After a car accident, securing a car hire can be essential for maintaining your daily activities. Understanding when you’re entitled to a replacement vehicle and the associated processes is crucial.
Understanding Your Entitlement to a Car Hire
In the UK, if you’re not at fault for the accident, you have the right to a replacement vehicle while yours is being repaired. This entitlement stems from the principle that the at-fault party’s insurance should cover the costs of a car hire. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) outlines that non-fault drivers are entitled to a hire car of similar value to their own.
Steps to Secure a Car Hire
A. Step 1: Prioritise Safety and Gather Evidence
After the initial shock of a collision, prioritise safety by ensuring everyone involved is unharmed and seeking medical attention if necessary. Once safety is confirmed, gather essential information to streamline the claims process. Make sure to exchange details with the other party, including vehicle registration numbers, insurance information, names, and contact details. Providing registration details is essential, especially when arranging a car hire. Our experienced solicitors are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.
B.Step 2: Report the Collision and Initiate the Claims Process
Promptly reporting a collision is essential for a swift resolution. Contact local authorities to file a police report, particularly if there are injuries or substantial damage. Simultaneously, inform your insurance provider to initiate the claims process. National Claims offers a streamlined reporting system, ensuring this step is both quick and straightforward.
The National Claims Perspective
Our dedicated team at National Claims understands the urgency of reporting a collision. When you reach out to us, we guide you through the claims process, ensuring all necessary details are captured accurately. With our emphasis on efficiency, you can expect a swift response, easing the burden during this challenging time.
C. Step 3: Streamline Car Hire and Repair Process
After reporting the collision, the next step is to arrange for a replacement vehicle and initiate repairs. National Claims simplifies this process, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. We understand the importance of promptly providing a replacement vehicle and efficiently restoring your damaged vehicle.
The National Claims Perspective
Choosing National Claims for your car hire and repair needs ensures a seamless experience. We collaborate with trusted partners to provide a like-for-like replacement vehicle within 24 hours of your accident, minimising downtime. Our efficient repair process uses original parts, ensuring your vehicle feels brand new upon return. Plus, unlike using your own insurance, you won’t have to pay any excess fees, offering you added peace of mind and saving you money.
Considerations When Using a Car Hire
- Insurance Coverage: All of National Claims’ car hire providers are fully covered and insured, giving you peace of mind. We ensure that the hire car is adequately insured.
- Duration of Hire: The hire car should be provided for the reasonable period required to repair your vehicle. If the repair time is extended, discuss the possibility of extending the hire period with the hire company.
- Costs and Liabilities: Be aware of any excess charges or liabilities associated with the hire car. Review the hire agreement carefully to understand your responsibilities.
At National Claims, we guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you don’t have to worry about the complexities involved. Our experienced team is dedicated to making your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Speak to us About Your Car Hire
Duration of Hire Car Entitlement
The duration you’re entitled to a hire car depends on:
- Repair Time: The time taken to repair your vehicle.
- Replacement Vehicle Availability: Availability of suitable replacement vehicles.
It’s important to note that the hire car should be of a similar type and standard to your own vehicle.
Legal Framework and Consumer Rights
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 ensures that consumers are entitled to services that are performed with reasonable care and skill. If a hire car is provided as part of a service, it must meet these standards. Additionally, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates insurance companies to ensure fair treatment of policyholders.
Conclusion
After a car accident, if you’re not at fault, you’re entitled to a hire car while yours is being repaired. Prompt reporting to your insurance company and understanding your rights are essential steps in securing a replacement vehicle. Always ensure that the hire car is adequately insured and that you understand the terms of the hire agreement.
Choosing a Reliable Accident Car Hire Company
When selecting an accident hire company, it’s important to prioritise reputation, experience, and transparency. At National Claims, we are dedicated to working only with reputable companies that maintain the highest standards in these areas, ensuring a reliable and hassle-free experience for our clients.
Free Consultation with National Claims
At National Claims, we are committed to complete transparency, with no hidden or excessive charges, helping our clients save money. We understand that every accident is unique, which is why we offer a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your case. Our team will listen carefully to your account, thoroughly assess the details, and take into consideration factors specific to the traffic incident. This enables us to determine the validity of your claim and provide expert guidance on the best course of action moving forward.
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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.
