Non fault accident replacement car
Had a non-fault car accident and need a replacement car? This is often the priority after an accident. Finding a replacement vehicle to drive whilst your vehicle is off the road is critical for most drivers. It’s common knowledge that, if you’re involved in a non-fault car accident, you’re entitled to claim for the vehicle damage incurred and all accident-related losses. But did you know you are also entitled to claim for a replacement car until your vehicle claim is settled? All of these losses are claimed from the fault drivers insurance company. But what of the details of each head of a claim? How do you recover the cost of the losses, from vehicle repairs, write off values to courtesy hire cars? Below you will find details of the vehicle claim process. Alternatively for immediate assistance at no cost to you or your insurance company, contact ACC directly. We provide full vehicle claim services and temporary like for like replacement cars after an accident. We ensure drivers receive a suitable vehicle to keep them on the road during the entire vehicle claim process.
“did you know you’re entitled to claim for a replacement car until your vehicle claim is settled”
Your rights when a car accident is not your fault
Your rights after a non-fault car accident are enforced via the use of English ‘tort law’. A tort is a civil wrong that causes the claimant a loss. The liable person who caused the loss, in this instance the at-fault driver and specifically their car insurance company, are responsible to reimburse the entire loss incurred as a direct result of the accident. This includes the cost of a temporary replacement car after the accident and until they have settled your vehicle claim.
Claiming pecuniary losses after a non fault car accident
Claiming pecuniary losses. A pecuniary loss refers to the financial loss you have incurred as a direct result of the car accident. You are entitled to claim all the initial costs incurred and any ongoing losses that have resulted from the accident. Examples of pecuniary loss incurred after a non-fault car accident include:
- The cost of vehicle damage repairs
- The write off value of your vehicle
- Car hire / credit hire / temporary replacement car charges
- Loss of earnings
- Medical / Treatment costs
- General expenses
Claims for ongoing costs can continue until the vehicle claim is resolved. For example, the cost of a replacement car can be claimed until your vehicle is repaired and returned to you. Or in the event of a write-off, until you have received the cleared funds in relation to the settlement of your vehicles write off value.
Claiming for a temporary replacement car
After a non-fault car accident, you can claim for a temporary replacement car whilst your vehicle is off the road. The replacement car can be in the form of a courtesy hire car, a credit hire car or a standard hire car. Temporary replacement car entitlement rules specify drivers are entitled to claim for the cost of a replacement car of the same size, specification and standard as that of your vehicle. To find out which group your vehicle is listed as please visit the ABI daily hire car rates page. You are entitled to continue to claim the cost of a replacement car after a non-fault car accident from the point at which your vehicle is un-roadworthy.
“Drivers are entitled to claim for the cost of a replacement car of the same size, specification and standard to that of your vehicle”
You can continue to claim for the replacement car until your vehicle claim is settled and paid out, or your vehicle is fully repaired and returned to you. This claim is considered an uninsured loss claim. This is because regardless of your insurance cover, (comp or third party) the cost of a temporary replacement car produces an incurred loss that is not covered within the car insurance policy.
Vehicle damage claims and temporary replacement cars
It’s important to ensure any vehicle damage claim, be it for write off or vehicle repairs should be processed quickly and efficiently. After a non-fault car accident drivers are entitled to a replacement car at no cost during the claim. However, the cost of the vehicle can be contested if the vehicle claim is not processed correctly. You must ensure your vehicle is inspected quickly. Upon receipt of the inspection report ensure any repairs are booked in at the earliest opportunity. Should a vehicle have been written off, ensure the write off value is agreed upon and presented to the liable parties insurance company to enable swift settlement.
Remember you’re entitled to claim for a replacement car vehicle whilst your vehicle is repaired or until you have received your vehicle write off value. The replacement car can be provided by an accident management company, a non fault accident courtesy car service, or a credit hire company. These services should ensure that your vehicle claim is correctly and efficiently processed. This will enable them to claim back the cost of the temporary replacement car they have provided to you. For independent consumer advice relating to drivers rights and entitlements after a non-fault car accident visit the UK Citizens Advice Page. This page also gives detailed explanations of all the different vehicle claims and temporary replacement credit hire/courtesy hire car services available to UK drivers. For independent advice relating to insurance claims visit this UK Citizens Advice Page. Alternatively please contact a member of our team for direct assistance after a car accident.