Car Insurance Guide

Does car insurance cover a hire car while yours is repaired?

Written by Chloe Adams Managing Editor Reviewed by Nomsa Dlamini RE5 qualified · 12 years in short-term insurance Updated 26 July 2026 Our editorial standards →

Does car insurance give me a hire car after a claim?

Only if you have car-hire cover. Many comprehensive policies include or offer a courtesy/hire car benefit that gives you a rental vehicle while yours is being repaired after a valid claim, usually for a set number of days and a specific vehicle class. It typically applies to accident and sometimes theft claims. Check whether it's included, optional, or absent on your policy.

Key takeaways

  • A hire car after a claim is only provided if you have car-hire cover.
  • It's included on some comprehensive policies and optional on others.
  • Cover is for a set number of days and a specific car class.
  • It usually applies after accident (and sometimes theft) claims.
  • Confirm the benefit and its limits before you need it.

How car-hire cover works

Car-hire (or courtesy-car) cover provides a temporary rental vehicle while your car is off the road for repairs after a valid claim. Policies specify the vehicle class (often a small hatchback), the number of days (commonly up to around 30), and the events that trigger it - typically accident damage, and sometimes theft or hijacking.

Check before you need it

This benefit is sometimes included in comprehensive cover, sometimes an optional add-on, and sometimes not offered at all. If being without a car would be a serious problem, confirm you have it, note the day limit and vehicle class, and consider upgrading the class if the standard rental wouldn't meet your needs.

Frequently asked questions

Do I automatically get a courtesy car after an accident?
No. You only get a hire car if your policy includes car-hire or courtesy-car cover. Check your schedule - it's included on some policies, optional on others, and absent on some.
How long does car-hire cover last?
Typically a set number of days - often up to around 30 - while your car is repaired. The exact limit and the class of rental vehicle are stated in your policy.
Does car-hire cover apply if my car is stolen?
Sometimes. Many benefits cover accident repairs and some extend to theft or hijacking. Check the specific events your car-hire cover responds to.

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