QUICK ANSWER
Check your insurance and any hire agreement first. Then compare buses, trains, lifts, walking, cycling or a hire car. Changing work hours may also help. Choose what meets your needs and check the cost.
1. Public transport
Bus, rail or park-and-ride may work for regular journeys. Save tickets and note where timetables, accessibility, childcare or shift times make the option impractical. If you later ask to recover travel costs, these details can help explain why you needed another option.
2. Lifts and car sharing
Family, workmates or a car-sharing service may help while your car is repaired. Agree any fuel or parking costs and keep a note. If you drive someone else’s car, check you are insured. Your own policy may not cover it.
3. Walking, cycling or combined journeys
Walking or cycling may work for a short, safe journey. Consider your health, access needs, the weather and anyone or anything you need to carry. Choose another option if they do not meet your needs.
4. Short-term rental or car club
Compare the total cost, deposit, insurance, excess, mileage limit and fuel rules. If you want to claim the cost back later, keep the agreement. Keep proof of why you needed that type of car and how long you needed it. You may not get back every cost you arrange yourself.
5. Temporary changes to work or appointments
Working from home, changing shifts, grouping appointments or using deliveries may help. Check that your employer or service provider agrees. Keep a note of what you could arrange and any extra costs you could not avoid.
Before taking a replacement vehicle
Ask whether it is a courtesy car under your policy, normal rental or credit hire. Check the company’s name, daily price and how long you can keep it. Ask about insurance, excess, mileage limits, returning the car and what happens if fault is disputed.
Sources and further help
- Financial Ombudsman Service: credit hire — contract and complaint context
WANT TO DISCUSS WHAT HAPPENED?
Need help after a non-fault accident?
Call to ask about recovery, repairs or a replacement car. Have the details you know ready. Ask who will help, what you must sign and what you might have to pay.