Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining a Courtesy Hire Car After a Non-Fault Car Accident

Introduction Courtesy Car Services

Being involved in a car accident is a distressing experience, especially when it’s not your fault. Alongside the immediate concerns of safety, the inconvenience of being without a vehicle can rapidly compound the resulting challenges experienced. Fortunately, if you are the non-fault party in a car accident, you may be entitled to a courtesy hire car to alleviate the inconvenience and enable you to resume your daily activities without delay. In this article, we will explore the process of obtaining a courtesy hire car after a non-fault car accident, including entitlements, time frames, courtesy hire vehicle group types, and available independent services like ACC that can assist you during this challenging time.

Note. Most vehicle insurance companies will also provide courtesy car, hire car or credit hire temporary replacement vehicle services. In addition, the negligent drivers insurance company will also often provide such services via their ‘third party intervention’ teams. Yet another option can be to contact a manufacturer approved vehicle repair centre, they will often provide a suitable temporary courtesy car or give access to suitable hire vehicle.

Understanding Your Entitlements and Time Frames:

After a non-fault car accident, the at-fault party’s insurance company is typically responsible for providing a courtesy hire car or covering the cost of one. The entitlement to a courtesy car is contingent on the at-fault party’s insurance accepting liability. Once liability is established, you are usually entitled to a replacement vehicle to use while your car is being repaired, or until you receive a settlement if the car is deemed a total loss.

The time frames for receiving a courtesy hire car can vary, but in general, it should be arranged as soon as possible after the accident. Most insurance companies and non fault accident courtesy car services, credit hire vehicle services will strive to provide a courtesy car within 24-48 hours of accepting liability. This is often within 24-48 hours of the accident date if instructed immediately. However, certain factors such as the complexity of the claim, availability of vehicles, or any ongoing investigations may cause delays. It is essential to keep open lines of communication with insurance companies or the appointed courtesy car / hire car service to ensure a smooth process.

Courtesy Vehicle Group Types Explained:

“What vehicle type am I entitled to?”

This is one of the most common questions we receive and there is a simple answer. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has developed a standardised vehicle classification system known as the Grouping Rating Panel (GRP). This system categorises vehicles into 50 different insurance groups, with group 1 being the lowest risk and group 50 being the highest risk. The ABI GTA (Grouping, Theft, and Agragate, General Trading Agreement) vehicle groups help determine the type of courtesy hire car you are entitled to after a non-fault accident. Visit the ABI GTA webite to discover your vehicles appointed group classification. This will give you a clear idea of what vehicle can request or expect to receive.

Generally, the at-fault party’s insurance company will provide or cover the cost of a courtesy hire car that is equivalent to your own vehicle or falls within a similar insurance group. This means that if you drive a small family car, you can expect a similar replacement vehicle rather than a high-performance sports car. It is important to note that luxury or premium vehicles might not be readily available via some insurance appointed services but you always have to option to contact an independent service like ACC, another option maybe to contact your vehicle manufacturer approved main agent repair centre. Main agents often provide courtesy vehicle and hire vehicle on badge for badge basis.  With independent services the availability of specific makes and models may vary depending upon fleet, however at ACC we strive to provide a like for like vehicle whenever possible. If we don’t have availability we will always try to suggest other companies services who you may wish to contact and may able to assist you further.

Independent Services Offering Help:

While your insurance company may be your primary point of contact for arranging a courtesy hire car, there are independent services that can assist you throughout the process if an insurer does not offer the services, have availability or access to the correct vehicle type you require. These services often work with a network of approved car hire providers and can expedite the process while ensuring that your entitlements are upheld. They can also handle the paperwork, communications, and in some cases negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company on your behalf, relieving you of administrative burdens during this already stressful time. Once again, contacting your vehicle manufacturer may be a good solution as they will often provide this service or have a recommended or approved service provider for courtesy hire / car services and vehicle damage claims.

What Should You Look For In A Courtesy Car / Courtesy Hire Car Service?

It is important to choose a reputable independent service that specialises in assisting non-fault parties in car accidents. Look for services that have a proven track record, and offer a transparent clear service including how they recover their fees to avoid any unexpected costs. Ensure all contracts and terms of service are presented in full upon your instruction of their services. Often the best way to find such services are to contact your insurers or your vehicle manufacturer main agent.

In Summary:

Experiencing a non-fault car accident can disrupt your life, but knowing your entitlements and understanding the process of obtaining a courtesy hire car can help alleviate the inconvenience. Remember to promptly report the accident to your insurance company, gather all necessary information and evidence, and maintain open lines of communication throughout the claims process. By working closely with your insurance company or engaging the services of a trusted independent vehicle damage claims service, you can ensure a smooth and efficient process in obtaining a courtesy hire car that meets your needs.

Quick Guide To Obtaining a Non Fault Accident Courtesy Car:

Experiencing a car accident that wasn’t your fault can be distressing, but you may be entitled to a courtesy hire car. In this is a quick and informative guide, we’ll explore how to obtain a courtesy hire car after a non-fault car accident, including your entitlements, expected time frames, courtesy vehicle groups and how they work, and information independent services that can assist you.

Understanding Entitlements and Time Frames.
If the accident was not your fault, the at-fault party’s insurance company is typically responsible for providing a courtesy hire car or covering the cost of the same. You’re entitled to a replacement vehicle while yours is being repaired or until you receive a settlement for a total loss. To receive a courtesy car, the at-fault party’s insurance must accept liability. Prompt communication and cooperation are key to a smooth process. I you need a courtesy hire car request one as soon as possible and ensure your vehicle claim is processed without delay.

Vehicle Group Types Explained.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has a system called the ABI GTA that classifies vehicles into insurance groups. The courtesy hire car you’ll receive is usually similar to your own vehicle or falls within the same insurance group, the aim is to provide a replacement that meets your needs. For further details visit the ABI GTA website to find your vehicles group.

Independent Services Offering Courtesy Car Help. 
In addition to your insurance company or your vehicle main agent, independent services like ACC can assist you throughout the process. These services have expertise in dealing with non-fault car accidents and can speed up the process in relation to vehicle damage loss recovery, vehicle repair and temporary replacement vehicles. Look for reputable transparent services, to gain a further information on these services visit the UK Citizens Advice web page in relation to non fault car accidents. Their website is a good resource of impartial  information and gives an overview of what a consumer should be aware of when processing non fault vehicle claim and highlights the pro-cons and suitability, or not, of related services.

Key Points Of Courtesy Car Provision After An Accident:
Experiencing a non-fault car accident is never easy, but knowing your entitlements and the steps to obtain a courtesy hire car can make a difference.

What to do:

• Report the accident promptly.
• Gather all necessary information.
• Maintain contact with your insurance company
• Assess the services available from your insurance company in comparison to your alternative options. ( Your vehicle manufacturers services. The services of the negligent drivers insurance company. An independent service provider like ACC)

By doing so, you can ensure a smoother and more efficient process in getting a suitable courtesy hire car that meets your needs, and ensure your vehicle is repaired at a locations of your choosing.

Need A Courtesy Hire Car After An Accident?

If you need a courtesy hire car after a non-fault car accident consider ACC, we are always ready to help. We provide like for like courtesy cars, from EV’s, Standard vehicles, prestige vehicles to vans and plated vehicles. You keep the vehicle until your vehicle claim is settled. Our service is provided nationwide and we are open 24 hours a day. If you need an temporary courtesy hire car contact a member of our team today for immediate assistance. Our service will always assess your individual circumstances and offer a range of solution, which may not even involve our service should a better option become apparent.