Courtesy Cars: What You Are Actually Entitled To

People use courtesy car and replacement vehicle to mean the same thing. They are not, and the difference decides whether you get a small hatchback, a like for like vehicle, or nothing.

The three situations

• Courtesy car from the bodyshop. Offered while your car is being repaired, subject to availability. Usually a small car, and normally only for the days your vehicle is actually in the workshop.
• Courtesy car in your insurance policy. Only if it is written in your schedule, and usually only if the repair is done by an insurer approved repairer. Check before you assume.
• Replacement vehicle after a non fault accident. If the collision was not your fault, you are generally entitled to a like for like vehicle at the other side s cost, including a van if you need a van.

What to check before the repair starts

• Is a vehicle available for the whole repair, including any parts delay?
• Is it like for like, and can it tow, carry the tools or fit the child seats you need?
• Who insures it, and what excess applies if it is damaged?
• Is there a mileage limit or a fuel policy?

The non fault point people miss

Where you are not at fault, you keep the right to choose your own repairer and to be put back in the position you were in before the accident. That includes a suitable replacement vehicle. You do not have to accept whatever the other side s insurer offers first.

Across the Solution Repair network, repairs are arranged with a replacement vehicle where you need one, and on a non fault claim there is no excess for you to pay, with cover up to £500.

Find your nearest repair centre and ask them about vehicle availability when you book.