Credit Hire Vehicle After a Non-Fault Accident — Know Your Rights

Most drivers involved in a road traffic accident that was not their fault leave the scene without a full understanding of what they are legally owed. Many accept whatever courtesy car their insurer offers, find it bears no resemblance to the vehicle they actually drive, and simply get on with it. What they do not realise is that they are entitled to a credit hire vehicle — a like-for-like replacement car provided at zero cost to them, with every charge recovered directly from the at-fault driver’s insurer. At Crystal Claims Management, arranging credit hire vehicles for non-fault accident victims is one of our core services. We have been doing it across the UK for over 13 years.

What Is a Credit Hire Vehicle?

A credit hire vehicle is a replacement car provided to you after a non-fault road traffic accident on a deferred cost basis. The hire is not paid by you — the charges are invoiced directly to the at-fault driver’s insurance company and recovered as part of your overall damages claim. You receive the vehicle, use it for as long as your claim requires, and return it when your own car comes back or your settlement is paid. At no point are you out of pocket.

Credit hire is a well-established legal mechanism in the United Kingdom, underpinned by decades of case law and recognised by every major insurer. The principle is simple: if another driver’s negligence deprives you of your vehicle, their insurer is responsible for funding a suitable alternative. Crystal Claims Management ensures you receive what the law entitles you to — not what an insurer finds convenient to offer.

Credit Hire Car After Accident — What Standard of Vehicle Are You Owed?

UK law requires a like-for-like replacement: a vehicle comparable in category, specification and capability to your own. A standard insurer courtesy car — typically a small basic hatchback — does not meet this standard for most drivers. In practice this means:

• If you drive a large estate or SUV, you receive a comparable vehicle — not a city car
• If you drive a PCO or PHV-licensed taxi, you receive a vehicle licensed and compliant for private hire work
• If you drive a prestige or executive car, you receive a vehicle of equivalent quality
• If you drive a 7-seater, you receive a vehicle with equivalent passenger capacity

Crystal Claims Management maintains a fleet of vehicles specifically to meet these requirements — covering mainstream, prestige, executive and PCO/PHV-licensed categories across the UK.

Credit Hire Car Insurance — Who Pays?

When Crystal Claims arranges your credit hire vehicle, the car is fully insured as part of the arrangement. You do not need to add it to your own policy. All costs — hire charges and insurance — are recovered from the at-fault driver’s insurer. Your own insurance policy does not need to be used at all, fully protecting your no-claims bonus.

How Long Can You Keep the Credit Hire Vehicle?

Your credit hire vehicle is available for the full duration of your claim. You keep it until your own vehicle has been fully repaired and returned to you in satisfactory condition — or, if your car is declared a total loss, until you receive your settlement payment. We ensure there is no gap in your mobility at any point during the process.

Credit Hire for PCO and Taxi Drivers

For private hire drivers, a vehicle not licensed for private hire cannot be used for work — meaning lost income even whilst having a car to drive. Crystal Claims Management provides credit hire vehicles for PCO, PHV and taxi drivers across London, Wolverhampton, Manchester, Birmingham and Leicester — vehicles that are fully licensed and compliant with each council’s specific requirements. Find out more about our PCO and taxi accident claims service.

How Crystal Claims Arranges Your Credit Hire Vehicle

• Call us on 020 8519 8600 at any time — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Our specialist claims handler assesses your non-fault status and confirms your entitlement
• We identify the appropriate like-for-like credit hire vehicle from our UK fleet
• The vehicle is delivered directly to your home or workplace — usually within hours
• We manage the entire claim with the at-fault insurer — you receive regular updates
• Once the claim is resolved, we collect the hire vehicle and close the file

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the at-fault driver disputes liability?

Liability disputes are a routine part of our work. Our claims handlers compile evidence, correspond with insurers and escalate where necessary. Your right to a credit hire vehicle is not extinguished by a liability dispute — we pursue it robustly on your behalf.

Can I get a credit hire vehicle if the other driver was uninsured?

If the other driver has no insurance, you may still be able to access assistance through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). Crystal Claims can advise you on the options available. Call us to discuss your specific situation.

Will credit hire affect my own insurance renewal?

No. When Crystal Claims arranges a credit hire vehicle, we deal exclusively with the at-fault driver’s insurer. Your own policy is not used, your no-claims bonus is untouched, and there is no basis for your insurer to increase your premium as a result of the arrangement.

To arrange a credit hire vehicle after your non-fault accident, call Crystal Claims Management on 020 8519 8600 — available around the clock, seven days a week.