Do I have to accept the other insurer's courtesy car?
No. After a non-fault accident you are entitled to a replacement vehicle, but you choose who supplies it. The at-fault insurer's offer is one option. A credit hire company such as PurpleSquare Hire is another, and either way the cost ends up with that insurer, not with you.
What is insurer capture?
Insurer capture is the industry name for the at-fault insurer contacting you directly, often within hours, and offering to arrange your repair and a courtesy car. It is legal and sometimes convenient. The thing to remember is that the insurer is managing a claim it is paying for, so it has a reason to keep the vehicle, the repair and the hire period as cheap as possible.
When taking it can make sense
- The car offered genuinely matches yours in size, transmission and fuel type.
- You do not rely on your vehicle for work.
- You are happy for that insurer to choose the repairer and run the claim.
When a like-for-like credit hire vehicle is the better choice
- You drive a van, a larger car, an automatic, an EV or a plated taxi or PHV.
- You need the vehicle to earn, so a smaller car means lost work.
- You want your own representative dealing with the insurer, not the insurer dealing with you.
The standard to expect is set out on like-for-like replacement car, and the costs on will I have to pay.
Courtesy car versus credit hire at a glance
A courtesy car is usually whatever is available and runs while the repair is active. A credit hire vehicle is matched to your own and runs for the reasonable repair period, or until a fair settlement if your car is written off. The full comparison is in credit hire vs courtesy car.
What to say if they call you
You can simply say thank you, you already have a replacement vehicle arranged, and ask them to note their claim reference. Then call us. You do not need to argue or explain.
Talk to us first
If you have been offered a courtesy car and are not sure, get in touch or call 01606 662300 and we will tell you plainly whether a like-for-like vehicle is available. See also replacement vehicle after a non-fault accident.