Don’t you just hate it when your car is damaged in an accident, and it is not even your fault? Well, if you are in Australia, you don’t have to worry about your transportation after a not-at-fault accident. You are legally entitled to hire a replacement car and use it until your own car is repaired and fixed. However, before you apply for such car hire services, here are a few crucial things you need to know.
1. You Do Not Need to Pay for the Services
If you were not at fault in the car crash, you are legally entitled to hire a car of similar value or type to your damaged vehicle for a reasonable period of time. The best part about the not at fault car hire services in Australia is that you do not have to pay a single cent for the replacement car until the repairs to your damaged vehicle are done or a total loss settlement is received. The accident replacement car service provider recovers the cost from the at-fault driver or their insurer. In some cases, the service provider may require your help in the recovery process.
2. The Application Takes Less than 48 Hours to Approve
After a car accident where the other driver was at fault, you can apply for an accident replacement vehicle as per the law. The application process requires you to submit some relevant details, which usually takes about 15-30 minutes. If you have chosen a reputable service provider, it generally takes around 24-48 hours to process and approve the application. The company may need to review accident photos to ensure that the at-fault party has lodged an insurance claim and is accepting liability. The rule applies to both moving and parked vehicles.
3. You Can Receive the Replacement Vehicle at the Accident Scene
There are several no-fault replacement vehicle providers in Australia that can issue a replacement car immediately following an accident. In fact, some companies deliver the accident replacement vehicle at the very scene of the accident if your existing car is in no condition to be driven after the accident. As long as the other party is accepting liability and lodging an insurance claim, you will have no issue receiving the replacement vehicle. However, you need to choose a service provider that can dispatch a replacement vehicle immediately.
4. You Can Get a Like-for-Like Vehicle Replacement
In most cases, the accident replacement vehicle provider offers a like-for-like replacement to minimise the disruption to your daily life following the accident. If the vehicle you were driving during the accident is of a common model, you can easily get a similar car as a replacement. However, if you need a replacement for a limited edition vehicle, it can be difficult for the company to offer a like-for-like replacement. In such cases, the company will try to provide a vehicle of similar value or type as a replacement.
5. You May Still Be Eligible for a Replacement Car If the Accident Was with a Farm Animal or Pet
If you were involved in a car accident with an animal that has an owner and you were not at fault, you may still be eligible for an accident replacement vehicle. Generally, no-fault car hire services are for not-at-fault drivers who have been in a car accident with a vehicle owned and operated by another insured party. However, in some cases, accidents involving pets or farm animals can also get you an accident replacement vehicle. In such cases, the company recovers the cost from the farm or pet owner. Since the requirements are different in such scenarios, it is better to talk with your vehicle replacement company and clarify any doubts you may have.
Key Takeaways
The not-at-fault car hire services ensure that you do not miss work or have trouble reaching places when your vehicle is damaged by someone else. As mentioned, you do not need to pay for the replacement car and can get approval for it within 48 hours. In fact, you can receive the delivery at the accident scene in some cases. If you are lucky, you can get a like-for-like replacement as well. However, it is always recommended that you drive safely and avoid any kind of accident on the road.
