Most Melbourne drivers who weren't at fault in an accident qualify for a free replacement vehicle. The eligibility requirements are simpler than most people think. Here's a complete checklist to run through — you'll know your status in under two minutes.
The core checklist — three conditions
If you can tick all three, you qualify:
- The accident involved two or more vehicles. Your car must have been in a collision with at least one other vehicle. Single-vehicle incidents (hitting a wall, running off the road) do not qualify because there is no at-fault third party.
- You were not at fault. The other driver caused the collision — whether by running a red light, rear-ending you, failing to give way, or any other driving error. You do not need a formal determination of fault to begin a credit hire claim. Evidence (photos, police report, dashcam footage, witness accounts) is sufficient.
- The at-fault driver was insured. They must hold at minimum CTP (compulsory third party) insurance, though comprehensive cover makes the recovery process smoother.
If you can tick all three, call a credit hire company and they will confirm your eligibility within minutes.
What information and documents to have ready
When you contact a credit hire provider, having the following information speeds up the process considerably:
- At-fault driver's full name and address
- At-fault driver's vehicle registration number
- At-fault driver's insurer name (e.g. NRMA, AAMI, Budget Direct, RACV)
- Claim reference number (if the at-fault driver has already lodged a claim — not always available at this stage)
- Your own vehicle's registration and your current location (for delivery purposes)
- Photos of the accident if you have them
You do not need all of this to begin the process. Even if you only have the other driver's registration and insurer name, a credit hire provider can start the enquiry.
Common situations that DO qualify
The following are all standard not-at-fault situations that routinely result in successful credit hire claims:
- Rear-ended while stationary (at traffic lights, in a queue, parked on the road)
- T-boned at an intersection by a driver who ran a red light or failed to give way
- Side-swiped on the freeway or during a lane merge
- Hit while legally parked (e.g. a driver backed into your parked car)
- Struck by an overtaking vehicle
These are unambiguous not-at-fault scenarios. If yours falls into one of these categories, proceed with confidence.
Situations that DON'T qualify — but options may still exist
- Single-vehicle accident — no at-fault third party, no credit hire
- Both drivers equally at fault — disputed liability makes credit hire difficult, though partial-fault claims are sometimes possible
- At-fault driver is uninsured — credit hire typically requires the at-fault driver to be insured; however, you may have options through your own comprehensive policy or the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) if injury was involved
- Hit-and-run (driver unidentified) — the Nominal Defendant scheme (managed by the TAC) may cover some situations, but standard credit hire is not available
Even in these cases, it's worth speaking to a credit hire provider or your own insurer before assuming you have no options.
What to do next
1. Run through the checklist above. If you tick all three, you qualify. 2. Gather the at-fault driver's details — insurer name and registration at minimum. 3. Call 888 Car Hire on 0423 022 881. We'll confirm your eligibility in minutes. 4. Confirm delivery details — your address and when suits you. 5. Receive your vehicle — often the same day across Melbourne metro.
You don't need a lawyer. You don't need your own insurer to be involved. You don't need to pay anything upfront.
The entitlement exists. The process is simple. The car can be at your door today.