How credit hire works

Credit hire is not free

After a non-fault accident, we can provide a replacement vehicle on credit-hire terms. The hire has a cost. You do not usually pay it upfront because the charges are claimed from the at-fault driver's insurer. If they are not recovered, you may have to pay them.

You sign a hire agreement

Before you take a vehicle, you sign a hire agreement. Read it before you sign. It sets out the daily rate, the driver requirements, fuel, mileage, the damage excess and what happens if the vehicle is damaged. Ask us about anything you do not understand.

How the charges are claimed

The hire charges are claimed from the at-fault insurer as your losses, so the claim is made in your name. If the insurer does not pay, solicitors may need to start court proceedings in your name. You may need to sign a statement of truth and attend court. The solicitors will explain any costs risk, and how it is covered, before anything is issued.

Your part during the hire

• Only hire while you need a vehicle.
• Take a vehicle similar to your own. Ask us before taking a larger or higher category vehicle, as you may be liable for any extra cost.
• Tell us when your repaired vehicle is ready, or when a write-off has been settled.
• Tell us about any offer from the other driver's insurer, including an offer of a vehicle.
• Give us the documents we ask for, such as your licence, V5C and insurance details.
• You are responsible for parking tickets, penalty charge notices, the Congestion Charge and ULEZ charges during the hire.

When you may be liable

You may have to pay some or all of the hire charges if they are not recovered, for example where:

• the other side disputes liability, or liability is shared;
• the other driver cannot be traced;
• you do not co-operate, or you break the hire agreement.

You can cancel

If you agree to the hire away from our premises or at a distance, you can cancel within 14 days. If you asked us to start straight away, you pay a proportionate amount for what we have already provided. See our Terms of Service for the cancellation form.

Other options

You do not have to use credit hire. You can also claim through your own insurer, or deal directly with the other driver's insurer. Questions about your own policy are for your insurer.