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You lost a vehicle. You are entitled to one that does the same job.

Will I get a like-for-like replacement vehicle?

If you have been in a non-fault accident and your car is off the road, you are entitled to a replacement vehicle while the claim is processed. The replacement should be like-for-like, which simply means broadly the same size, type and capability as the vehicle you have lost.

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  • Avg wait 1 min
  • Fastest way to claim
  • No excess
    to pay    We pursue the at-fault insurer, not your policy
  • Like-for-like car,
    van or motorbike    Suited to your everyday needs
  • We deal with the
    at-fault insurer    You don’t have to chase them
  • Recovery, replacement
    and repairs sorted    We coordinate the moving parts

What like-for-like means

Like-for-like does not mean an identical car. It means a vehicle that is equivalent in size, body type, and practical use. If you drive a medium SUV, you should receive a medium SUV and not a city hatchback. If you drive a van for work, you should receive a van of equivalent carrying capacity. The principle is that you should not be materially disadvantaged while someone else’s mistake is being resolved.

Not identical, equivalent
On a non-fault claim, like-for-like means the replacement serves the same practical purpose. A vehicle significantly smaller or less capable than the one you have lost does not meet the standard.

What you are not automatically entitled to

  • A higher-specification vehicle than the one you lost
  • A brand-new vehicle; the replacement is a hire vehicle, not a settlement payment
  • An indefinite hire period, the replacement covers the reasonable time your vehicle is off the road

Who provides the replacement and who pays

Through us, the replacement vehicle is arranged on a credit hire basis. We source the vehicle, and the cost of the hire is recovered from the at-fault driver’s insurer. You do not pay for it, the other side does.

This is different from a courtesy car provided through your own insurer. A courtesy car is typically a standard small hire vehicle from a fixed category, and is not guaranteed to be equivalent to the vehicle you have lost. The like-for-like entitlement applies on a non-fault claim, when you claim through the at-fault driver’s insurer.

How long you can keep the replacement

The hire period covers the repair period if your vehicle is repairable, plus a reasonable additional period to source a replacement if the vehicle is written off. The at-fault insurer can challenge hire periods they consider excessive, and we manage those disputes on your behalf.

Frequently asked questions

What if the replacement vehicle they offer is not equivalent to mine?
You are entitled to a like-for-like replacement. If what is offered is significantly smaller or less capable than your vehicle, you can decline it and request an appropriate one. Tell us and we will deal with the insurer directly.
Does the type of vehicle I drive affect what I get?
Yes. The replacement should match your actual vehicle. Drivers of larger cars, vans, or specialist vehicles are entitled to equivalent replacements. The like-for-like principle exists precisely because a small hatchback is not an adequate replacement for a seven-seat family car or a commercial vehicle.
Can the other driver’s insurer refuse to pay for the hire vehicle?
The at-fault insurer is liable for your genuine losses, and loss of use of your vehicle is a genuine loss. They can challenge the rate or duration of hire, but they cannot simply decline to pay. We manage these disputes on your behalf and have experience dealing with insurer challenges to credit hire costs.

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