After a non-fault accident, you have the right to a replacement vehicle without any out-of-pocket expenses. Credit hire services ensure you stay on the road with a replacement hire vehicle while your claim is handled, all without affecting your own insurance policy. Auto Claims Assist provides expert support to non-fault drivers, offering credit hire services that protect your rights and minimise disruption to your daily life.
Credit hire is a service that provides a replacement vehicle to non-fault drivers after an accident, with all costs covered by the at-fault driver's insurer. Unlike traditional car hire, it ensures you have a vehicle that matches the size and specification of your own, so you can continue with your daily life while your car is being repaired or replaced, all without impacting your own insurance policy.
A credit hire company is a specialist organisation that provides credit hire services to non-fault drivers. In many cases, credit hire companies also serve as accident management companies, which means they not only provide the replacement vehicle but also handle every aspect of the claim process.
This dual role allows them to manage all elements of the aftermath of an accident, including communication with insurers, coordinating repairs, and offering support with any legal or administrative steps. By choosing a credit hire company like Auto Claims Assist, you receive dedicated service, expert management of your claim, and a commitment to reducing any inconvenience or stress caused by the accident.
Credit hire began in the 1980s as a way to help non-fault drivers get back on the road quickly after an accident. Initially, it provided a straightforward solution for temporary transport, but over the years, it has evolved to better protect non-fault drivers' rights and minimise their financial impact.
Today, credit hire is a recognised part of the insurance industry, supported by organisations like The Credit Hire Organisation (CHO) and governed by agreements such as The General Terms of Agreement (GTA). These bodies ensure fairness and standards within the industry, offering a fair alternative for drivers who shouldn’t have to bear the costs or suffer the consequences of someone else’s mistake.
Many people instinctively think of their own insurer as the first point of contact after an accident. However, when it comes to a non-fault accident, this is usually not the best choice. Insurance companies are primarily designed to sell insurance and manage claims against their own policies, not to handle non-fault claims against other insurers.
Protected no-claims bonus: Your no-claims bonus remains intact as we claim directly against the at-fault driver’s insurance, not your own policy.
No excess to pay: Unlike claiming through your insurer, there’s no excess fee, saving you from unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
Comparable replacement vehicle: You receive a vehicle of the same size and specification for the entire duration your car is off the road.
Avoiding premium increases: We help you avoid the risk of having a pending claim on your policy or losing your no-claims bonus, both of which could lead to higher premiums.
Expert support throughout: Our dedicated team handles everything, providing guidance and keeping you informed every step of the way.
Pending claims and premium increases: Claiming through your insurer may result in a pending claim on your policy, potentially increasing your premiums.
Loss of no-claims bonus: Even when not at fault, your insurer may reduce or remove your no-claims bonus until liability is confirmed.
Excess fees: You'll likely need to pay your policy excess upfront, which can be a significant outlay.
Limited replacement vehicle options: Insurers often provide a standard courtesy car that may not match your vehicle’s size or specifications.
Referrals to accident management companies for a fee: Insurers sometimes refer non-fault accidents to accident management companies anyway, often charging a fee. This means you could face all the negative impacts (like excess fees) while being assigned to an accident management company that prioritises insurer volumes over service quality.
By choosing Auto Claims Assist, you ensure your claim is managed by experts in non-fault accidents, protecting your rights and saving you from common disadvantages.
Choosing Auto Claims Assist means getting the right support from the start, with a dedicated team focused solely on managing non-fault claims in your best interest.
Auto Claims Assist is both an FCA regulated accident management company and a credit hire company, providing a full service under one roof. This means we handle all aspects of your claim, from vehicle recovery and repairs to providing a replacement vehicle and managing communications with insurers. Our approach ensures you don’t have to juggle multiple providers, saving you time, stress, and money.
We offer the best of both worlds
The dedicated support of a credit hire specialist
The full-service benefits of accident management
For more information, explore the credit hire process in detail here.
To support your claim, it’s helpful to have information like the other driver’s details, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and a police report (if applicable). We assist you in gathering and presenting this evidence to ensure a smooth claims process.
See our guide for what to do after a car accident for more information on evidence gathering.
Using a credit hire company, like Auto Claims Assist, helps avoid the risk of increased premiums due to a pending claim or loss of no-claims bonus. However, it’s important to note that some insurers may still consider a non-fault accident when calculating future premiums.
Credit hire provides a replacement vehicle after an accident, while accident management covers the full range of services, including vehicle recovery, repairs, and claims management. Auto Claims Assist is both an accident management company and credit hire company, offering both credit hire and accident management. This gives you a complete solution, all under one roof.
No, with Auto Claims Assist, there are no upfront costs and no costs to you for the service. We recover all expenses from the at-fault driver’s insurer.
If you’ve had a non-fault accident, get started with us today
Choosing Auto Claims Assist means choosing a company dedicated to protecting your rights and making your recovery as smooth as possible. With our expertise, commitment to client care, and full range of services, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Choosing Auto Claims Assist,
Your Trusted Claims Management Company
“Excellent assistance at the roadside. Very kind, caring and knowledgable. If I ever had an accident again, Auto Claims Assist would be my first call.”
15+
Years of expertise
1,000+
36,000+
Successful cases
After non-fault accidents
Don’t just take our word for it. Our customers rate us ‘EXCELLENT’ on Trustpilot. See what they have to say about their experiences with Auto Claims Assist after a non-fault accident:
Our team of non-fault claim specialists are ready to answer any questions you have. Provide your details here to request a callback. One of our advisors will call you back as soon as possible. Alternatively, call us on 0330 128 1407 to speak to someone now.
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