When another driver's negligence damages your car, the law is on your side. The principle is straightforward: you are entitled to be put back in the position you were in before the collision — as if the accident never happened. This guide explains what that means in practice, and dismantles the myths that leave non-fault drivers out of pocket.
Your Core Rights, Simply
1. A like-for-like replacement vehicle
If your car is off the road for repair — or written off — you're entitled to a replacement of an equivalent type for the period you're without it. Not a small pool hatchback if you drive an SUV. Not a manual if you drive an automatic. And if you're a private hire driver, a TfL-plated vehicle that keeps you earning (see credit hire vs courtesy car).
The hire cost is recovered from the at-fault driver's insurer — not from you, and not from your own policy. With Courtesy Cars UK that means £0 upfront, no excess, and a delivery within 2 hours across Greater London.
2. Recovery and storage of your vehicle
If your car isn't drivable, moving it to a place of safety and its reasonable storage are recoverable costs — again, from the at-fault insurer, not you.
3. Proper repairs — or a fair total loss value
You're entitled to the reasonable cost of repair, or — if the car is a total loss — its pre-accident market value. Insurers sometimes open with a low valuation. You can challenge it with evidence: comparable listings, condition and service history. Our pre-accident value checker gives you an independent figure before anyone makes you an offer.
4. Related losses
Reasonable related losses — travel costs while without a vehicle, lost earnings if you drive for a living (see claiming loss of earnings), child seat replacement, and personal injury where applicable — can also be recovered from the at-fault side.
How to Enforce Your Rights
- Gather evidence early. Photographs, witness details, dashcam footage and the other driver's details. Our guide on what to do after a car accident has the full checklist.
- Report the accident promptly. Details fade and evidence disappears. Report it online in about 3 minutes or call 020 7052 5403.
- Don't claim on your own policy unnecessarily. A non-fault claim through your own insurer can still cost you your excess — sometimes temporarily, sometimes permanently if liability is disputed.
- Keep records of everything. Mileage, calls, receipts, days off work. Every documented loss strengthens your claim.
Myths Worth Ignoring
- "You must use your insurer's courtesy car." False. You are entitled to a like-for-like vehicle from a credit hire company with costs recovered from the at-fault insurer.
- "Claiming through a credit hire company affects your insurance." False. No claim is made on your policy at all.
- "A courtesy car is withdrawn if your car is written off." Usually true for insurer pool cars — and exactly why credit hire exists. Your replacement stays until your settlement is paid.
- "Non-fault claims take forever." They don't have to. With a dedicated handler and live tracking in your portal, you'll always know exactly where things stand.
The One Honest Caveat
These rights belong to the non-fault driver. If you caused the accident, or liability is genuinely disputed, the position is different — hire charges may become payable by you. That's why we verify your non-fault position before placing you on hire, and why we'll always tell you plainly where you stand. If you're unsure, report the accident anyway and let us assess it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to tell my own insurer?
Yes — most policies require you to report any accident promptly, even non-fault. Reporting is not claiming; make clear it's an incident notification only.
Can the at-fault insurer contact me directly?
They may try. You have no obligation to deal with them personally, give a recorded statement, or accept their first offer. Your handler can manage all contact for you.
How long do I keep the replacement vehicle?
Until your car is repaired and returned, or until your total loss settlement is received — whichever applies.
What if the other driver is uninsured or drove off?
You may still be covered through the Motor Insurers' Bureau or your own policy. Call us on 020 7052 5403 — these cases need early, expert handling.
Assert Your Rights Today
Someone else's mistake shouldn't cost you a penny or a day of mobility. Report your accident online in about 3 minutes, and track every step live in your claim portal — or call 020 7052 5403, 24/7.