What is a hire and repair service after an accident?
A hire and repair service provides you with a replacement vehicle and organises repairs to your damaged car after a non-fault accident—without upfront costs.
If you’ve just been in a non-fault road traffic accident, you may be wondering how to get your car fixed and stay mobile without spending a fortune. That’s where a hire and repair service comes in.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a hire and repair service is, how it works, what your rights are in the UK, and how National Claims can help you get back on the road quickly and stress-free.
What Is a Hire and Repair Service?
A hire and repair service is a fully managed solution that helps drivers who’ve been in an accident that wasn’t their fault. The service includes:
- A like-for-like hire car delivered to your location
- Repairs arranged and paid for on your behalf
- All costs recovered from the at-fault driver’s insurance
It’s especially helpful if you rely on your car for work, family, or everyday transport—and don’t want to be left stranded or out of pocket.
How Does It Work?
Here’s a simple step-by-step breakdown:
✅ Step 1: Accident Happens
You’re involved in a non-fault road traffic accident—meaning the other party was to blame.
✅ Step 2: Contact a Claims Specialist
You get in touch with a service like National Claims. They connect you with experienced solicitors and arrange your hire and repair.
✅ Step 3: Receive a Hire Car
A like-for-like hire vehicle (e.g., if you drive a van or luxury car, you get something similar) is delivered to you, often within 24 hours.
✅ Step 4: Repairs Begin
Your damaged car is sent to a trusted garage. You don’t pay for anything upfront—costs are claimed from the at-fault driver’s insurer.
✅ Step 5: Return Hire Car
Once your own car is repaired and returned, you hand the hire vehicle back.
Why Use a Hire and Repair Service?
There are many benefits, especially when compared to going through your own insurer:
- No upfront costs
- You keep your no-claims bonus intact
- You get the right replacement vehicle
- Faster repair times with approved garages
- Less hassle — all paperwork and insurer contact handled for you
If you’re searching terms like “car hire near me” or “enterprise car hire after accident”, a hire and repair service gives you a simpler, all-in-one solution.
Your Rights After a Non-Fault Accident
Under UK law, if someone else causes damage to your vehicle, you have the right to:
- Claim back the full cost of repairs
- Get a replacement vehicle during the repair period
- Receive compensation for any losses caused by the accident
📌 According to the UK Government’s Highway Code, all drivers must take care to avoid accidents. If they fail in this duty, they (or their insurer) are legally responsible.
Car Hire UK: What to Know About Hire Vehicles
If you’re searching for “car hire UK” or “hire a car after an accident”, here’s what you should expect from a good hire and repair provider:
- Like-for-like hire – get a similar model, not just the cheapest option
- No daily limit on miles (unless agreed)
- No upfront rental fees
- Delivery to your home or work
You’ll also want to compare different services—so use a car hire comparison approach and choose providers with no hidden charges.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim?
The amount you can claim depends on the type of damage, injuries, losses, and impact on your daily life.
| Type of Loss | Compensation Range |
|---|---|
| Minor whiplash | £1,000 – £4,000 |
| Vehicle repair costs | Depends on damage |
| Hire car costs | £30–£150 per day (vehicle type) |
| Loss of earnings | Based on salary/wage slips |
| Psychological stress | £3,000 – £20,000 |
You can claim for:
- Vehicle repair or write-off value
- Hire car usage during repairs
- Medical bills or treatments
- Transport costs
- Missed work or opportunities
📌 Check the Judicial College Guidelines for injury claim values: judiciary.uk
People Also Ask
Q1. ❓ Do I have to use my insurer’s repair garage?
No. You can choose your own garage. A hire and repair service will often use trusted, high-quality garages that prioritise your vehicle.
Q2. ❓ What is enterprise car hire in accident claims?
Enterprise car hire is a well-known provider used by many accident claims services to supply replacement vehicles after a non-fault accident.
Q3. ❓ Can I hire a car in London or Manchester after a crash?
Yes. Most national services offer car hire London and car hire Manchester coverage with home delivery included.
Q4. ❓ How long can I keep the hire car for?
You can keep the hire car until your own vehicle is fully repaired or replaced—subject to the at-fault insurer’s approval.
Common Misunderstandings About Hire and Repair Services
- “It’ll cost me extra” – No. The at-fault insurer covers the cost.
- “My own insurer handles it quicker” – Not always. Insurer processes can be slow and may result in a smaller, less suitable courtesy car.
- “I won’t get a similar car” – Good providers always offer like-for-like replacement vehicles.
National Claims Can Help
At National Claims, we specialise in connecting accident victims with trusted solicitors and top-tier hire and repair services.
Our partners provide:
- Fast car hire near you, including London, Manchester, and across the UK
- Seamless vehicle repairs by qualified engineers
- Full legal support with no win, no fee solicitors
- A stress-free claims process handled from start to finish
If you’re looking for enterprise car hire, car hire comparison, or need to hire a car after an accident—we’ll get you sorted quickly and easily.
Final Thoughts
A hire and repair service is the smart, stress-free way to get back on the road after a non-fault accident. You won’t need to pay upfront, chase your insurer, or settle for a tiny courtesy car.
You’ll get:
✅ A similar car delivered to your door
✅ Professional repairs to your damaged vehicle
✅ Legal support through National Claims
So if you’re searching car hire UK, hire a car after crash, or car repair after accident — let National Claims help you take the right next step.
Contact National Claims today, and we will put you in touch with an expert solicitor who can guide you through the claims process.📞 Call us now free 0800 029 3849 or 📩 Submit an online enquiry to speak to our team. Your safety and well-being matter, and we’re here to help.
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We thrive on delivering exceptional service and ensuring our clients’ satisfaction. Don’t just take our word for it. Check out some of our independent reviews to see what our clients have to say.
Excellent
This firm is excellent, they sorted out my car pay out and injury claim very fast, they always communicate with you all the time.
My accident case was dealt with confidence and with great result of the outcome, especially James kept me informed all the time.
I was very impressed at the way my inquiry was treated. I was listened to attentively and everything I needed to know was explained to me.
