This cover is called “Loss of Use” in most motor insurance policies. You may purchase this cover as an extension to a comprehensive policy. So, if you purchased such a cover, find this section/extension and read it. This cover will pay for a hired car for the period of time that your car is actually being repaired. This period of time does not, therefore, include the time when you are waiting for repairs to start, possibly due to the unavailability of spare parts or to your panel beater having other jobs to do. Certain delays are caused by reasons that are beyond the insurer’s responsibilities. Similarly, if you garage is too busy to start your repairs and another garage of an equivalent standard is available, you cannot insist on the use of your garage and the availability of a hired car until such time as repairs start. There will normally be a limit on the car hire fee per day; so make sure you know what this is before you hire a car. You will have to pay any extra amount yourself. There is also a maximum limit of compensation; this is the total amount of money your insurer will pay for the total period of car hire. This cover is available to you whether you are to blame or not for the accident. If you have not purchased such cover and are involved in an accident for which you are not to blame then it is the insurers of the third party who will pay you the cost of the hiring car. Again there are limits on the daily hire fee and the total amounts payable. You should approach the third party insurer and enquirer for full details before you rent a car. You should receive settlement from the third party insurer directly. If you face difficulties with the third party insurer ask you own insurer for guidance. If you are to blame for the accident and had not purchased Loss of Use cover, you are not entitled to a replacement vehicle.