One of the most common questions we hear from drivers after an accident is: how long can I actually keep the replacement car? It's a fair question — and the answer depends on your specific situation. Whether your car is going in for repairs, has been written off, or you're caught in a disputed claim, the rules are different.
Here's a practical guide to understanding hire periods after a not-at-fault accident in Melbourne.
If your car is being repaired
The most common scenario: your car is repairable and has been booked into a smash repairer. In this case, the hire period generally runs from the date you drop your car at the repairer to the date it's ready for collection.
If your repairs take two weeks, the hire runs for two weeks. If parts delays push it to six weeks, the hire should extend accordingly.
What matters is the reason for any delay. If the repairer is waiting on parts from interstate or overseas — which is increasingly common for certain makes and models — that's a legitimate delay attributable to the accident. The hire continues.
If, however, you're adding unrelated work to the scope of repairs (a new set of tyres while it's in, a service you'd been putting off), and that extends the workshop time, those additional days may not be covered under a not-at-fault hire arrangement.
The rule of thumb: delays caused by the accident and its repair are covered. Delays caused by your own decisions may not be.
If your car is a total loss (written off)
If the at-fault insurer or your own insurer determines that your vehicle is uneconomical to repair — a write-off — you're still entitled to a replacement vehicle during the settlement process.
Total loss settlements are rarely quick. Depending on the insurer, the vehicle's value, and how quickly the assessment is completed, the process can take anywhere from two to six weeks. In some cases, particularly for higher-value or unusual vehicles, it takes longer.
You shouldn't be without transport during this entire period. The hire runs while the settlement is being assessed and resolved.
One important nuance: the hire period for a total loss ends when a reasonable settlement offer is made, not necessarily when you accept it. If you choose to negotiate the payout figure, that negotiation period may fall outside the covered hire window. This is worth understanding before you dig in on a settlement amount.
What if my repairs take longer than expected?
Repairer delays are now common across Melbourne. Supply chain issues, staff shortages, and workshop backlogs mean repair timelines have stretched considerably in recent years. A repair estimated at two weeks may run to five or six.
If your timeline changes, the key is to communicate promptly:
- Contact your hire company as soon as you know delays are likely — not after the fact. This allows the hire to be extended in advance rather than retrospectively.
- Get written updates from the repairer — an email or SMS confirming the new expected completion date creates a paper trail that supports extending the hire.
- Don't assume the hire automatically extends — check with us. In most cases it does, but it's better to confirm.
At 888 Car Hire, we manage this correspondence with the insurer on your behalf. You don't need to negotiate the extension yourself — that's our job.
What can shorten my hire period?
A few things can cut the hire short or create disputes about the length:
- The at-fault insurer disputes the hire. Insurers often challenge hire periods, claiming the repairs should have been completed sooner, or that the hire rate is unreasonable. We handle this correspondence on your behalf — it doesn't fall to you to argue your case.
- Unnecessary delay in collecting your repaired vehicle. If the repairer contacts you to say the car is ready and you leave it there for a week without collecting, the hire period after notification may not be covered.
- Choosing a repairer with an unusually long lead time when a faster option was available and reasonable. This is a grey area, but worth being aware of.
Tips for protecting your entitlement
To make sure you're covered for the full period your situation warrants:
- Keep regular contact with your repairer — weekly if repairs are extended. Ask for written updates.
- Collect your vehicle promptly once it's ready. Don't leave it at the repairer unnecessarily.
- Tell your hire company immediately if your timeline changes, in either direction.
- Document everything — photos, emails, SMS messages. If the insurer later disputes the hire period, a clear record of why it ran as long as it did is invaluable.
The hire period you're entitled to is determined by your circumstances — not by a fixed number of days. If the accident caused the delay, the hire should cover it.
To find out more about not-at-fault hire in Melbourne, visit our not-at-fault car hire Melbourne page or our replacement car during repairs Melbourne page. You can also call us directly on 0423 022 881.