After a non-fault crash, a courtesy car after a non fault accident is usually a small runabout provided only while repairs happen at an approved garage—it’s not like-for-like and typically not available if your car is written off or stolen. For equivalent vehicles (e.g., vans), drivers often rely on a hire-car add-on or credit hire. Across England, a common quickest route is: report → recovery → repair/hire assessment → repair or settlement, coordinated over phone/WhatsApp.
How do I get a courtesy car after a non-fault accident in London & across England?
After a non-fault crash, drivers in London & across England can get a courtesy car after a non-fault accident or like-for-like hire when we triage your details, arrange recovery and secure storage, then book approved repairs—often within 24 hours (12h in major cities where stock allows). There’s no upfront cost; a small pre-agreed service fee is deducted after the at-fault insurer settles. Vehicle damage only—start by calling 020 4577 1120 or WhatsApp 07585 300 600.
Q: How fast can I be back on the road?
A: Many drivers are placed within 24 hours; in major cities, 12h may be possible where stock allows and your details check out.
Q: Do I pay anything upfront?
A: No upfront cost; a small pre-agreed service fee is deducted after the at-fault insurer settles.
Q: Is the replacement compliant or work-ready?
A: We prioritise approved repairs and like-for-like vehicles; taxis/PHV or vans depend on licensing, payload and availability. Vehicle damage only.
I can’t stop life for a crash
Your plans were ordinary—school run, shift start, deliveries—until metal and glass said otherwise. The anxiety is instant: Will I get a car today? Can I still work? You need simple steps, not sales. You need your routine back.
The calm way forward
Here’s the truth in plain English: “courtesy” is not the same as “like-for-like.” If your car is repairable and booked at an approved repairer, you’ll often get a small courtesy car. If it’s a total loss or stolen, you’ll usually need a guaranteed hire car add-on or credit hire. This guide shows the safest, least-stress path for car and van drivers.
The quick facts drivers keep asking
Insurers and consumer bodies are clear: courtesy cars are tied to repairs, not to every outcome. If you need capacity (family MPV, trade van), think like-for-like via add-on or credit hire. See the plain-English explainers from Admiral (courtesy expectations), Direct Line (guaranteed hire add-on & policy booklet), Citizens Advice (non-fault options), and the Financial Ombudsman Service (credit-hire duties).
Sources: Admiral guide, Direct Line add-on, Direct Line policy booklet, Citizens Advice, FOS credit hire.
What Does a Courtesy Car After a Non Fault Accident Really Mean?
Micro-answer :
A courtesy car after a non fault accident is a small temporary car supplied through an insurer/repairer while your car is being repaired at an approved garage. It’s not like-for-like by default, and it usually doesn’t apply to write-offs or theft. If you need equivalent capacity (e.g., trade van), consider a guaranteed hire car add-on or credit hire.
Why this matters to you (cars & vans):
If you commute or do school runs, a small courtesy car may be OK for a week but won’t carry a family MPV’s load.
If you’re a van driver, payload and mileage caps can decide whether you keep working. Note these needs early, in writing.
Like-for-like solutions exist, but they’re not the “courtesy” you might imagine—be precise when you ask.
Helpful references: consumer-first explainers from Admiral and policy language in Direct Line’s booklet.
Your 48-Hour Plan to Secure a Courtesy Car After a Non Fault Accident
Micro-answer :
Document the crash, report it, move your car into secure storage, then confirm repairable vs total loss. Courtesy often follows approved-repairer booking; total loss or stolen cases usually need a hire add-on or credit hire. Keep documents ready and get key terms in writing (vehicle class, mileage, hand-back triggers).
Step-by-step (plain, fast, safe):
1) Capture & report (0–6h). Photos, third-party details, dashcam clips. Report to your insurer and keep the reference.
2) Arrange recovery & storage (0–24h). Don’t let the car sit on-street or in a yard that charges aggressively. Move it to secure storage quickly to control costs.
3) Confirm the path (12–36h).
Repairable? Book approved repairs—this is where courtesy usually applies.
Total loss or stolen? Courtesy usually doesn’t apply; look to guaranteed hire (if you bought it) or credit hire for like-for-like.
4) Prepare documents (12–48h). Licence, policy, incident reference, proof of business use (for vans), any medical transport needs (for families).
5) Lock expectations (48h). Clarify vehicle type, mileage policy, fuel/charging, duration, hand-back triggers—in writing.
Why the urgency?
Unmanaged storage fees can creep daily. The FCA’s 2025 multi-firm review highlights rising claim costs and delays in replacement-vehicle cases; fast decisions help you keep control (FCA analysis 2025).
Paths to Mobility—Repairable, Written-Off, or Stolen
If your car is repairable:
Book an approved repairer. That’s where courtesy usually attaches. Expect a small runabout, not like-for-like. Confirm start date and any excess/conditions. For clarity on expectations, see Admiral’s explainer and Direct Line’s policy booklet.
If your car is a total loss or stolen:
This is where a courtesy car after a non fault accident often does not apply. You may still be mobile with a guaranteed hire car add-on (time-limited) or credit hire where non-fault is clear and like-for-like is justified. Read the add-on overview at Direct Line.
When you need like-for-like (especially vans):
Credit hire can supply an equivalent vehicle and pursue costs from the at-fault insurer. You might need to co-operate (e.g., statements) if costs are challenged. See the plain-language guidance from the Financial Ombudsman Service on typical duties and disputes: FOS credit hire guide.
Industry context: The claims relationship between credit-hire firms and insurers is shaped by the GTA (17 Mar 2025 wording)—useful background, not a promise: GTA document.
Like-for-Like for Cars and Vans—How to Ask the Right Way
A small courtesy hatchback might keep life moving, but it won’t replace a family MPV or trade van. If capacity is essential, say so early and in writing.
For car drivers:
List the non-negotiables: child seats, boot size, EV charging access, accessibility needs.
Explain the impact: work commute, medical transport, childcare.
If courtesy won’t cover that, ask about guaranteed hire add-ons or credit hire routes that better fit.
For van drivers:
State payload and wheelbase; mention mileage expectations (e.g., daily route lengths).
Confirm whether tools/shelving/livery can be accommodated.
If a tiny courtesy van blocks work, document the risk (missed jobs/penalties). That helps justify like-for-like.
Important wording when you call:
“My vehicle is off the road after a non-fault crash. It’s [repairable/likely total loss]. I need [7 seats/payload X/mileage Y per day]. A small courtesy car won’t work because [reason]. What’s the safe route to like-for-like?”
Note: Courtesy is not guaranteed in every scenario. Don’t wait passively—set expectations clearly and check the paperwork.
Pitfalls That Cost Time & Money (and the fixes)
Storage-fee drift. If the car sits, daily fees can escalate. Fix: move it to secure storage quickly; keep a dated log of movements and calls.
Waiting for “someone to ring.” Courtesy generally attaches to approved repairs; if you’re total loss or stolen, that call may never bring a car. Fix: ask directly which route applies now.
Plate/mileage mismatches (vans). A replacement that can’t do the job is a false start. Fix: confirm payload, mileage terms, and any hand-back triggers in writing.
Paperwork gaps. Missing documents delay everything. Fix: keep licence, policy schedule, incident ref, proof of business use, and dashcam clips ready.
Service Note & Mandatory Disclaimer
Accident Assist Network assists you after a non-fault accident by co-ordinating vehicle recovery, reputable repairs, cash-in-lieu settlements for total-loss vehicles and like-for-like replacement hire—whether for personal use, licensed taxi work or bike—through our network of independent specialist companies across England. Because our role is one of practical facilitation rather than financial advice, we are not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, and our services are not covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. If the at-fault insurer delays or disputes payment you may become liable for credit services or other charges set out in your contract. Please read every document thoroughly and, if anything is unclear, ask us—or an independent adviser—before signing. We are happy to guide you in the language you feel most comfortable with.
We can explain everything in English, Română, اردو, தமிழ், हिंदी.
Need practical help in England?
Call 020 4577 1120 · WhatsApp 07585 300 600
“Had an accident? Call a trustworthy friend.
Courtesy Car After a Non-Fault Accident — FAQs
Q1. Is a courtesy car after a non fault accident like-for-like?
Q2. Can I get a courtesy car after a non fault accident if my car is written off?
Q3. How fast does a replacement arrive?
Q4. I’m a van driver—what should I ask for upfront?
Q5. What if my insurer refuses something I think is fair?
Q6. Where can I read the industry framework for credit hire?
Tip: Keep records (dates, calls, storage moves). Acting early often reduces delays and costs.
