What is credit hire?
Credit hire is the legal mechanism that lets a non-fault driver stay mobile while their own vehicle is being repaired or replaced. Instead of paying for a hire car upfront, you sign a credit hire agreement and we pursue the costs from the at-fault driver’s insurer. You get to keep working, keep the kids at school, and keep your life running - at no cost to you when liability is clear.
What you receive
- Like-for-like vehicle: a replacement broadly equivalent to the one you can’t use.
- Delivery and collection: dropped off and picked up at your home, work, or the garage.
- Comprehensive insurance: fully insured for the duration of the hire.
- Nil excess option: reduce the financial risk of a second incident.
- No upfront payment: we recover the costs from the at-fault insurer.
How long can you keep the vehicle?
You can keep the credit hire vehicle for the reasonable period of repair - i.e. however long it takes to fix your car at a competent garage. If the car is written off (a total loss), you keep the hire vehicle until the insurer makes a fair settlement offer plus a reasonable period to source a replacement.
The process, step by step
- Call us on 01606 662300 - speak to a real handler immediately.
- We assess the claim and confirm a like-for-like vehicle.
- Vehicle delivered - typically same-day where possible.
- We manage the recovery from the at-fault insurer end to end.
Who credit hire is for
Non-fault claimants who need to keep moving. We also work with solicitors and insurance partners referring claimants, and with fleet operators who need a single point of contact when accidents happen.
Why claimants choose PurpleSquare
- One named handler from first call to settlement.
- Nationwide delivery - typically same day.
- Specialist fleet including taxis, EVs, and prestige.
- Plain-English updates: no jargon, no surprises.