What Is Credit Hire?
Credit hire is a way of arranging a temporary replacement vehicle after a non-fault accident, usually on credit, while the cost is pursued from the at-fault driver's insurer. It is not the same as a courtesy car, and it is not free in every circumstance.
Comparable does not mean an identical badge.
A replacement should answer the reasonable transport need created when your own vehicle is unavailable. Passenger count, child seats, boot space, transmission, accessibility and work use can all matter.
A familiar family hatchback is a useful class example, but no page on this site promises a Volkswagen Golf, an exact trim or any live availability.
See the vehicle-class guide§ 01What does credit hire mean?
Credit hire is an arrangement where a replacement vehicle is supplied to you under a credit agreement after an accident that was not your fault. Because it is on credit, you do not usually pay the hire cost upfront.
The credit hire provider then seeks recovery of the hire charges from the at-fault driver's insurer. The arrangement can be useful 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. You can read how credit hire works step by step.
§ 02How is credit hire different from hiring a car on a credit card?
Hiring a car on a credit card is a normal consumer transaction: you choose a car, you pay, and the cost is yours. Credit hire is different because it is tied to a non-fault accident and the expectation that the reasonable cost is recovered from the party responsible.
That difference matters. With credit hire there is a formal agreement, a reasonable hire period, and the possibility that the at-fault insurer challenges the rate, duration or need. Understanding the catch before you sign is sensible.
§ 03Is credit hire free?
No upfront cost does not mean free. The hire creates a charge that someone has to pay. In a straightforward non-fault case the reasonable cost is usually pursued from the at-fault insurer, but recovery is not guaranteed and can be reduced or refused.
You can explore this further on how much credit hire costs.
Common questions
Is credit hire the same as a courtesy car?
No. A courtesy car is usually provided under your own insurance or by a repairer. Credit hire is normally a separate credit-based replacement vehicle arrangement.
Do I have to pay upfront for credit hire?
Credit hire is usually arranged without upfront payment, but that does not mean there is no legal agreement or no risk. Always read the terms first.
Who provides the replacement vehicle?
An credit hire or accident-management provider arranges the vehicle. This site gives general information and, where you ask, referral signposting only.
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.