Understanding how credit hire works after a non-fault accident and how Credit Hire Direct helps eligible drivers stay on the road while their claim progresses.
Credit hire is a legal process that allows eligible non-fault motorists to access a like-for-like replacement vehicle following a road traffic accident, without having to pay rental fees upfront.
Instead of you paying for the car hire, Credit Hire Direct provides the vehicle on credit. We then recover the reasonable hire charges directly from the at-fault driver's insurance company on your behalf as part of the overall accident claim.
Eligibility depends on the specific circumstances of each case, including liability verification and your need for a vehicle. Our specialist claims team will review your situation and explain all available options clearly.
We handle the logistics and insurance communications to make the process as straightforward as possible.
Another driver is fully at fault for the accident. Make sure to collect their insurance and contact details at the scene.
Call our 24/7 helpline or submit your details online before notifying your own insurance provider.
We verify liability with the third-party insurer and perform a quick eligibility check based on your vehicle needs.
We arrange delivery of a suitable like-for-like vehicle directly to your home or office address.
You continue driving while we liaise with engineers, repairers, and recover all costs from the at-fault insurer.
Once your car is repaired or a total loss settlement is completed, you return the replacement vehicle to us.
Bypassing standard insurance delays helps you maintain your routine while your accident claim is managed.
Helping eligible drivers continue their daily routine, family duties, and commutes without interruption.
We act quickly to verify claims and arrange vehicle delivery, often within 24 hours of assessment.
Access a clean, modern like-for-like replacement car or plated taxi from our nationwide fleet.
Complete support coordination, managing recovery, vehicle storage, and repairs from start to finish.
You work with a dedicated claims handler, giving you clear communication throughout your case.
Specialist plated replacement taxis and private hire vehicles to keep professional drivers earning.
Clarifying the difference between credit hire laws and common insurance myths.
Many drivers assume standard comprehensive policies include a like-for-like replacement. Often, insurers only guarantee a small courtesy car, and only if you use their approved repairer network.
If the accident was not your fault, you have the legal right to a like-for-like replacement vehicle paid for by the at-fault insurer, regardless of what your policy states.
Some believe the claims process stops once they are back in a car. In truth, replacement vehicle delivery is only the first phase of complete recovery support.
Credit Hire Direct manages repairs, damage engineering inspections, and administrative recovery until the final settlement is paid by the third-party insurer.
Drivers are often worried that credit hire involves hidden fees or upfront out-of-pocket charges that they must pay before recovering from the at-fault insurer.
For eligible claims, all vehicle hire costs are recovered directly from the third-party insurer. Credit Hire Direct provides the car on credit, so you pay nothing upfront.
Find answers to common questions about credit hire, eligibility, and the vehicle recovery process.
Talk to an advisor about your accident details.
Credit hire refers to the provision of a replacement vehicle to a non-fault driver on credit terms. Instead of paying for the car hire at the time of use, the costs are recovered from the at-fault driver's insurance company once liability is settled.
The at-fault driver's insurance company pays for the vehicle. As long as the accident was not your fault and you have a genuine need for a replacement car, the reasonable costs are recovered from their insurer.
Yes. You are entitled to a like-for-like replacement vehicle, meaning a car that matches the class, size, and specification of your own vehicle. If you drive a Mercedes, a taxi, or an estate, we will aim to provide a similar class vehicle.
You can keep the replacement vehicle until your own car has been repaired and returned to you, or until the at-fault insurer has paid out a total loss settlement check if your car is written off.
If your vehicle is written off (a total loss), you can remain in the replacement vehicle until the third-party insurer issues a settlement payment for the value of your written-off vehicle, plus a reasonable period to purchase a new car (typically 7 days).
Yes. Taxi drivers, private hire drivers, and chauffeurs heavily qualify because a replacement vehicle is necessary to prevent loss of earnings. We provide licensed, plated replacement taxis to keep you working.
Yes, all our replacement cars can be used for standard commuting and daily routines. For commercial vehicles and taxis, we ensure the cars are properly insured and licensed for your specific business operations.
Because the claim is progressed as a non-fault incident directly against the third party's insurer, your own insurance policy is not claimed against. However, you must declare all accidents to your insurer, which can sometimes impact premiums depending on their underwriting guidelines.
Typically, we require your driving license, vehicle logbook (V5), insurance schedule, and any accident evidence (photos, dashcam footages, police report reference, and third-party details).
Contact Credit Hire Direct via our contact form, email us at claims@credithiredirect.co.uk, or submit a request on our site. A handler will review your details and confirm eligibility in under 15 minutes.
Speak to Credit Hire Direct today to find out how we may be able to assist following your accident.