How long does a non-fault PCO claim actually take? Real timelines

**Bottom line:** a typical non-fault PCO claim takes **8–14 weeks** from accident to settled. You're back on the road in **24 hours** with a replacement, and your own car is repaired in **2–4 weeks**. The remaining time is the at-fault insurer settling the claim — that's not your problem; we handle it. You pay £0 throughout.

This guide breaks down the realistic timeline for a PCO driver in 2026, with what's happening at each stage.

Day 0: the accident

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

• Photos of damage, the third-party plate, the scene - Crime Reference Number from police on 101 if appropriate (always, for hit-and-run) - Third-party details (name, plate, insurer if visible) - Witness contact details - Don't admit liability

Then call us, or [submit a claim online](/submit-claim). We respond within 2 hours, 24/7.

Hours 1–24: replacement vehicle delivered

• We arrange recovery from the scene if your car is undriveable (UK-wide) - We confirm liability with the at-fault insurer (sometimes same-day, sometimes 48 hours) - We deliver a like-for-like, **TfL-compliant** replacement to your address — 24 hours guaranteed for active PCO drivers in London, often faster - You're back driving for Uber/Bolt/FreeNow on day 1 or 2

If the at-fault driver was uninsured, there's a parallel **MIB process** — see our [uninsured driver guide](/blog/uber-driver-hit-by-uninsured-driver). Replacement vehicle still issued within 24 hours; only settlement timelines change.

Days 1–7: assessment and authorisation

• Your damaged vehicle goes to **our in-house bodyshop** (London) for assessment - We send a repair estimate to the at-fault insurer - Insurer authorises (typical: 3–5 days; can take longer for total losses) - For total losses, an engineer's inspection is booked — adds 5–10 days to the front of the timeline

If the vehicle is **declared a total loss**, the timeline shifts. You don't get a repair — you get a settlement payment for the pre-accident value. We negotiate this on your behalf to get the realistic market value, not the lowballed insurer figure.

Weeks 1–4: repairs

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

While repairs are happening, you're still earning in your replacement. Your no-claims bonus stays clean.

If parts are delayed (more common in 2026 for hybrids and EVs), we keep you in the replacement vehicle until your car is back. The credit hire is recoverable from the at-fault insurer regardless of how long it takes.

Weeks 4–6: vehicle returned, replacement collected

• Repairs signed off, MOT-equivalent inspection, full 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 feels like "the claim is over." It isn't — but it's the milestone that matters operationally.

Weeks 6–14: insurer settlement

This is where the claim is fought, not on your timeline but ours. Behind the scenes:

• We submit the full claim to the at-fault insurer: repair costs, hire car, recovery, storage, loss of earnings, personal injury (if any) - Insurer pushes back on individual line items (especially LOE — see our [LOE guide](/blog/loss-of-earnings-uber-driver-2026)) - We negotiate. We do this hundreds of times a year. - Settlement reached. Insurer pays.

For an uncontested liability claim with clean evidence, this is **6–8 weeks**. For a contested claim or one with a personal injury element, **10–14 weeks**. For an uninsured-driver claim through the MIB, **16–26 weeks**.

Weeks 8–16: personal injury (if applicable)

If you suffered any injury (whiplash, soft tissue, more serious):

• Medical examination — usually within 4 weeks of accident - Medical report finalised — 2–4 weeks after exam - Solicitor submits PI claim through the OIC portal (claims under £5,000) or via court (larger claims) - Settlement: **3–6 months** typical

Personal injury settles on a separate track from the vehicle claim. You don't pay for it — it's no-win-no-fee through our panel solicitors.

Variations from the standard timeline

**Uninsured driver / hit-and-run** — add 4–12 weeks to the back end. The MIB is slower than insurer-to-insurer.

**Disputed liability** — add 4–8 weeks. We argue it; sometimes it goes to court (rare).

**Total loss** — usually faster on vehicle (2–4 weeks to settlement) but you don't get a repair, you get a payout. Then you buy a new car.

**Multiple parties / multi-vehicle accident** — add 2–6 weeks while liability is allocated.

**Vehicle in dispute (parts back-order, niche vehicle)** — repair window extends; replacement window extends with it. No cost to you.

What you should expect to do during the claim

Almost nothing. Specifically:

• Submit the claim once (10 minutes online or one phone call) - Provide ID + V5C + insurance + earnings evidence (we'll request these one time) - Sign the LOC (Letter of Claim) electronically when we send it - Attend a medical exam if there's a PI element (60 minutes once) - Receive your settlement

That's it. The rest is us, the insurer, and the solicitor.

What slows claims down

In order of frequency:

1. **Slow evidence supply** — if we ask for bank statements and you take 2 weeks to send them, that's 2 weeks added 2. **Insurer pushback on liability** — sometimes they argue you were partially at fault; we counter; takes time 3. **Parts on back-order** — Prius hybrid batteries especially in 2026 4. **PI medical reports** — sometimes the medical agency takes 4–6 weeks instead of 2 5. **Large LOE claims** — over £5k they take longer to settle (extra scrutiny)

If you respond to our requests within 24 hours and your evidence is clean, your claim sits in the fast lane.

The 24/7 claims line

If you're reading this right now mid-accident, call **0208 090 8872**. Real handler, no IVR, available every day of the year. Or [submit your claim online](/submit-claim) — we'll respond within 2 hours.

FAQ

**Q: When do I get paid for loss of earnings?** A: At settlement (8–14 weeks). Interim payments possible for hardship cases — ask your handler.

**Q: What about the cost of replacing my Toyota Prius if it's a total loss?** A: The at-fault insurer pays market value. We negotiate this — generalists routinely undervalue ex-PCO Prius market by £500–£2,000. We push for the real figure.

**Q: Can my insurance premium go up?** A: No, if handled correctly through a non-fault claim with us. Your NCD stays clean.

**Q: How long can I keep the replacement vehicle?** A: As long as your vehicle is genuinely off the road and you're actively using the replacement to earn. We don't time-limit it; the at-fault insurer might dispute extreme durations (90+ days) so we negotiate as needed.

**Q: I haven't had an accident yet — can I sign up for faster service if I do?** A: We don't do pre-registration. But save **0208 090 8872** in your phone right now — that's all you need. We pick up 24/7 and start the claim immediately.

Start now if you've had an accident

[Submit your claim](/submit-claim) and we'll have a replacement vehicle to you within 24 hours, recovery same day if your vehicle's undriveable. No upfront cost. No paperwork burden on you. We handle the lot.