What Is Courtesy Car Cover?
Courtesy car cover provides a temporary replacement vehicle while your own car is off the road for repairs following a valid insurance claim, helping you stay mobile during the repair process.
What's Typically Included
- A basic runabout vehicle, on many standard policies
- A guaranteed like-for-like replacement, on some higher-tier policies
- Cover only while the car is being repaired by an approved repairer, in many cases
- Time limits on how long the courtesy car is provided
When Courtesy Cars May Not Be Provided
Guaranteed vs Non-Guaranteed Courtesy Cars
Some policies guarantee a courtesy car will be provided, while others only offer one "subject to availability", which could mean none is provided if the repairer doesn't have one free. Check which type of provision your policy offers.
Insuring the Courtesy Car Itself
Courtesy cars are typically covered under the repairer's or insurer's own insurance arrangement while in your possession, but confirm this, along with your responsibilities, such as excess, if the courtesy car itself is damaged or involved in an incident.
Frequently Asked Questions About Courtesy Car Insurance UK
Is a courtesy car guaranteed with car insurance?
Not always, this varies significantly by insurer and policy. Some guarantee provision, others offer one subject to availability, and some don't include it at all.
What type of car will I get as a courtesy vehicle?
This depends on your policy, ranging from a basic runabout to a guaranteed like-for-like replacement on higher-tier policies.
Do I get a courtesy car if my vehicle is written off?
Often not, courtesy car cover is generally intended to support repairs, and may not apply if the vehicle is declared a total loss.
Am I insured to drive the courtesy car?
Generally yes, courtesy cars are typically covered under the repairer's or insurer's arrangement, but confirm your specific responsibilities and any applicable excess.
Does using a non-approved repairer affect courtesy car cover?
It can, some policies only guarantee a courtesy car if you use an insurer-approved repairer, so check this before making arrangements.
Conclusion
Courtesy car cover can be a valuable part of your car insurance policy, but terms vary considerably between insurers. Checking exactly what's guaranteed, and under what conditions, before you need it helps avoid an unwelcome surprise when your car is off the road for repairs.
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