Do you need insurance to drive a courtesy car?

Can You Shed Light On a Courtesy Car?

A courtesy car is a temporary replacement vehicle provided by a garage, repair centre, or dealership whilst your car is off the road. It’s meant to keep you mobile whilst your car is being serviced or repaired.

These cars are typically small, practical vehicles - not necessarily a like-for-like swap for your own car. If you’re expecting to swap your sporty coupe for a high-end SUV, you might be in for a surprise when you’re handed the keys to a compact hatchback!

Does a Courtesy Car Automatically Come with Insurance?

Here’s where it gets interesting. Some courtesy cars come with insurance included, whilst others do not. It depends on the provider, the terms of your own policy, and whether the car is being supplied by a garage or your insurer.

1. Courtesy Car Provided by an Insurer

If you’re receiving a courtesy car as part of an insurance claim, your insurer may provide cover as part of your policy. However, the level of cover might not be the same as what you have on your own vehicle. Some insurers only provide basic third-party cover, meaning you wouldn’t be protected against damage to the courtesy car itself.

2. Courtesy Car Provided by a Garage or Dealership

If a garage or dealership is offering you a courtesy car whilst your own car is being repaired, you might be expected to arrange your own insurance. In some cases, the garage provides cover , but this can vary.

How to Check If You’re Insured

Before taking the courtesy car on the road, check the paperwork provided by the insurer, garage, or repair centre. Look for any mention of insurance cover and the level of protection included.

• Does the courtesy car come with insurance? If yes, what level of cover does it provide?
• Does your own insurance extend to the courtesy car? Some policies cover courtesy cars automatically.
• Are there any exclusions? Some policies won’t cover a courtesy car if your vehicle is written off or stolen.
• Do you need to add the courtesy car to your existing policy? Some insurers require you to inform them before driving the car.

What If You’re Not Insured?

If the courtesy car isn’t covered under your policy and the garage or dealership doesn’t provide insurance, you could need to arrange cover before driving it.

Temporary Insurance for a Courtesy Car

One option is to take out temporary car insurance. This can cover you for a short period, from a single day up to a few weeks, depending on how long you’ll be using the vehicle.

Adding the Courtesy Car to Your Existing Policy

Some insurers allow you to add the courtesy car to your policy for the duration of the repairs. This might provide a more familiar level of cover, but it’s best to check with your insurer first.

Third-Party vs. Comprehensive Cover

Even if the courtesy car comes with insurance, it’s important to check what type of cover it includes. Some policies only offer third-party insurance, meaning you’d be liable for damage to the courtesy car itself.

Excess and Restrictions

Even if insurance is provided, there might be certain conditions attached. For example:

• Higher excess: Some policies require you to pay a higher excess if you make a claim whilst driving a courtesy car.
• Age restrictions: If you’re a younger driver, there may be restrictions on courtesy car use.
• Limited mileage: Some policies limit the number of miles you can drive in a courtesy car.

What If You Have an Accident in a Courtesy Car?

Accidents happen, even in a borrowed car. If you’re involved in an accident whilst driving a courtesy car, follow the same procedure you would in your own vehicle:

• Exchange details with the other driver.
• Report the incident to the police if necessary.
• Inform the provider of the courtesy car as soon as possible.
• Check your insurance policy to see what cover is in place.

Ending on a High Note:

Before driving a courtesy car, make sure you understand what insurance is in place. Some vehicles come with cover included, whilst others require you to arrange it separately. Checking in advance could save you from unexpected costs and headaches later on.

Not sure whether you’re covered? Click below to find out more about short-term insurance options for courtesy cars.