If you’ve been involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible for an accident loan car. However, many people are unaware of their legal rights after a not at fault accident, and don’t know enough about accident loan cars to make an informed decision about applying for one. We’re here to assist you and have put together some answers to the questions you may have.
What Is An Accident Loan Car?
An accident loan car is also called an ‘accident replacement vehicle’ and is the vehicle provided to an eligible driver after a not at fault car accident. These vehicles are provided by credit hire companies like Right2Drive at no cost to the eligible driver for the entire duration of their repairs. In the case of total loss, the vehicle can be kept until settlement has been received.
Who Covers The Cost of The Accident Loan Car?
As long as the not at fault driver complies with the terms and conditions of our agreement, the cost is recovered through the at fault driver or their insurer.
Are There Any Costs For The Not At Fault Driver?
As the not at fault driver, you are still responsible for vehicle use costs as you would be in your own vehicle. These include things like fuel, tolls (and their related administrative fees) and traffic or parking infringements (and their associated administrative fees).
In some circumstances, you may also have to pay costs related to vehicle cleaning if the vehicle is returned in poor condition, unacceptable wear and tear and excess or damage.
What Are You Entitled To In A Car Accident?
When you’re the not at fault driver in a car accident, you’re legally entitled to be put back into the position you were in prior to the accident. You have the right to a like-for-like accident loan car for the entire duration of your repairs.
What Is A Like-for-like Vehicle?
A ‘like-for-like’ vehicle means an equivalent vehicle to your vehicle that was involved in the not at fault accident. While we try to provide similar vehicles where possible, if we don’t have something similar available, we’ll discuss alternatives with you to make sure the loan car is suitable for you.
What Are The Obligations Of The Not At Fault Driver?
When you receive one of our accident loan cars, you agree to abide by our terms and conditions. Your obligations include:
- Acting in the best interest of Right2Drive.
- Not holding up the recovery of the rental costs from the at fault driver or their insurer.
- Providing all documents reasonably required (including a copy of your physical driver’s licence).
- Being open and frank with us and not misleading us in any way.
- Not releasing or purporting to release the at fault party from any of your rights in respect to the accident.
- Providing us with assistance in the recovery process which may include providing documents, witness statements and in limited circumstances, appearing in court as a witness in proceedings we bring in your name.
- Advising us promptly when your car repairs are complete, or you are notified of a total loss settlement.
If You Don’t Have Insurance, Are You Still Eligible For An Accident Loan Car?
Yes, regardless of whether you hold your own insurance policy, you are still entitled to an accident loan car when you are the not at fault driver. You can check your eligibility on our website.
Do you have other questions? Make sure you go through our FAQs page to find comprehensive answers. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, get in touch with our friendly team on 1300 100 121.
