Is Courtesy Car Included By Default With Car Insurance?

It's the question that tends to pop up at the worst possible time, after your car's been towed, the bonnet's smoking, and you're halfway through explaining the incident to a call centre. "So, do I get a courtesy car?" Cue silence. Maybe not.

Whilst you might *expect* a courtesy car as part of your insurance policy, it's not always guaranteed. In fact, it's often hiding in the fine print, tucked away under "additional cover" or "optional extras." Let's break down when you can count on one, and when you're likely to be left calling in favours from mates.

In-car scene with policy envelope resting on lap
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Courtesy Car Cover: Not As Standard As You Think

Contrary to popular belief, a courtesy car isn't always included by default, even with fully comprehensive policies. Many insurers do offer it, but the type of cover and the specific terms make a big difference.

What you get often depends on *why* your car's off the road. Was it your fault? Someone else's? Is the car repairable? Or was it written off completely? All these things affect whether a courtesy car rolls into your driveway - or not.

Close your eyes and consider this...

You've had a prang, nothing dramatic, just a wing mirror taken out in the supermarket car park. Your car needs a few days in the garage. You check your policy, confident you'll be whizzing around in a like-for-like courtesy vehicle by lunchtime.

Then you spot it: *"Subject to availability. Not offered in the event of a total loss."* Suddenly that little perk feels less dependable.

And what if the garage doesn't have a car available? Some policies leave that entirely up to the repair centre, no car, no replacement. Not ideal when you've got work, school runs, or frankly, just a life to live.

Types of Courtesy Car Cover

  • Standard Courtesy Car: Usually included with comprehensive policies if your car is being repaired by an approved garage. Basic model, nothing flashy - but gets you from A to B.
  • Extended Courtesy Car Cover: This is often an add-on. It can include a car even if your vehicle is written off or stolen, an absolute necessityly keeping you mobile until a payout or settlement is sorted.
  • Like-for-Like Vehicle: Want something more than a 1-litre hatchback to replace your 4x4 or estate? That'll be extra, and not every insurer offers it.

When You're Not Likely to Get One

  • Your car's been written off - unless you've paid for enhanced cover, no replacement is typically offered.
  • The repair is carried out at a garage you chose (not an approved one).
  • There's no availability - yes, this is a valid reason for some insurers to shrug and say "tough luck."
  • You only have third-party or third-party, fire and theft insurance - these policies almost never include courtesy cars.

Things to Watch For in the Fine Print

  • Duration Limits: Many insurers cap courtesy car use at 7 - 14 days.
  • Excess Charges: You may still need to pay an excess if damage occurs to the courtesy car.
  • Fuel Policies: Some expect you to return the courtesy car with a full tank - just like a hire car.
  • Age Restrictions: Under 21 or 25? Some providers won't offer courtesy cars at all, or limit the type of car you can drive.

Is It Worth Paying Extra?

That depends. If you rely on your car daily, even a short loss of transport can cause chaos. In that case, upgrading to enhanced courtesy car cover or a like-for-like guarantee might be worth every penny. Especially if you've got a family, long commute, or live somewhere public transport forgot.

If your car's barely used or you've got alternatives, you might prefer to save the money. But it's always better to make that call *before* something goes wrong, not whilst you're stranded at the side of the road.

Parting Thoughts:: Don't Assume; Check and Compare

It's easy to overlook courtesy car terms when buying insurance. They're often buried under legal jargon or assumed to be "standard." But not all policies treat them equally - and not all cars get replaced when things go wrong.

So take two minutes. Get quotes. Check the small print. Look specifically for courtesy car terms - and make sure they actually cover what you expect. Because the only thing worse than a crashed car is realising you're stuck without wheels for the foreseeable future.

Need a hand finding a policy that fits your needs? Get your quotes today; and drive away knowing you won't be left stranded.