Having courtesy car cover can be incredibly convenient if you ever need a replacement car while yours is in an approved garage. A temporary replacement car can help keep you on the road if you rely on driving to get around.
This type of cover is generally included in a comprehensive car insurance policy, but it can be bought as an optional extra if it isn't.
We'll cover everything you need to know.
What is a courtesy car?
A courtesy It's a service typically included in a car insurance policy that offers you a temporary replacement vehicle if yours is repaired by an approved garage.
Don't expect a Ferrari! Courtesy cars tend to be small and cheap to run – usually 1-litre, 3-door manual hatchbacks, such as:
- Vauxhall Corsa
- Renault Clio
- Kia Picanto
- Nissan Micra
So, it's unlikely you'll receive an exact, like-for-like replacement of your own car. But it might be if you have this stated in your courtesy car cover. And that's the key point to raise when it comes to exactly what courtesy car you can expect to receive.
You'll usually have access to a courtesy car for as long as your car is being repaired.
How do I get courtesy car insurance cover?
The good news is that this type of cover is sometimes included as part of a comprehensive car insurance policy. While many insurers offer this as standard, some let you add it on at an extra cost.
It's something worth looking out for. But, when you compare car insurance quotes with us, you'll see what extras come with your policy alongside your prices.
While searching through quotes, courtesy car cover is highlighted in the second column and you'll see:
- A tick if courtesy car cover is included in the policy
- A cross if it's not included as standard
If a quote doesn't include courtesy car cover , you'll see the cost to add it beneath the cross.
If you’re involved in an accident and the other driver was at fault, you might be able to claim for a courtesy car on their car insurance policy. If you were at fault, then it depends on your policy and the level of cover you have.
Am I insured to drive a courtesy car?
The short answer is yes - if you have courtesy car cover included in your car insurance policy. You should automatically be insured to drive your courtesy car, this can also extend to any named drivers added to your policy.
Whether you, or named drivers have insurance provided for courtesy cars isn't always the case. If you're unsure, it's always best to check the terms and conditions of your policy and contact your insurer before setting off!
It's worth bearing in mind that if your insurer offers you a courtesy car, you won't necessarily enjoy the same level as your own policy. For example, if you have comprehensive cover on your standard policy you might only get third-party cover for your courtesy car.
Do you have to pay for a courtesy car?
Not if you have courtesy car cover included with your policy, and you're entitled to have one. If you don't have this cover, you could upgrade your policy - but it'll likely come at an additional cost.
If, for example, you're in an accident that wasn't your fault - a third-party insurer may offer you a replacement courtesy car. In this instance, you shouldn't have to pay anything.
The car itself should be included with your cover, but you'll still have to pay for:
- Fuel
- Parking costs
- Any fines or penalty notices
- Congestion and toll charges
What exclusions are there with courtesy car insurance cover?
Even if you have comprehensive car insurance, or have courtesy car cover, there are exclusions that could prevent you from claiming for a replacement car. Some of these instances include:
- If you refuse to use one of the insurer's approved repair garages.
- If your vehicle only has windscreen or glass damage and you’re claiming on your windscreen cover.
- If your car has been written off or if your vehicle is stolen.
- If the garage has no courtesy cars available, this is usually referred to as a ‘subject to availability’ clause.
- If you’re under 21 years of age.
- If the car being repaired is a classic car or a camper van.
- If you have an accident outside of the UK.
What's the difference between a courtesy car and hire car cover?
They are different, but to put simply - hire car cover is more comprehensive than courtesy car cover. Hire car cover offers you similar cover to courtesy car cover, but with greater benefits, such as:
- Provides you a hire car of a similar size and engine size to your own car.
- The ability to claim even if your car is written-off or stolen and unrecoverable.
- Flexible options to deliver your hire car and pick it up when you no longer need it.
Whereas you usually get a courtesy car for the duration of the repairs, hire cars tend to be available only until the claim is settled. This is usually around 21-28 days.
Since this kind of cover tends to come with more options than a courtesy car, it usually comes at an additional cost.
What happens if I have an accident in my courtesy car?
When you get a courtesy car you'll likely have the same level of insurance cover you would under your normal policy. In some instances, cover for a courtesy car may not be as extensive. For example, you have a comprehensive policy for your own car, but you're only covered for third party, fire and theft when driving a courtesy car.
If you're involved in an accident, your insurance policy should state what you're covered for when driving a courtesy car. Usually the process follows this order:
- The insurance company covers the cost of repairs to the courtesy car
- You pay the excess amount listed on the policy
- You should be offered a replacement courtesy car
You'll need to declare this accident when you compare car insurance quotes in future, and your no-claims bonus could be affected too.
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