A plain-English reference on replacement vehicles after a non-fault accident — what credit hire is, who pays, whether it may suit you, and the risks to weigh before you sign anything.
Credit hire can provide a temporary replacement vehicle after a non-fault accident, usually on credit, while the cost is pursued from the at-fault driver's insurer. You should understand the agreement, the risks and your alternatives before signing. This site gives general information and referral guidance only.
Credit hire is not a showroom wish list. A reasonable replacement is shaped by genuine need: passengers, child seats, luggage, mobility, work equipment, driving licence, transmission and the journeys you still have to make while your own vehicle is unavailable.
The named cars below are visual examples of familiar UK vehicle classes, not a fleet list. A provider may offer a different make, model, age, fuel type or specification. Acceptance, availability, delivery and a like-for-like vehicle are never guaranteed.
Often relevant where the job is commuting, appointments and local family journeys without unusual load or passenger needs.
A common reference point for a five-seat car used across work, school, shopping and longer journeys.
Fuel type, regular mileage and charging or refuelling access may matter, but no particular powertrain should be assumed.
Higher seating or easier access can matter, but the need should be practical and capable of explanation rather than assumed.
Regular passengers, luggage, equipment and longer journeys can support a space need; trim level and badge do not establish it.
Where passenger, luggage and work requirements are modest, a compact replacement may be the proportionate practical answer.
A smaller car may suit town driving and regular short journeys. Hybrid running is an example, not a promised fuel type or specification.
Passenger numbers, boot use and seating access can support the case for an SUV class; weather, badge and trim do not decide it.
Regular passengers, mobility equipment or bulky luggage may make a larger class relevant. The pictured hybrid is not an availability statement.
Transmission, seating position, journey pattern and business use may be relevant; the premium badge on its own is not.
Original vehicle, business use and journey need may be relevant. An identical model, trim or badge should never be promised from a photograph.
The plain-English definition — and how it differs from a courtesy car or a card hire.
02The journey from accident to replacement vehicle to recovery of the charges.
03Fault, an identifiable insured third party, genuine need — the factors that matter.
04Why no upfront cost is not the same as free, and what can be challenged.
05An honest look at the liability question and what to check before signing.
06How credit hire compares with a courtesy car through your own insurer.
Another driver causes a crash and your vehicle is off the road, unsafe or in for repair.
A like-for-like vehicle may be arranged on credit, so you keep moving.
The provider pursues the reasonable cost from the at-fault driver's insurer.
The hire runs only for the reasonable time your own vehicle is unavailable.
Credit hire is a way of arranging a replacement vehicle when your own vehicle cannot be used after an accident that was not your fault. The replacement is usually supplied under a credit agreement, meaning the hire cost is not paid upfront by you. You can read the full definition on what is credit hire.
The provider then seeks recovery of the hire charges from the at-fault driver's insurer. The arrangement can help where you need transport and your own insurer cannot provide a suitable vehicle quickly, or where a basic courtesy car does not meet your genuine needs.
In a straightforward non-fault accident, the cost of a reasonable replacement vehicle is usually pursued from the at-fault party's insurer. However, the agreement may still be between you and the provider, so you should understand what you are signing. See how much credit hire costs.
You can also contact your own insurer or the at-fault insurer directly, free of charge, before using any third-party service.
A published reference on credit hire. It explains your options in plain English. It does not currently take enquiries or make referrals.
Not a law firm and not a claims management company. We do not assess, fund or run claims, and we never guarantee an outcome.
You can contact your own insurer or the at-fault insurer directly, free of charge. You never need a paid representative to ask questions.
Recovery of charges is not guaranteed, and rate, duration and need can be challenged. We tell you the catch before you decide.
You may be able to, but compare the options carefully. Your own insurer, the at-fault insurer and a provider may each offer different routes.
No. A courtesy car is usually provided under your own insurance or by a repairer. Credit hire is normally a separate credit-based arrangement.
Credit hire is usually arranged without upfront payment, but that does not mean there is no agreement or no risk. Always read the terms first.
Use the checklist to organise the accident, driver and vehicle information a participating provider would usually need. The route is preparation only while enquiries are closed: it does not assess you or guarantee partner availability, acceptance, a vehicle, payment or recovery.