How long are you off the road after a non-fault PCO accident? Typical timelines

Bottom line: after a non-fault PCO accident you can usually be back on the road within 24 hours in a replacement, and your own car is often repaired in 2 to 4 weeks. After that, the at-fault insurer reviews our repair, recovery and hire charges, which often takes until around 8 to 14 weeks from the accident. There's no upfront cost to you when the other driver was at fault (the replacement is on credit-hire terms, explained below).

This guide breaks down a realistic timeline for a PCO driver in 2026.

Day 0: the accident

What happens at the scene matters more than people think. Quickly:

• Photos of damage, the other vehicle's plate, the scene
• Crime Reference Number from the police on 101 if appropriate (always, for hit-and-run)
• The other driver's details (name, plate, insurer if known)
• Witness contact details
• Don't discuss blame

Then call us, or get a repair and hire quote online. We aim to respond within 2 hours.

Hours 1 to 24: replacement vehicle delivered

• We arrange recovery from the scene if your car is undriveable
• We deliver a comparable, TfL-compliant replacement to your address, usually within 24 hours for active PCO drivers in London, subject to availability
• Many drivers are back on Uber/Bolt/FreeNow within a day or two

The replacement is provided on credit-hire terms. The charges are claimed from the at-fault insurer, but you sign a hire agreement and may be liable for them if they aren't recovered. We explain this before you sign.

If the at-fault driver was uninsured, the MIB is involved instead (see our uninsured driver guide). A replacement can still usually be provided within 24 hours; mainly the later stages take longer.

Days 1 to 7: assessment and authorisation

• Your damaged vehicle goes to our in-house bodyshop (London) for assessment
• We send our repair estimate to the at-fault insurer
• The insurer authorises the repair (typically 3 to 5 days; longer for total losses)
• For possible total losses, an engineer's inspection is booked, which adds 5 to 10 days

If the vehicle is declared a total loss, there's no repair. The at-fault insurer values the vehicle. We provide repair and valuation evidence.

Weeks 1 to 4: repairs

Typical repair times (each job is different):

• Standard repair (rear-end damage, side panels): 5 to 10 working days in our bodyshop
• Hybrid battery damage or EV repair: 2 to 4 weeks (longer if parts are on order)
• Major structural or chassis damage: 3 to 6 weeks

While repairs are happening, you can keep earning in your replacement.

If parts are delayed (this can happen with hybrids and EVs), we keep you in the replacement vehicle until your car is back. The at-fault insurer reviews the hire period, so we record the reasons for any delay.

Weeks 4 to 6: vehicle returned, replacement collected

• Repairs signed off, post-repair inspection, valet
• Delivered back to you, replacement collected the same day
• You're back in your own car

For most drivers this is the milestone that matters.

Weeks 6 to 14: the insurer reviews the costs

Behind the scenes:

• We submit our charges to the at-fault insurer: repair, hire, recovery and storage
• Your loss of earnings is your own claim (see our lost earnings guide)
• The insurer reviews the costs and may ask for more evidence
• We provide repair and hire evidence
• The insurer pays

As a rough guide, an undisputed case with clean evidence often takes 6 to 8 weeks at this stage. A disputed case often takes 10 to 14 weeks, and an uninsured-driver case through the MIB usually takes longer still.

Variations from the standard timeline

Uninsured driver: add 4 to 12 weeks at the end. The MIB is slower than insurer-to-insurer. If the other driver was identified but uninsured, the MIB may pay the vehicle losses under its rules. If the driver cannot be traced, it often will not, so speak to us before taking a hire vehicle.

Disputed liability: if the insurer disputes who caused the accident, it can add several weeks or more.

Total loss: no repair. The at-fault insurer values the vehicle, and the hire runs for a reasonable period while you source a replacement.

Multi-vehicle accident: add 2 to 6 weeks while the insurers sort out who was responsible.

Parts back-order or niche vehicle: the repair window extends, and the hire period extends with it. The at-fault insurer reviews long hire periods.

What you need to do

What you need to do:

• Get in touch once (10 minutes online or one phone call)
• Provide ID, V5C, insurance certificate and earnings evidence (we'll ask for these once)
• Sign the hire and repair paperwork

We deal with the insurer about our charges. We may need your help with documents, a signed statement or, occasionally, attending court.

What slows things down

In order of frequency:

1. Slow evidence: if we ask for bank statements and they take 2 weeks to arrive, that's 2 weeks added
2. The insurer disputing who was at fault, which takes time to resolve
3. Parts on back-order, particularly some hybrid and EV parts
4. Large lost-earnings figures, which tend to get extra scrutiny

Responding to our requests quickly, with clean evidence, helps.

The 24/7 line

If you're reading this right after an accident, call 0208 090 8872. Our line is open 24/7. Or get a repair and hire quote online and we aim to respond within 2 hours.

FAQ

Q: Are there any payments before the end? A: The at-fault insurer or MIB sometimes makes interim payments. We do not lend or advance money.

Q: What if my Toyota Prius is a total loss? A: The at-fault insurer values the vehicle. We provide repair and valuation evidence.

Q: What about my own insurer? A: Tell your insurer about the accident as your policy requires. Questions about your policy are for your insurer.

Q: How long can I keep the replacement vehicle? A: As long as your vehicle is genuinely off the road and you need the replacement to earn. The at-fault insurer reviews the hire period, and you may be liable for the hire charges under the agreement if they aren't recovered, so we keep the hire period justified and documented.

Q: I haven't had an accident yet. Can I sign up in advance? A: We don't do pre-registration. Save 0208 090 8872 in your phone. Our line is open 24/7.

If you've just had an accident

Get a repair and hire quote and we aim to get a replacement vehicle to you within 24 hours and arrange recovery if your vehicle's undriveable. No upfront cost when the other driver was at fault (credit-hire terms apply).

This article is general information, not legal advice. Timings are typical, not guaranteed.