Throughout Australia, drivers face the reality of busy roads and the possibility of accidents. Whether you’re navigating the congested streets of Sydney or Melbourne, or driving through regional areas, car accidents happen more often than we’d like to think. When your vehicle ends up damaged and needs repairs, the biggest problem you now have to deal with is simple: you have no car.
Car accident not your fault? You have the right to drive a replacement car while yours is being repaired. Many Australian drivers don’t realize they’re entitled to this, often discovering the complexities only when they’re standing at a rental counter or after an accident has already occurred. Insurance companies don’t readily advertise this right, but it exists under Australian law.
The question isn’t whether you’re entitled to a replacement vehicle – it’s understanding how long you can keep it, who pays for it, and how to get one without the hassle. You shouldn’t be inconvenienced just because someone else caused an accident.
This guide answers your essential questions about rental car insurance after an accident. You’ll learn who’s responsible for payment, how long you can keep an accident replacement vehicle, and the straightforward steps to secure transportation while your vehicle undergoes repairs. Most importantly, you’ll understand your rights as an Australian driver.
Am I eligible for a rental car after an accident?
The first thing you need to know after a car accident is whether you qualify for a temporary vehicle. Your eligibility for a rental car after an accident comes down to some straightforward factors.
What makes you a not-at-fault driver
NOT AT FAULT is the key requirement for getting a replacement car. This means you’re less than 50% responsible for causing the collision. As a not-at-fault driver, you have the legal right to be placed back in the position you were in before the accident occurred.
Insurance companies determine fault using:
- Police reports from the scene
- Witness statements
- Vehicle damage assessment
- Traffic laws that apply to your accident
Fault determination varies between insurers. Some providers classify you as not-at-fault immediately, while others conduct thorough investigations before making this decision. It doesn’t matter which approach they take – as long as you’re not at fault, you’re entitled to a replacement vehicle.
Why identifying the other driver matters
Here’s something crucial: identifying the at-fault driver is essential for securing your rental vehicle. Their insurance will cover your rental costs, so you need their details.
Insurers require specific information about the at-fault party:
- Full name and address
- Vehicle registration number
- Their insurance details (if available)
Without these details, many insurance companies won’t provide rental coverage. NRMA clearly states: “If you don’t have the contact details of the at-fault driver… you wouldn’t be eligible for this cover”.
After an accident, take photos of the damage, write down what happened, and exchange information with all drivers involved. This documentation strengthens your claim and speeds up the approval process. It’s a simple step that protects your rights.
Do you need to have insurance yourself?
You might be surprised to learn that you can qualify for a rental car even without your own insurance policy. National Motor Claims confirms: “If you’re not at fault for the car accident, you’re eligible for Not At Fault Car Hire – whether you have insurance or not”.
Having insurance certainly makes the process easier. Many comprehensive policies include rental car benefits after not-at-fault accidents. Budget Direct, for example, covers the daily cost of a suitable hire car or reimburses up to AUD 114.67 per day for your transportation needs.
Check your policy for specific rental car provisions if you do have insurance. Some insurers include this coverage as standard, while others offer it as an optional extra at additional cost.
Australian common law supports your right to transportation after someone else damages your vehicle, regardless of your insurance status. The at-fault driver’s insurance covers these expenses with no upfront costs to you. You simply get to enjoy having a car while yours is in the shop without having to worry about the financial impact.
Who pays for the rental car insurance after an accident?
The first thing you need to know is there’s no out of pocket expense to you when you get an accident replacement car. Understanding who foots the bill can save you from unexpected expenses and help you make the right decisions after an accident.
When the at-fault driver’s insurer pays
Under Australian law, the driver who caused the accident is responsible for all resulting damages—including your rental car costs. This falls under ‘recovery for loss of amenity,’ acknowledging the inconvenience caused by their actions.
When the other driver is clearly at fault, the process is straightforward:
- Their insurance covers your rental expenses until your vehicle is repaired
- No upfront costs are required from you
- The rental company bills the at-fault driver’s insurance directly
You simply need to keep records of all rental expenses to support your claim. There’s no maximum number of days you’re limited to when using the at-fault party’s insurance, though approval may take longer as they conduct their investigation. This is all done directly through the at-fault insurance company because the party at fault was responsible for the accident caused to you.
Using your own insurance policy
Your own insurance can be a valuable backup option. Many comprehensive policies offer rental car coverage, though the payment responsibilities vary significantly between providers.
Coverage variations among Australian insurers include:
- Some provide full coverage for a similar car until your claim is settled
- Others limit coverage to 14 days at around AUD 99 per day
- Budget Direct offers up to 14 days of coverage if they accept your at-fault claim
Using your own insurance typically means faster processing, but you might face daily rate limits—sometimes as low as AUD 45.87. This may not cover a vehicle comparable to your own. It doesn’t matter if your insurance company doesn’t provide you with a courtesy car – you still have rights to a replacement vehicle through the at-fault party.
What if neither party has insurance?
Situations where neither driver has adequate insurance can be challenging. If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you have several options to explore.
If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, it may help cover rental costs. Otherwise, you’ll likely need to pay out-of-pocket for the rental car initially.
For rental car accidents specifically, most rental agreements make you personally liable for damage to other vehicles if you don’t have coverage. The rental company will often immediately deduct damage costs from your credit card.
If you can’t afford immediate payment, you can cancel the authority to debit your card with both your bank and the rental company. This provides time to arrange a payment plan, though you’ll remain liable for the costs. The key is to act quickly and communicate with all parties involved.
How long can I keep the accident replacement vehicle?
The timeframe for keeping your accident replacement vehicle depends on your specific situation. You don’t want to be left wondering when you’ll have to return the car, especially when your own vehicle is still in the repair shop.
While your car is being repaired
You’re entitled to keep the replacement vehicle for the entire repair duration. Simple as that. The at-fault driver’s insurance company covers this period from the initial assessment right through to completion of repairs.
Repair timelines typically follow these stages:
- Initial assessment: 30 minutes to several hours
- Parts ordering: 1-7 days (longer for imports or older vehicles)
- Actual repair work: A few days to over two weeks depending on complexity
Most standard repairs are completed within predictable timeframes. Simple repairs might take just a few days, while more complex cases can extend beyond two weeks. Throughout this entire period, your rental coverage remains active as long as any delays are properly documented and approved.
If your car is written off
When your vehicle is declared a total loss, the rental coverage continues through several key phases:
- During the assessment period (evaluation of your vehicle’s value)
- Throughout settlement negotiations
- For a brief grace period after settlement acceptance
Once you accept the settlement offer, most insurers provide 3-4 additional days to arrange alternative transportation. Some companies show flexibility around holidays, occasionally extending coverage by an additional week during periods like Christmas.
Keep the rental until you receive the actual settlement check. Once you return the rental, insurers might take additional weeks to process payment. You don’t want to be left without transportation during this waiting period.
What happens if repairs are delayed?
Repair complications happen more often than you’d expect. Parts shortages, additional damage discovered during repairs, or repair shop backlogs can all extend your vehicle’s time in the shop.
When delays occur:
- Contact the repair shop immediately for an updated timeline
- Inform the at-fault driver’s insurance about the delay
- Provide documentation from the repair facility
Insurance providers recognize legitimate reasons for extensions. Most will approve continued coverage when delays stem from parts availability issues or repair shop capacity limitations. You simply need to ensure all delays are properly documented through your repair facility.
How to get a rental car after an accident
Getting your accident replacement vehicle is easier than you might think. You shouldn’t have to stress about transportation on top of dealing with accident repairs. There are straightforward ways to secure a rental car while your vehicle is in the shop.
It’s a Simple Process
Contact your insurance company first to file a claim. Many comprehensive policies include rental benefits, though these are often optional extras. When applying through your insurer:
- File a police report immediately following the accident
- Document the incident thoroughly with photos and notes
- Contact your insurer to start the claims process
- Select a body shop (your insurer may recommend one)
Most insurers have streamlined procedures for arranging hire cars. Budget Direct, for example, handles everything from notifying you about collection times to arranging the vehicle itself. This can be convenient if you want everything handled through one provider.
Third-party accident replacement providers
Alternatively, specialized accident replacement companies focus specifically on not-at-fault drivers. These providers work differently from traditional rental companies:
- They bill the at-fault driver’s insurance directly
- You get a like-for-like replacement vehicle
- They handle all recovery processes with insurers
Third-party providers often deliver replacement vehicles to your home, workplace, or repair center. This option works particularly well if you don’t have rental coverage in your personal policy or need a specific type of vehicle that matches what you normally drive.
What you’ll need to provide
Prepare these essential documents before applying:
- Driver’s license
- Insurance policy details
- Police report from the accident
- Contact information for the at-fault driver and their insurer
- Documentation showing repair estimates and timeframes
Many providers also require your credit card details, not for payment but to cover incidentals like tolls, fines, or fuel. This is standard practice across the industry.
How quickly you can get approved
Most insurance providers process rental car approvals within 24-48 hours after receiving your completed application. The timeline depends on:
- How clear the fault determination is
- Whether your documentation is complete
- Availability of replacement vehicles
Some third-party providers offer same-day approvals once your not-at-fault status is confirmed. You simply have to make the call or apply online to get the ball rolling and get you into a replacement car.
Don’t let an accident leave you stranded. Getting back on the road while your car is being repaired doesn’t have to be complicated.
Making a bad day better
Getting into a car accident is stressful enough without having to worry about transportation while your vehicle is being repaired. The reality is simple: if the accident wasn’t your fault, you have rights that need to be upheld.
This guide has shown you the key points about rental car insurance after an accident. Your eligibility depends on being the not-at-fault driver and having the other party’s details. Payment responsibility falls on the at-fault driver’s insurance company, though your own policy might provide backup coverage.
Here’s what you need to remember:
The duration of your replacement vehicle isn’t limited to arbitrary insurance company timeframes when you’re working with the right provider. While many insurers cap coverage at 14-30 days, you’re entitled to transportation for the entire repair period or until your total loss settlement is complete.
It’s a Simple Process. Getting an accident replacement car is easier than you might think. As long as you can provide all requested accident details and parties involved information, the right provider can handle the rest of the process. You simply get to enjoy having a car while yours is in the shop without having to worry about the financial impact.
Don’t let an accident leave you stranded when you have the legal right to continue driving. The at-fault party caused the inconvenience – you shouldn’t have to suffer for their mistake.
WE OPERATE UNDER AUSTRALIAN LAW
If you find yourself saying it wasn’t your fault after an accident, then under Australian Law you have the right to drive a replacement car. You simply have to make the call or apply online to get the ball rolling and get you into a suitable vehicle.
FAQs
Q1. How long can I keep a rental car after an accident? If you’re not at fault, you can typically keep the rental car for the entire duration of your vehicle’s repair. This period covers from the initial assessment through to the completion of repairs. In cases where your car is declared a total loss, you may be allowed to keep the rental until the settlement process is complete, plus a few additional days.
Q2. Who is responsible for paying for the rental car after an accident? Generally, if you’re not at fault, the at-fault driver’s insurance company should cover your rental car expenses. If you have comprehensive insurance, your own policy might also offer rental coverage. In cases where neither party has insurance, you may need to pay out-of-pocket or rely on uninsured motorist coverage if you have it.
Q3. What documents do I need to get a rental car after an accident? You’ll typically need to provide your driver’s license, insurance policy details, police report from the accident, contact information for the at-fault driver and their insurer, and documentation showing repair estimates and timeframes. Some providers may also require your credit card details for incidentals.
Q4. Can I get a rental car if I don’t have my own insurance? Yes, you can still qualify for a rental car even without your own insurance policy, provided you’re not at fault for the accident. In such cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover your rental costs. However, having your own insurance can simplify the process and provide additional coverage options.
Q5. How quickly can I get approved for a rental car after an accident? Most insurance providers aim to process rental car approvals within 24-48 hours after receiving your completed application. Some third-party providers may offer same-day approvals once your not-at-fault status is confirmed. The speed of approval depends on factors such as clear fault determination, completeness of your documentation, and availability of replacement vehicles.
