vehicle recovery services and work with approved garages to get your car back on road.

Who Pays for the Hire Car Cost?

This depends on many key factors:

If You’re Not at Fault

If the road traffic accident wasn’t your fault, the at-fault driver’s insurance is usually responsible for recovering the cost of a replacement vehicle. This is usually arranged through a credit hire company, which will provide you with a similar replacement vehicle and recover the costs directly from the at-fault driver’s insurer. The best part is that you usually don’t have to pay any cost upfront.

 

If You Are at Fault

If you caused the road accident, your insurance policy may cover a courtesy car, but only if it’s included in your insurance policy. Some insurance includes this facility as customary; others offer it as an option. Always check your insurance policy details so there are no surprises.

 

Choosing the Right Hire Vehicle

Most credit hire or courtesy car services will focus on giving you a like-for-like replacement vehicle. So, if you drive an SUV, you shouldn’t be provided a compact standard vehicle. This is especially important if you depend on your car for specific activities like carrying tools for work, transporting a large family, or even just for luxury.

Make sure you communicate your requirements when arranging your replacement vehicle.

How much does it cost to repair a vehicle?

The repair cost depends on the vehicle damages; vehicle Make & Model, and age of the vehicle and its condition.

Do I have to pay for my vehicle repairs?

You do not have to pay anything if the vehicle accident is not your fault. The repair cost will be recovered from the at-fault party's insurance company.

How to get an estimate for vehicle repairs?

We can contact our local garage or the online repairs calculator. We need to provide the following details:

  • Enter your vehicle registration and area postcode
  • Mention the details of the repair services  
  • Check if the vehicle is driveable 
  • Request for a repair estimate
  • Book your vehicle repairs with our approved garages

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