Auto and Car Insurance

Car Insurance Claim Courtesy Car Allowance?

My girlfriend has recently had a crash in which someone ran into the back of her. The car has been taken for repair and she was provided a courtesy car, which is apprently for a 14day period. We are now a week into that entitlement. Typically, the liability is under investigation as the idiot who ran in the back of her now claims it wasn't his fault (surprise surprise) although he admitted it at the scene. I was hoping someone with experience can tell me what happens once your 14 day entitlement on the courtesy vehicle has elapsed? Tesco (the insurer) is saying she will have to give it back, rent another incurring the cost herself and then claim this back through the solicitors. Surely this can't be right.....can it? Appreciate your help :-)

Public Comments

1. Yes I think they are right. A drunk crashed into my colleague's car whilst she was parked in a car park and it had to go in to be repaired so she was given a courtesy car. After a few days this entitlement ran out and the insurance company said if her car wasn't ready by that time she would have to hire a car herself and claim the money back from the man that crashed into her car. Luckily they managed to get her car back in time so she didn't incur any costs, but make sure she gets it in writing that she will be able to claim the costs back so you have proof that is what you were advised.
2. The hire car gets taken back, or you can extend it (at your cost), you can claim against the other party when the case gets settled. So, true I'm afraid.
3. It depends on the insurer. A courtesey car is not a right under the law, or any rule of "best practice" within the insurance industry. Some policies would not pay out for a car at all. This is why Tesco are cheaper than the others, you take the risk you won't need a hire car for more than 2 weeks. As it is extremely unlikely that the sort severe accident that's happened to you happens.
4. well rear end accidents are pretty clear cut on blame...not sure what they are investigating there. if it goes over the 14 day period, she needs to talk tot he adjuster from his compnay and ask for an extension on it. if her car has been put in for repair, she should have it back within the next week i would think and she would not need the rental. if you have need to keep the car longer and they don't want to let you, i would get MY insurance company involved.
5. Yes - it's right. One of the reasons why Tesco offer cheaper insurance. Most insurance broker policies provide a courtesy car whilst the car is being repaired - no time limit. (and you haven't said what the (high) excess is. If you have legal expenses insurance on your policy then that company may be able to arrange a credit-hire facility.