Credit Hire
Replacement Cars
How Royal Claims Can Assist you
Navigating credit hire alone can be daunting. The at-fault insurer may pressure you, and understanding your full rights is complex.
Own Fleet
At Royal Claims, we specialise in managing the entire claims process for non-fault drivers. We Supply vehciles from our own Fleet or from a network of approved credit hire providers to ensure you:
Direct & Clear
The moment you start your claim with us, we immediately instruct approved engineer to compile a vehicle damage report, This eliminates any waiting time to acehive settlement.
Taxis and Private Hire
We know your time is money. We provide like-for-like licensed replacement vehicle and provide all the relavant Documents for your Operators like UBER / BOLT to get you back on the Road earning.
Recovery & Storage
As part of our comprehensive claims management service, we can arrange for your damaged vehicle to be collected and transported to a secure, approve storage facility.
Credit Hire After a Non-Fault Accident: A Complete Guide
Credit Hire
Being in a car accident is stressful enough without the added worry of being without your vehicle. If the collision was not your fault, you have the right to a replacement car while yours is being repaired. This is where credit hire comes in.
At Royal Claims, we help thousands of drivers navigate the post-accident process. This guide explains everything you need to know about credit hire agreements, ensuring you can make an informed decision with confidence.
What is Credit Hire?
Credit hire is a service provided by specialist companies that offers a replacement vehicle to drivers who have been in a non-fault accident. The key feature is that you receive the car immediately with no upfront payment required.
The hire costs are deferred (“credited”) to you. The credit hire company then works to recover these costs directly from the at-fault driver’s insurance company on your behalf.
How Does the Credit Hire Process Work?
The process is designed to be straightforward for you, the innocent driver:
Contact Royal Claims: After your non-fault accident, you contact us. We manage the entire process with our approved credit hire partners on your behalf.
Eligibility Check: We will confirm you are not at fault and handle all the checks, including your driving licence and insurance details.
Vehicle Matching: We ensure you get a vehicle that is comparable to your own (like-for-like) in terms of size, type, and specification.
Delivery or Collection: The replacement car is delivered to your home or you can collect it from a local depot.
Recovery of Costs: We and our partners handle the entire claims process against the at-fault party’s insurer to recover the hire charges, repair costs, and any other losses.
The Key Benefits of Using a Credit Hire Company
No Upfront Costs: You get a car without paying a deposit or rental fees.
Like-for-Like Vehicle: You won’t be downgraded; you receive a car similar to your own.
Minimised Disruption: It keeps you mobile for work, school, and family commitments.
Expert Claims Handling: Royal Claims manages the complex legal and insurance process for you, ensuring the best outcome.
Peace of Mind: We relieve the financial and administrative burden after a stressful event, acting as your advocate.
Important Considerations and Potential Challenges
While credit hire is a valuable service, it’s essential to be aware of a few things. This is where having an expert like Royal Claims in your corner is critical:
Your Responsibility: You are technically responsible for the hire charges until they are recovered. If the recovery fails (e.g., the at-fault driver is uninsured and untraceable), you could be liable. Royal Claims only works with reputable providers and thoroughly vets each case to massively reduce this risk for you.
Reasonable Hire Period: The hire period should only last for a reasonable repair time. We ensure the process is efficient and monitor repair times to mitigate your loss.
Reasonable Rates: The at-fault insurer will challenge excessive hire rates. Our approved partners use fair market rates to ensure costs are recovered smoothly.
Credit Hire Taxi vs. Third-Party Capture
Often, the at-fault driver’s insurer may call you directly and offer a standard hire car. This is known as “third-party capture.” While convenient, be cautious:
They may offer a smaller, basic car instead of a true like-for-like replacement.
Their primary goal is to minimise their costs, not to look after your best interests.
You may waive your right to a proper credit hire vehicle.
Using Royal Claims ensures an independent expert is fighting for your full entitlements, not the interests of the other insurer.
FAQ about Credit Hire
Q: Will using credit hire affect my no-claims bonus?
A: No,As you are not at fault, claiming a replacement vehicle through a credit hire company should not impact your no-claims bonus or your insurance premium. Royal Claims can confirm this with your insurer as part of our service.
Q: What if the at-fault insurer disputes the claim?
A: At Royal Claims, our legal experts handle the dispute directly with the at-fault insurer on your behalf, protecting you from the stress and complexity.
Q: Do I have to provide my financial documents to settle a credit hire claim?
A: In the UK, you will likely need to provide financial documents to fully settle a credit hire claim, especially if the insurer disputes the cost.
Q: What documents might be requested?
A: To demonstrate your financial position, you may be asked to provide: Your bank and savings account statements, Credit card statements and Proof of earnings, such as wage slips etc.
Q: How long can I keep the hire car?
A: You can keep the vehicle for the reasonable period required to repair your car or, if it's written off, until your vehicle settlement is agreed. We manage this timeline for you.
Q: Am I legally responsible for the credit hire charges?
A: Yes, you sign an agreement making you liable. However, Royal Claims only works with cases where the chance of recovery is very high. We take on the burden of dealing with the provider and the at-fault insurer, shielding you from risk.
Q: Why do credit hire company need my financial documents?
A: They are used to prove you were "impecunious" at the time of the accident. This means you could not afford to pay for a hire car out of your own pocket and had no choice but to use a more expensive credit hire service.
Q: Will I be personally liable for the credit hire costs if I don't provide the documents?
A: Yes, possibly. Under the terms and conditions of your credit hire agreement, you agree to cooperate with the claim process. If you fail to cooperate and the credit hire company cannot recover their full costs from the other insurer, they may seek payment from you.
