Mandatory Mediation + New Credit Hire Rates 2025 : What Non-Fault Drivers Should Do After a Crash Here is a Complete Step -by- step Guide
The one-minute version
You didn’t cause the crash—but now you’re off the road, juggling calls, and worried about income and fairness. You need clear steps, not legalese. Here’s the practical version of 2025’s big changes: mandatory mediation for low-value RTA motor-damage/credit-hire claims (from 28 July 2025) and GTA maximum daily rates 2025 (from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026)—plus what to do next so you can secure a like-for-like hire car UK and proper repairs fast.
Sources: DWF explainer (28 Jul policy scope): DWF Law Society update: Law Society+1 GTA 2025–26 window and GTA Technical C.
A non-fault crash flips your day. Your car’s stranded, your earnings stop, and every minute off the road feels expensive. You need certainty: a hire car after non-fault accident, reliable repairs, and a process that doesn’t drown you in paperwork.
From July 2025, two shifts changed your journey: mandatory mediation for many low-value RTA motor-damage/credit-hire cases, and GTA maximum daily rates 2025 that cap settlement ceilings. Used well, they can speed things up and focus the discussion on evidence.
Mandatory mediation for eligible RTA claims issued via OCMC started 28 July 2025 (PI excluded). Reforms aim to settle earlier and reduce hearings. Meanwhile, the credit hire cap 2025 (the GTA cycle) runs 1 July 2025 → 30 June 2026, with a market-data review underpinning the rates. lawgazette.co.uk+1
What changed in 2025? From 28 July 2025, many low-value road-traffic motor damage and credit-hire claims issued via OCMC are automatically referred to mediation (personal injury excluded). Separately, GTA maximum daily rates 2025 set ceiling settlement rates for hires starting 1 July 2025–30 June 2026—caps guide reasonableness, not automatic entitlement.
Table — “What changed and
when” (principle-based)
| Change | When | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory mediation (RTA motor damage & credit hire; PI excluded) | From 28 Jul 2025 | Expect an early conversation about need, rate, and evidence; missing mediation can harm your position. Sources: DWF, Law Society. |
| GTA maximum daily rates 2025 (cap window) | 1 Jul 2025–30 Jun 2026 | Sets credit hire cap 2025 ceilings by vehicle class; you still must justify like-for-like hire car UK with evidence. Sources: GTA site, Insurance Edge. |
First 24–48 hours: do these
five things to protect mobility
(and your case)
When you’re off the road, time and evidence are everything. This sequence keeps you eligible for a non-fault courtesy car 2025 and smooths the path to a hire car after non-fault accident under the credit hire cap 2025.
Step 1 — Safety & scene
Move to safety, then take wide and close photos.
Capture plate positions, road layout, weather, and any CCTV/dashcam availability.
Note the time, location, and other driver’s insurer.
Step 2 — Recovery & storage (avoid secondary costs)
If the car isn’t driveable, arrange recovery promptly to secure storage and prevent fines.
Save the job reference and contact details.
For help coordinating recovery/storage: /recovery-storage (issue-led, not salesy): https://accidentassistnetwork.co.uk/recovery-storage
Step 3 — Prove “fit-for-purpose” for like-for-like hire car UK
Taxi/PHV: licence/plate proof and operator requirement.
EV: charging pattern/receipts and routes.
Van/trades: payload/tools and time-critical bookings.
Motorbike/delivery: helmet/top-box and platform requirements.
This evidence supports credit hire rates 2025 discussions.
Step 4 — Repairs plan (quality & paperwork)
Choose manufacturer-standard repairers; get written estimates and timelines.
File photos of damage pre-repair and keep invoices.
Repair guidance hub: https://accidentassistnetwork.co.uk/vehicle-repairs
Step 5 — Build your “mediation pack”
One folder: photos, quotes, job refs, insurer call ref, availability checks (2–3 quotes), logs (bookings/lost earnings), dashcam/CCTV, and repair estimates.
Consistent file names help:
2025-08-02_EV-availability-quote-1.pdf.
This pack becomes your superpower when GTA maximum daily rates 2025 are raised in mediation.
Law Society overview: Law Society
Mandatory mediation (RTA
motor damage & credit hire)
plain English
What it is & who it affects
From 28 July 2025, many low-value RTA motor-damage and credit-hire claims issued via OCMC go to automatic mediation. Personal injury is excluded. This is designed to resolve disputes faster and keep courts free for harder cases. Learn more: Law Gazette: lawgazette.co.uk+1
How it runs (typical journey)
Claim issued → defence filed → HMCTS Small Claims Mediation Service schedules a slot.
Mediator helps both sides test reasonableness: like-for-like hire car UK, repair path, availability, and rate ceilings (the credit hire cap 2025 discussion).
Agreements are recorded; unresolved points proceed, but with fewer disputes.
Why evidence wins here
Mediation focuses on need and reasonableness. Your documents—plate/licence (taxi), charging routine (EV), payload/tools (van), platform kit (bike)—show why your non-fault courtesy car 2025 must be truly like-for-like. The more specific your evidence, the easier it is to navigate credit hire rates 2025 during the call.
GTA maximum daily rates
2025 — caps are ceilings, not
entitlements
What the caps actually do
The GTA maximum daily rates 2025 set ceiling settlement rates for new hires started 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026. They’re guidance for reasonableness, not a rubber stamp. You still need to justify the like-for-like hire car UK you’re asking for under the credit hire cap 2025 period. GTA rates page: https://www.gtacredithire.com/rates/car-hire/; review note (June 2025): https://www.gtacredithire.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Rate-Review-Communication-June-2025-v4-Amended.pdf. GTA Technical Committee+1
Common disputes (and how to answer them)
“Cheaper class is fine.” If your taxi is plated, or your van carries tools/payloads, explain function and compliance.
“Availability is limited.” Keep timestamped availability checks (2–3 quotes).
“EV not essential.” Log charging and routes; show ULEZ/low-emission needs where relevant.
These steps stabilise credit hire rates 2025 discussions inside the GTA maximum daily rates 2025 window.
What to screenshot/save today (quick list)
Licence/plate proof (taxi/PHV), operator note (if applicable)
Market availability checks (time, date, supplier, class)
Repairs estimate and photos
Dashcam/CCTV references
Insurer call reference
These make it easier to secure a hire car after non-fault accident that is truly like-for-like hire car UK under the credit hire cap 2025.
Scenarios & scripts: say it
simply, show it clearly
Taxi/PHV driver (plated)
Say: “My licensed vehicle must meet operator and TfL/local plate rules; this is a like-for-like hire car UK need.”
Show: licence/plate photos, operator note, recent availability checks.
Result: Focused discussion about credit hire rates 2025 within GTA maximum daily rates 2025, not about downgrading your class.
For vehicle options when appropriate: https://accidentassistnetwork.co.uk/replacement-vehicles
EV daily commuter
Say: “Charging and ULEZ needs mean an EV is the correct non-fault courtesy car 2025.”
Show: charging receipts/routes; two availability quotes.
Result: If challenged under the credit hire cap 2025, your logs justify the class.
Van/trades
Say: “Payload and tool security mean a smaller class isn’t viable for my hire car after non-fault accident.”
Show: photos of cargo area/tools; work orders.
Result: Smoother mediation on credit hire rates 2025 and repairs logistics.
Bike/delivery
Say: “Helmet/top-box/platform compliance is needed for earnings continuity via non-fault courtesy car 2025 equivalents (or bike hire).”
Show: platform requirements; insurance confirmations.
Result: Clearer path under the GTA maximum daily rates 2025 cap period.
Myth → Fact → Do this
Myth: Mediation means admitting blame.
Fact: It’s a settlement tool; liability positions still stand. Do this: attend, be prepared, and bring your pack. (Overview: Law Society page above.) Law SocietyMyth: GTA maximum daily rates 2025 force a downgrade.
Fact: Caps set ceilings; like-for-like hire car UK still rests on need. Do this: log usage and availability.Myth: Evidence can wait.
Fact: Early docs speed agreement on credit hire rates 2025 and repairs. Do this: save quotes/photos/ref numbers today.Myth: A non-fault courtesy car 2025 is automatic.
Fact: You must show fitness-for-purpose; credit hire cap 2025 still applies. Do this: keep function-based proof.
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.
FAQS
It’s the 2025–26 ceiling period under GTA maximum daily rates 2025 (for hires starting 1 July 2025–30 June 2026).
Yes—show need (charging patterns/routes) and keep 2–3 availability checks. This helps when credit hire rates 2025 are discussed during mediation.
Often yes, if you prove the like-for-like hire car UK requirement: licence/plate, operator rules, and recent availability.
Start with the Law Society: https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/court-reform/small-claims-mediation and Law Gazette news: https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/low-value-rta-claims-will-go-to-automatic-mediation/5124050.article. Both confirm RTA (non-PI) scope via OCMC.
They set a ceiling for negotiation. Your class and amount still depend on need and availability evidence during mediation inside the GTA maximum daily rates 2025 window.
