Car Accident. The difference between a courtesy car and a hire-car?



There can be big differences between “courtesy car” and “hire-car” options on an insurance policy if you have been involved in an accident. Car Call and our partners can provide independent advice and assistance to anyone who has been involved in an accident that was not their fault. Call us now on 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.

A courtesy car is typically a small standard saloon provided by a repairing garage as a short term substitute for your damaged vehicle during the repair process.

The disadvantages of basic “courtesy car” cover on your policy could include:-

  • If you drive a large MPV or prestige vehicle you may only be provided with a basic saloon as a replacement

  • There may be a time limit on how long you can use your courtesy car

  • If your vehicle is a total-loss or ‘write-off’ your courtesy car may have to be returned or you may not receive one at-all

  • You may only receive a courtesy car if you use the repairer specified by your insurer


  • You may not get a courtesy car at all if the garage does not have one available



The advantages of a hire-car using our independent claims service:-

  • It is not necessary to claim on your own insurance policy

  • You will be provided with a replacement vehicle that is matched as closely as possible to the type and engine size of your own

  • Your replacement vehicle will be delivered typically within 3 hours (if your vehicle is un-drivable) of accepting your claim

  • You can use your replacement for as long as it takes to complete the repairs

  • If your vehicle is deemed a write-off, you can continue to use your vehicle for up to 7 days after the receipt of your settlement cheque

  • The hire-vehicles we supply are typically less than 6 months old



In addition to providing a replacement hire vehicle, we can also manage your entire accident claim independently of your insurer. We simply provide the assistance you need and recover the costs associated with your claim directly from the at-fault drivers insurer on your behalf.

In summary our claims service includes:

  • It is not necessary to claim on your own insurance policy

  • You do not have to pay your insurance excess

  • Your no-claims bonus should not be affected

  • We arrange for your vehicle to be repaired at one of network of approved accident repair centres or at repair centre of your own choice

  • We can arrange legal assistance with the recovery of expenses, lost earnings and claims for personal injuries

  • Help and advice from our 24/7 help-line



If you would like assistance to find a suitable replacement hire car after your accident, or would like us to help you with your entire accident claim, call us on 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.

Any policyholder can use this service, and it is your legal right to choose who repairs your vehicle. All assistance offered and information given on this page is provided by Car Call and its partners , no association or affiliation to any particular insurer is intended in any way, and your statutory rights are unaffected.


No need to claim on your insurance

Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.

However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.

We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.

No excess to pay

Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.

This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.

By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.

Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle

Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.

Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.

Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.

So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.

Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs

If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.

Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.

Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.

Legal Assistance

Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.

They issues they can assist you with include:

  • Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
  • Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
  • Recovery of all repair costs
  • Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
  • Seeking financial compensation for an injury