Courtesy car cover explained
You should always do thorough research to know what's covered before driving a courtesy car.
Key points:
- If you have comprehensive car insurance, it may include a courtesy car as standard, or you may be able to purchase it as a add on. When your vehicle is off the road due to an accident, a courtesy car is typically made available once your claim has been accepted and repairs are being carried out through an approved repair network.
- Not all claims qualify for a courtesy car. For example, glass only claims may not include one.
- Courtesy cars are typically small hatchbacks rather than the same model as your own car. Some insurers may offer an option to upgrade to a larger vehicle.
- A courtesy car claim is treated separately from a claim on your own car. You will need to pay an excess and declare the claim when you buy your next car insurance policy.
Whether it's the slog to work, loading up on your weekly shop, or moonlighting as the family's taxi service, it's no surprise we've become so reliant on our four wheels.
As it's become such a typical way of getting from A to B (and sometimes C and D), it's reassuring to know you might not be carless if yours is on the mend.
How is a courtesy car covered under a comprehensive car insurance policy?
If you have comprehensive car insurance, it may include a courtesy car as standard, or you may be able to purchase it as a add on.
When your vehicle is off the road due to an accident, a courtesy car is typically made available once your claim has been accepted and repairs are being carried out through an approved repair network. However, not all claims qualify; for instance, glass-only claims don’t usually include a courtesy car. Understanding these details ensures you’re prepared and supported throughout the repair process. Please refer to your policy documentation for full details of what is and isn’t covered.
It’s also worth noting courtesy cars are typically not available outside the UK, and the provider may have specific criteria, such as age limits or restrictions on provisional licence holders, or who is allowed to use the car.
Can courtesy car cover be removed?
Courtesy car cover is often an optional extra, rather than standard cover. This means it can usually be removed mid‑policy if you decide you no longer need it.
If you’re unsure whether you have courtesy car cover, check your policy schedule. This will show whether it’s included as standard or listed as an optional add‑on. If it's optional, you may be able to remove it.
Will my courtesy car be the same model as mine?
No, courtesy car benefits under comprehensive car policies do not generally supply a like for like vehicle. Typically, courtesy cars are small three door hatchbacks with 4 seats, but some insurers offer the option to upgrade cover to a larger vehicle.
What happens if I damage the courtesy car?
You will have to pay an excess just like you would with your own car. If courtesy car cover is included in your comprehensive car insurance policy or if you've added as an optional extra, the claim is made against that policy. It’ll be treated as a separate insurance claim that you’ll have to declare when buying your next policy.
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