Credit Hire Vs Your Own Insurance
Credit hire and claiming through your own insurance are different routes after a non-fault accident. Your insurer may arrange repairs and a courtesy car under your policy. Credit hire may provide a more suitable replacement on credit, with the cost pursued from the at-fault insurer.
Compare capability, not just the words “courtesy car”.
A small policy courtesy car may be enough for one driver and unsuitable for a household carrying passengers, child seats, mobility equipment or work gear. Ask each route what class is actually offered, for how long, under whose agreement and with what excess.
Credit hire can carry a different cost risk, so a more suitable class is not automatically the better overall decision.
Check the risk before signing§ 01How do the two routes compare?
Neither route is automatically better. The right choice depends on speed, vehicle suitability, cost risk, your excess, no-claims treatment, repair control and how clear the paperwork is.
| Your own insurer / courtesy car | Credit hire replacement | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it sits | Under your own policy terms | Outside your policy, on a credit agreement |
| Vehicle provided | Often a basic courtesy car, if included | May be closer to like-for-like where justified |
| Upfront cost | Usually none, subject to excess | Usually none upfront (arranged on credit) |
| Who ultimately pays | Your insurer, per your cover | Pursued from the at-fault insurer |
| Excess / no-claims | May be affected, depending on cover | Not a policy claim, so different considerations |
| Main risk | Vehicle may not suit your needs | Rate, duration or need can be challenged |
§ 02Which route should I consider first?
There is no single answer. A courtesy car through your insurer can be simple where a basic car meets your needs. Credit hire may suit where you genuinely need a like-for-like or specialist vehicle, provided the terms are clear.
You can contact your own insurer and the at-fault insurer directly, free of charge, before deciding, and you can complain directly if a route you were offered was unsuitable or poorly explained.
Common questions
Will my insurer always provide a like-for-like vehicle?
Not always. It depends on your policy and what is available.
Is credit hire always better?
No. It depends on fault, need, vehicle type, risk and the terms offered.
Can I change route later?
Sometimes, but switching can be complicated once agreements, repairs or hire periods have started.
Prepare for the partner eligibility route
Organise the accident, driver and vehicle information a participating provider would usually need. Enquiries are not open, and the checklist does not assess or guarantee anything.