After a non-fault accident
Why is there usually nothing to pay upfront?
After a non-fault accident, the at-fault driver is liable for the losses their negligence caused, and their insurer normally pays. We recover our charges directly from that insurer, so there is nothing for you to pay upfront (credit-hire terms apply).
How it works
The at-fault side pays for the losses
When another driver causes an accident, their insurer normally has to pay for the losses it caused, so that, as far as money can, things are put back as they were immediately before the accident.
In a non-fault accident, that normally means the at-fault driver's insurer pays for reasonable losses caused by their driver's negligence, such as vehicle repairs, a replacement vehicle where you reasonably need one, and recovery and storage. Insurers can question whether a cost was reasonable.
We provide the repair, recovery and hire and recover our charges from the at-fault insurer. Your loss of earnings is your own claim, separate from our charges. We do not pass your details to anyone for it. Whether to claim on your own policy is a matter for you and your insurer.
How we get paid
If you don't pay upfront, who pays us?
Two things you should know.
Credit hire
Repairs
Disputed liability
What if the other driver disputes liability?
Many non-fault accidents, such as being hit from behind, have clear liability. We look at the circumstances before providing a vehicle on credit-hire terms and we tell you if we cannot provide a vehicle on credit-hire terms.
If liability is split or disputed, you could become liable for some or all of the hire charges. We explain this before you commit. We are not solicitors and cannot give legal advice, so you may want independent advice if liability is in dispute.
Our charges are recovered as your losses, so recovery 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.
For the full picture, read how credit hire works.
At-fault accidents
What if I was at fault?
For at-fault accidents, we cannot recover the costs from another insurer. We can still repair your vehicle at our in-house bodyshop. We repair at your cost, or invoice your insurer only if your insurer instructs us. Speak to your insurer about how this affects your policy.
See the at-fault repairs page for the details.
Read next
Related guides
Tool
Loss-of-earnings calculator
Estimate your lost earnings.
Outcomes
Case studies
We will publish case studies here when customers agree.
Service
Replacement vehicles
TfL-compliant cars, usually within 24 hours, on credit-hire terms.
Service
Our in-house bodyshop
Why owning the repair process matters after a non-fault accident.
Guide
How our PCO accident service works
Recovery, repair and replacement vehicle, step by step.
Guide
How long does a PCO case take?
Realistic week-by-week timeline of a typical case.
No commitment, no obligation
Still have questions?
Call us. We'll explain how our service works.