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Courtesy Car Insurance or an Accident Loan Car: What's the Difference?

<p>Courtesy car insurance can help you keep moving while your car is being repaired, but the cover depends on your policy. A repairer's courtesy car and an accident loan car arranged through Right2Drive work differently. Knowing who approves the vehicle, who pays and when it needs to go back can help you choose a suitable option after an accident.</p><p>If the accident wasn't your fault, you can also <a href="https://www.right2drive.co.nz/am-i-eligible" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">check your eligibility</a> for a Right2Drive accident replacement car at no cost to you. Our team will assess the details and explain the hire arrangements before you decide to go ahead.</p><h2>Three ways to arrange a car during repairs</h2><h3>A courtesy car from your repairer</h3><p>A courtesy car is a temporary vehicle supplied while your own car is unavailable. A repairer may offer one as part of its service, or an insurer may arrange one through an approved repairer. Availability, vehicle type and booking conditions can vary.</p><p>Ask the repairer when the car will be available and whether it will meet your needs. A small hatchback may be enough for a commute, but you might need room for child seats, passengers or equipment. Check any charge, driver restrictions and damage excess before accepting the keys.</p><h3>Hire car cover on your own insurance policy</h3><p>Some policies include a temporary transport benefit, and others offer hire car cover as an optional extra. The policy may set a maximum number of days, a daily allowance or particular circumstances in which the benefit applies.</p><p>For example, <a href="https://www.ami.co.nz/car-insurance/comprehensive" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">AMI's comprehensive car insurance page</a> describes an optional hire car or alternative transport benefit of up to 21 days. <a href="https://www.coveinsurance.co.nz/car-insurance/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Cove's car insurance page</a> describes an optional courtesy car hire benefit of up to 30 days. These are examples of different cover limits. Check your own policy schedule and wording, then ask your insurer what applies to your claim.</p><p>Before booking a rental yourself, confirm whether the insurer needs to approve the booking, which provider you should use and how payment works. Ask what happens if repairs take longer than the cover allows.</p><h3>An accident loan car through Right2Drive</h3><p>If the accident wasn't your fault, we can check whether you're eligible for an accident replacement car. This is separate from any hire car benefit on your own policy, so you don't need that optional extra to apply.</p><p>Our NZ team reviews the accident and insurance details. If your application is approved, we'll confirm your car and collection time with you. See <a href="https://www.right2drive.co.nz/how-it-works" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">how the replacement car process works</a> for the steps from application to return.</p><p>Before the hire starts, we'll take you through your agreement. Fuel, tolls, infringements and any damage-related charges under the terms are separate from hire costs and may remain yours.</p><h2>Who pays, and how long can you keep the car?</h2><p>For an insurance hire car, your policy and the approved claim determine the benefit. For a repairer's courtesy car, the repairer's agreement sets the conditions. With Right2Drive, approval and the hire agreement determine the arrangements for your accident replacement car.</p><p>Right2Drive's NZ process describes returning the vehicle once repairs are completed or a write-off settlement is received. Confirm the return arrangements with our team as your claim progresses. If a repair date changes, let us know rather than assuming an extension has been arranged.</p><p>Ask your insurer or provider to explain any daily limit, return deadline and charges if the car is kept beyond the agreed period. If you're comparing two offers, compare the transport you need for the expected repair period as well as the initial cost.</p><h2>What to check before taking the keys</h2><p>Read the agreement and ask for an explanation of anything unclear. <a href="https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/help-product-service/travel-and-events/renting-cars" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">NZ Consumer Protection's rental car guidance</a> explains why it's useful to check the terms, charges and vehicle condition before you hire.</p><ul><li><p>Confirm who is authorised to drive and what licence requirements apply.</p></li><li><p>Ask about damage cover, excesses and any exclusions that affect how you'll use the car.</p></li><li><p>Record the car's condition at handover, including existing damage.</p></li><li><p>Check the fuel requirement, collection arrangements and agreed return date.</p></li><li><p>Tell the provider about passenger space, child seats or other practical needs before you collect the car.</p></li></ul><p>For a Right2Drive vehicle, read the <a href="https://www.right2drive.co.nz/agreement" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">NZ hire agreement</a> before signing. Check with your insurer whether your own policy covers damage to a hired or borrowed car.</p><h2>Common questions about courtesy car insurance</h2><h3>Can I get a car if I didn't add hire car cover to my policy?</h3><p>Your insurer can confirm any benefit already included in your policy. You can also ask your repairer about its courtesy cars. If the accident wasn't your fault, Right2Drive may be able to help after assessing your application, even if you don't have a hire car optional extra.</p><h3>What if I caused the accident?</h3><p>Ask your own insurer about any temporary transport benefit and check with your repairer about availability. Our accident replacement service is only for drivers who weren't at fault.</p><h3>What happens if I damage the courtesy car?</h3><p>Contact the provider promptly and follow the reporting steps in the agreement. What you may need to pay depends on the hire terms, damage cover and circumstances. Check those terms before driving so you know who to contact and what information to keep.</p><h2>Get help checking your next step</h2><p>If you need a car after an accident that wasn't your fault, <a href="https://www.right2drive.co.nz/contact-us" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">speak with our NZ team</a>. Have the accident, other driver's insurer and repair details ready if you have them. If something is missing, tell us what you know and we'll explain what else is needed to assess your application.</p>

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