A non-fault accident can leave you feeling frustrated and stressed, especially if you rely on your car for daily tasks. While your vehicle may be off the road, you still need to get around. Luckily, arranging car hire after a non-fault accident is often easier than it seems, and in many cases, your insurance can cover the cost. In this guide, we’ll break down the process step-by-step, so you can quickly get back on the road with minimal hassle.

What does Non-Fault Accident mean?

Before diving into the process, lets explor what actually is a non-fault accident. A non-fault accident is basically an accident in which you were not responsible for the crash, but the other driver was. For example, if another driver runs a red light and hits your car, you are the victim and would be considered the “non-fault party. During these situations, you have the right to claim a temporary replacement car, which allows you to continue your daily activities.

Why do you Need Car Hire after a Non-Fault Accident?

When your car is involved in a non-fault accident, it might take days to get repaired. During this time, you still need transportation for commuting to work, picking up groceries or doing anything else. A temporary car hire is the best solution to maintain your daily life routine. If the other party’s insurance covers the costs, you won’t have to pay out of pocket, making the process more affordable than you might expect.

Step-by-Step Guide to Arranging Car Hire After a Non-Fault Accident

Here’s how you can easily arrange car hire after a non-fault accident:

1. Check Your Insurance Policy

Before anything else, review your own insurance policy to check if it includes coverage for a hire car. Many policies have provisions for insurance-funded car hire in the event of a non-fault accident. If you don’t have this coverage, don’t panic. You can still arrange car hire through the other party’s insurance, and we’ll explain how in the next steps.

2. Notify the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company

In a non-fault accident, the at-fault party’s insurance should cover the cost of your car hire. The first thing you need to do is report the accident to the other driver’s insurance company. This is often done through your own insurance provider, but make sure the at-fault party’s insurer is aware of the situation so they can approve the accident replacement vehicle.

In many cases, the insurer will offer to pay for a temporary replacement car directly or through a third-party provider. Some insurers have agreements in place with hire car companies, making the process quicker and easier.

3. Choose a Car Hire Company

Once the insurance company confirms that you’re entitled to a hire car, you’ll need to choose a provider. You can either go through a national hire car company or one that specialises in credit hire agreements for non-fault accidents. These specialised companies often work directly with insurers, making the process smoother and faster.

Look for companies that are recognised for their customer service and experience in handling accident-related car hire. Some will even deliver the vehicle to your location and pick up your damaged car for convenience.

4. Understand the Terms of the Hire

When you sign a credit hire agreement, be sure to understand the terms, especially in relation to insurance coverage. A credit hire agreement means that the hire car provider will invoice the other driver’s insurance for the cost of the hire, and you won’t be responsible for any fees, provided the insurer accepts the claim.

• Excess Charges: If the at-fault driver’s insurance company doesn’t cover the full cost, you may have to pay the difference, especially if you’ve been provided a higher-end vehicle than the one you were driving.
• Vehicle Choice: You should generally be provided with a vehicle similar in size and class to your own, though this can sometimes vary.
• Duration of Hire: The insurance company will only cover the cost of hire for the duration of your car’s repairs, so it’s important to coordinate with the repair shop to get an estimated completion time.

5. Document Everything

Ensure that all communication with the insurance company, the hire car company, and any repair shops is documented. Keep a record of all emails, phone calls, and receipts. This will help protect you if any issues arise down the road. If the other driver’s insurance fails to cover the cost or denies your claim, having proof of your arrangements will be invaluable.

6. Return the Vehicle Once Your Car is Ready

When your vehicle is repaired and ready to be picked up, make sure you return the hire car as agreed. If you’ve arranged a temporary replacement car, the hire company will typically schedule a pick-up. If not, they may charge additional fees for keeping the vehicle longer than necessary.

Final Thoughts

Arranging car hire after a non-fault accident is relatively straightforward, especially when you understand your rights and the process involved. By communicating with the right people, your insurance company, the at-fault party’s insurer, and the hire car provider, you can ensure that you stay mobile without incurring unnecessary costs. Always be sure to review the terms of the credit hire agreement carefully and keep track of all communication for your peace of mind.

FAQs

Q1: How long can I keep the hire car?
The length of time you can keep the hire car depends on how long your car is in the shop for repairs. The insurance company will only cover the cost until your car is roadworthy again. If repairs take longer than expected, you may need to negotiate an extension.

Q2: Do I need to pay anything upfront for the hire car?
In most cases, you won’t need to pay anything upfront if you’re arranging insurance-funded car hire. The hire company will bill the at-fault party’s insurance company directly. However, if there are any issues with the claim, you may be asked to cover some costs temporarily.

Q3: Can I choose the type of car I want to hire?
While you can request a specific vehicle, the hire car should be of a similar size and value to your own. If you prefer a luxury vehicle or a larger model, you might need to pay the difference in price.