Courtesy car insurance: What’s included, what’s not, and how it works
Here’s your complete guide to courtesy car insurance. Get the facts, learn how it works, and understand inclusions and exclusions.
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Car insurance protects you from the financial burden of unfortunate events involving your car. Among other potential expenses, it often pays for repairs following an accident.
The problem is that most people need a way to get around while their car is in the garage. After all, commuting to work, running errands, or picking up the kids from school doesn’t stop just because your car is out of commission. Courtesy car insurance gives you access to a temporary vehicle to help you stay on top of your routine while your car undergoes repairs.
Here’s everything you need to know about courtesy car insurance.
Key takeaways
- Courtesy car insurance provides a temporary replacement vehicle while your car is being repaired after an accident or any covered event.
- A courtesy car is usually a small, basic model, but you may be able to upgrade for an additional fee.
- Most comprehensive car insurance policies include a courtesy car as standard. However, third-party, fire, and theft (TPFT) and third-party only (TPO) policies typically don’t include it, though you can often add it as an optional extra at a fee.
- Courtesy cars may have restrictions like mileage limits, specific usage rules, or repair requirements at approved garages.
What is a courtesy car?
A courtesy car is a temporary replacement vehicle provided by your car insurance company while your car gets repaired, typically after an accident. It minimises the disruption to your life and helps you maintain your routine.
Depending on your policy and provider, a courtesy car may be included in your coverage or offered as an optional add-on. Most comprehensive policies include courtesy as a standard.
How does courtesy car insurance work?
Here’s a general overview of how courtesy car insurance works:
- Accident or damage: You’re involved in an accident or another covered event that damages your vehicle.
- Reporting the claim: You report the incident to your insurance company according to your policy’s guidelines.
- Assessment: The provider assesses the damage to your vehicle and determines the necessary repairs.
- Courtesy car arrangement: If your policy includes courtesy car coverage, the insurance company arranges for a temporary replacement from a local rental company or their company fleet.
- Using the courtesy car: You’re free to use the courtesy car while your car undergoes repairs.
- Returning the courtesy car: When your car’s repairs are complete, you return the courtesy car to your insurer.
Do all car insurance policies include a courtesy car?
Most comprehensive car insurance policies automatically include a courtesy car as part of their benefits. If yours doesn’t, you can typically add it as an optional extra.
Third-party, fire, and theft (TPFT) and third-party only (TPO) policies typically don’t include courtesy car cover, but you can add it to your policy for a fee.
Be aware that even when your policy includes a courtesy car, it may only be available under certain conditions.
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How to get a courtesy car
To qualify for a courtesy car, you generally need to meet the following criteria:
- Valid insurance: You must have a valid car insurance policy with courtesy car coverage.
- Reported claim: You must promptly report the covered incident to your insurance company according to your policy.
- Eligible damage: The damage to your vehicle must be covered under your insurance policy.
- Repairs undertaken by approved garage: In some cases, eligibility for a courtesy car may depend on using an approved garage for repairs.
What type of car will be provided?
Generally, a courtesy car is not a like-for-like replacement for your current vehicle. It’s meant only to get you from point A to point B while your car gets repaired, and you might receive a smaller or less-equipped vehicle than you’re accustomed to.
Your insurer will usually provide a small, basic car, such as a Kia Picanto, Nissan Micra, Toyota Aygo, or Vauxhall Corsa. These are often called “Class A courtesy cars.”
Depending on your provider, you may be able to upgrade to a like-for-like or more luxurious courtesy car for an additional fee. This can be particularly beneficial for business professionals who require a more suitable vehicle for work purposes.
What terms and conditions can I expect with a courtesy car?
Courtesy cars may come with specific terms and conditions depending on the provider. Here are some possible T&Cs to be aware of:
- Mileage limits: Some insurers or garages may impose mileage restrictions on courtesy cars. Exceeding the agreed mileage could result in additional charges. Always check for a daily, weekly, or overall mileage cap.
- Restrictions on who can drive the car: Much like multi-car breakdown cover, restrictions may limit who can drive the car. Your insurer might also require that you only use it for non-commercial activities. Any use outside the agreed terms could result in penalties or voided coverage.
- Fuel policy: Some providers might require you to return the courtesy car with the same fuel level it had initially.
- Return conditions: You must return the car in the same condition as you found it. Any damage beyond normal wear and tear could result in charges for repairs.
Review your policy documents carefully to understand the specific terms and conditions that apply to your courtesy car coverage. If you’re unclear about the terms, ask your insurer to clarify.
Are there any circumstances when I won’t be entitled to a courtesy car?
In some situations, you might not be entitled to a courtesy car or be unable to get one even though your policy includes it.
- Repairs at non-approved garages: As mentioned earlier, most insurers require repairs to be carried out within their approved repair networks to qualify for a courtesy car. If you choose a non-approved garage, your entitlement to a courtesy car may no longer apply.
- Total loss or write-off claims: Courtesy cars are usually provided while your vehicle is under repair at an approved garage. However, if your insurer declares the vehicle is a total loss after an accident, they generally won’t offer a courtesy car.
- Driving license issues: You must have a valid driving license to use a courtesy car. You won’t be eligible for a courtesy car if your license is suspended or expired.
- Minor damage: You may not be entitled to a courtesy car if your car has only minor damage, such as a broken windscreen.
Availability may also be a factor. During peak times, your insurer may run out of courtesy cars, forcing you to wait until one becomes available. That’s rare, however, and most insurers have contingency measures in place.
How do I get an insurance quote that includes courtesy car cover?
Insurance comparison providers such as Compare the Market, GoCompare, or MoneySuperMarket are good starting points.
With these platforms, you only need to enter some information about yourself and the coverage you’re looking for. They will generate multiple quotes from top providers that you can compare. Most will let you refine your search results to include only providers or policies that offer a courtesy car.
Alternatively, you can contact individual insurance companies directly to request a quote that includes courtesy car cover.
Am I insured to drive a courtesy car?
If your policy includes a courtesy car, you and any named drivers are automatically insured to drive it. However, always double-check with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage and any specific conditions or limitations.
What’s the difference between courtesy car and hire car cover?
Hire cover is an optional upgrade to courtesy car cover. It covers a broader range of circumstances, including those that courtesy cars won’t cover, including if your car is stolen or written off as a total loss.
Additionally, with hire cover, you’ll typically get a similar-sized replacement model. However, in a write-off, hire cover is typically only available until the settlement is agreed upon, which can take two to four weeks.
FAQs
Your insurance typically covers the damages if you’re involved in an accident while driving a courtesy car. However, you may be responsible for an excess charge. Review your policy’s terms to understand your responsibilities and coverage in the event of an accident.
Most insurers provide a courtesy car for the length of your repair. But always check your policy documents to confirm.
Depending on the insurer’s approval process and vehicle availability, the process may take a few days. Contact your insurer immediately after the accident to begin the process and get a precise estimate.
It varies depending on the insurer and your coverage level or policy type. If it’s not standard in your policy, adding it can cost between £20 and £50. Check with your provider to confirm the exact cost.
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