Your car is damaged. You need to work. A replacement vehicle bridges the gap while repairs happen.
Here's what replacement vehicles are, who provides them, how fast you get one, and what you need to know.
What is a Replacement Vehicle?
A replacement vehicle is a temporary car provided while yours is being repaired after an accident. It keeps you mobile and earning.
Who Pays for It?
Non-fault accident: The replacement is usually provided on credit-hire terms by a provider like us, and the hire charges are claimed from the at-fault party's insurer. You sign a hire agreement, and you may be liable for the charges if they aren't recovered (for example, if the other driver isn't found to be at fault). The at-fault insurer reviews the charges and the length of the hire.
At-fault accident: We can provide a replacement vehicle as a paid hire. We quote the daily rate before you sign. Tell your insurer about the accident as your policy requires. Questions about your policy are for your insurer.
How Fast Can You Get One?
Easy Car Claims: Usually within 24 hours, subject to availability. Delivery available, or collection at our location.
Availability: Our phone line is open 24/7, including weekends and bank holidays.
TfL Compliance: PCO Drivers
Every PCO vehicle we provide:
- Is fully TfL-licensed
- Is covered by our fleet policy for hire-and-reward use
- Meets safety standards
- Is emissions-compliant
- Comes with full documentation
Once the vehicle is added to your Uber, Bolt, FreeNow or Ola account, you can start working.
Vehicle Quality
Our replacements are:
- Comparable to your own vehicle where available
- Professionally maintained
- Fully detailed before handover
They're not "cheap substitutes". They're vehicles you'd be happy to drive.
Insurance on the Replacement
Our vehicles are insured under our own fleet policy for hire-and-reward use. You must meet our driver requirements; the hire agreement explains what happens if the vehicle is damaged. Read it before you sign.
Cost to You
Non-fault: Nothing up front. The hire charges are claimed from the at-fault party's insurer, but you may be liable for them if they aren't recovered.
At-fault: A paid hire at the daily rate we quote before you sign.
Delivery & Collection
Delivery: we deliver in London, usually within 24 hours. The delivery charge is claimed from the at-fault insurer on credit-hire terms.
Collection: Available at our location by arrangement.
Return: Once repairs are complete, we collect your replacement and deliver your repaired vehicle.
What Happens Next
An example timeline for a straightforward non-fault repair (timings vary):
- Day 1: Report the accident, we arrange a replacement
- Day 2: Replacement delivered or ready for collection
- Days 2 to 7: Work in the replacement while repairs happen
- Day 7: Your vehicle is repaired and ready
- Day 8: Replacement returned, your vehicle delivered
- Days 60 to 90: The at-fault insurer pays our hire charges
Key Points
- Usually available within 24 hours
- Fully TfL-licensed (for PCO drivers)
- Covered by our fleet policy
- No upfront cost when the other driver was at fault (credit-hire terms apply)
- Professional quality
- Delivery and collection arranged
A replacement vehicle keeps your downtime to a minimum. You keep earning while we fix your car.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Your hire agreement sets out the full terms.
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Questions about your repair or hire?
Call us to talk about getting your vehicle repaired and back on the road.