What Happens When Your Car's in the Garage - and You Still Need to Get Around?
Life doesn't pause just because your car's gone kaput. School runs, work, supermarket dashes, and weekend plans don't magically cancel themselves when your vehicle's in the garage with a broken bumper or worse. That's where a courtesy car suddenly becomes a big deal.
Picture this: You reverse out of a tight parking spot and crunch - a mystery bollard appears out of nowhere (typical). The damage isn't horrific, but the car needs a few days in the body shop. Now what? If your policy includes a free courtesy car, you're back on the road with minimal disruption. If not, you're juggling buses, borrowing from relatives, or staring mournfully at the keys to a car that's not going anywhere.
Having access to a courtesy car can be a lifesaver , but there's more to it than just ticking a box on a policy.
What Exactly Is a Courtesy Car and When Do You Get One?
A courtesy car is a temporary replacement vehicle offered whilst yours is being repaired after a covered claim ; usually owing to an accident. It helps keep your daily routine running whilst the garage sorts your actual car out.
But don't assume all policies include it automatically, or that one courtesy car is the same as another. The small print can make a big difference. You'll want to know:
- Type of Vehicle: It's usually a small, standard car - not a like-for-like replacement if you drive something a bit flash or unusual.
- Availability: Courtesy cars are typically offered **only** if your car is being repaired at an approved garage after an **insured event** ; not if your car breaks down or you're at fault and uninsured.
- Duration: Most policies provide the car only for the time your vehicle's in for repairs - not until your claim is fully resolved or the case is settled.
So, yes - handy, but not always as straightforward as it sounds.
Just Imagine This...
You've booked a weekend away. Bags packed. Accommodation sorted. Then on Thursday, a delivery van sideswipes your parked car. It's definitely not your fault, but now the car's in for repairs, and your plans are hanging by a thread.
Without a courtesy car? The weekend's off, or you're spending your "relaxing break" figuring out train timetables and examining unfamiliar towns on foot. With one? You chuck your stuff in the replacement car and hit the road - slightly less stylishly, maybe, but without cancelling a thing.
When Is Courtesy Car Cover Included - and When Isn't It?
This bit catches a lot of drivers off guard. Some insurance policies include a courtesy car as standard. Others offer it as an optional add-on , or only if you meet very specific conditions.
Here's what to keep an eye on:
- Claim Type: Not all incidents qualify. Theft, total write-offs, or breakdowns might not entitle you to a courtesy car unless it's explicitly included.
- Garage Choice: Most insurers only supply a courtesy car if you use one of their approved repair centres. Going rogue? You might lose the benefit.
- Car Category: If you may need an automatic, large boot space, or a specific model for mobility reasons , always check. Standard courtesy cars are often compact and manual.
- Replacement vs. Hire Car: Some policies offer a hire car upgrade if your vehicle is stolen or written off, but not all do. Be clear on what you're getting.
Don't wait until something goes wrong to find out what you're entitled to. Future-you will appreciate the forward thinking.
Are There Extra Costs Hiding in the Details?
"Free courtesy car" sounds great. But it's worth checking for any hidden bits that could cost more than you expect.
- Fuel Costs: You'll need to return the car with the same amount of fuel it came with - fair, but easy to forget.
- Insurance Excess: The courtesy car might come with a separate excess or reduced level of cover. Check before you drive off.
- Mileage Limits: Some agreements cap how far you can drive. Going over that could rack up extra charges.
- Deposit or Card Hold: Occasionally, there's a refundable deposit or hold on your card , not a huge deal, but good to know in advance.
Think of it like borrowing a mate's car. They might be happy to lend it , but they'll expect it back in one piece and full of petrol.
Why It's Worth Having , Even If You Rarely Claim
Breakdowns and accidents aren't everyday occurrences (hopefully), but when they do happen, they're disruptive. A courtesy car isn't just a nice extra , it can be the difference between life continuing smoothly or descending into chaos.
If you rely on your car for work, school runs, or even just day-to-day errands, being without it for a week or more can cause real stress. Having a policy that throws you a lifeline in that moment? Worth it.
Want That Extra Peace of Mind?
If you're shopping around for car insurance, it's well worth filtering for policies that include a free courtesy car - or at least looking closely at the terms. Don't assume it's a given. Some insurers quietly leave it out to keep headline prices lower, and others restrict access depending on where your car's repaired or what kind of claim you're making.
So do your homework , or better yet, compare quotes for car insurance with free courtesy car cover now and make sure you're not left scrambling when things go sideways. A little prep now could save you a major hassle later.