If you've been in a not-at-fault accident, there's a good chance you've already been told something inaccurate — by the other driver, by an insurer, or simply by assuming how the process works. Here are the five most common myths about accident replacement vehicles, and what's actually true.
Myth 1: "I have to use the insurer's recommended hire car company"
This is the most common misconception — and one that insurers benefit from.
When the at-fault driver's insurer contacts you, they may recommend or refer you to a preferred hire company. That company has a contract with the insurer. Its job is to supply vehicles at a rate that's convenient and cost-effective for the insurer — not to maximise your entitlement or provide the best service to you.
The truth: Under Australian common law, you have the right to choose your own replacement vehicle provider. You can engage an independent hire company, and the at-fault insurer is responsible for meeting the reasonable hire costs. You do not need the insurer's approval to choose your own provider.
Myth 2: "I need a claim number before I can get a hire car"
Many drivers wait days — sometimes weeks — before contacting a hire company because they're waiting for a claim to be formally lodged and a claim number issued.
The truth: A claim number is not required to start the process. Hire companies like 888 Car Hire can arrange a replacement vehicle with the other driver's registration plate, name and insurer. The claim number is collected as the process progresses. Waiting for it means unnecessary days without transport.
Myth 3: "I need comprehensive insurance to be entitled to a replacement car"
If you hold third-party property insurance — or even no insurance at all — you might assume you're not entitled to anything. This is incorrect.
The truth: Your entitlement to a replacement vehicle comes from the at-fault driver's negligence — not from your own insurance policy. The claim is directed at the at-fault party or their insurer, not your own policy. Even an uninsured not-at-fault driver may be eligible for a replacement vehicle.
Myth 4: "My hire car entitlement ends when my car is declared a total loss"
A common — and costly — misconception. Once a car is written off, many drivers assume the hire period ends immediately.
The truth: Your entitlement to a replacement vehicle generally continues through the total loss settlement process. The hire typically runs until a settlement offer is made and accepted, or until a reasonable period for you to source a replacement vehicle has elapsed. In practice, this can mean weeks or even months beyond the total loss declaration.
Myth 5: "If the at-fault driver doesn't have insurance, I can't get a hire car"
This one has more nuance, but is still frequently overstated.
The truth: An uninsured at-fault driver complicates the recovery process but doesn't necessarily eliminate your entitlement. Options depend on the specific circumstances — whether there are witnesses, whether police attended, whether the driver can be traced. The right approach is to contact a hire company and explain the situation. 888 Car Hire will assess what options are available.
What to do instead
If you've been in a not-at-fault accident:
- Call 888 Car Hire on 0423 022 881 as soon as possible — even before a claim number exists
- Provide the other driver's registration, name and insurer if known
- Don't accept a hire car from the at-fault insurer's preferred company without understanding your alternatives
Read: Your full legal rights as a not-at-fault driver in Victoria →