What is a courtesy car?




In terms of your car insurance policy, a ‘courtesy car’ may be an inclusive ‘feature’ of your car insurance policy or you may have had to pay extra for it. But what exactly is it?

‘Courtesy cars’ are basically ‘lent’ to the customer of a garage while their own vehicle is being repaired. This is at the discretion of the garage concerned and if they do not have any cars available, you may not actually get one.

The type of vehicle you are likely to be offered (there is rarely a choice) is a small inexpensive hatchback or saloon at best.

The length of time you are able to use the ‘courtesy car’ may also be limited to a couple of weeks at most, and if your vehicle turns out to be a total-loss or ‘write-off’ the car will probably have to be returned .


The independent claims service that includes a hire-car

If you were not at-fault for the accident you were involved in, our independent claims service enables you to get a comparable replacement hire car if yours is un-roadworthy and/or being repaired.

In addition to this, if your vehicle is deemed a total loss or ‘write off’, you can use your replacement vehicle for up to 7 days after the receipt of your settlement cheque.

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

Because we are completely independent of any insurer, it means you have none of the disadvantages of a claim on your car insurance policy.

In fact, because we and our partners recover the costs of the services directly from the at-fault driver’s insurer.

The benefits of our service are shown below: -

  • An alternative to a claim on your own car insurance policy

  • A comparable replacement for your car if it is un-roadworthy and/or being repaired

  • Costs and charges are recovered directly from the at-fault driver’s insurer on your behalf

  • No excess to pay and your no-claims discount should not be affected

  • We arrange the repairs for your car at an approved accident repair centre

  • Alternatively, your repairs can be arranged at a garage of your own choice

  • Legal assistance can be arranged for issues including expenses, lost earnings and claims for compensation

  • Our 24/7 help line is available for all your claim enquiries



For further advice or assistance regarding your accident, 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