Being involved in a not at fault car accident is stressful enough without the sinking realisation that you don’t have a car insurance policy to cover the cost of repairs and an accident loan car. But are you aware that if you’re the not at fault driver in a car accident, you’re entitled to recover the damages that result from the at fault party’s negligence?
Depending on the severity of the accident and the damage caused, you may be left without a way to get around while your vehicle is in for repairs. But the good news is that you have rights under New Zealand law – and Right2Drive is here to make sure that motorists understand and can enforce these rights after a not at fault accident.
Am I eligible for an accident loan car if the accident wasn’t my fault and I don’t have any insurance?
If you find yourself in a not at fault car accident without insurance, you may still be eligible for an accident replacement vehicle for the duration of your repairs or in the event of a total loss, you can keep the accident loan car until you receive the settlement on your damaged vehicle.
![If you don't have car insurance but are an eligible not at fault driver, Right2Drive may still be able to assist you.](https://www.right2drive.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023.01.10-Blog-Post-Image-1.jpg)
But if I don’t have car insurance, who pays for the cost of the accident replacement vehicle?
When you’ve been in a not at fault accident without insurance, you may be wondering how the cost of the vehicle will be recovered. We uphold your right to drive by getting you back on the road quickly in a like-for-like vehicle and recovering the cost through the at fault party or their insurer.
So, even though I don’t have insurance, I shouldn’t have to pay for the accident loan car?
Under our agreement with you as the not at fault driver, you won’t be liable for the rental costs as long as you are not at fault, you assist us in the recovery of the costs from the at fault party or their insurer, and otherwise act in accordance with the terms and conditions of our agreement.
Is there anything that I will need to pay for?
You are responsible for vehicle use costs such as:
- Fuel
- Tolls (and their related administrative fees)
- Traffic or parking infringements (and their related administrative fees).
You will need to pay for these additional items as you would in your own car – the at fault insurer will not cover the cost of them.
![You will need to cover your own fuel costs, as well as your own tolls and any possible traffic infringements.](https://www.right2drive.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023.01.10-Blog-Post-Image-2.jpg)
In some circumstances, you may also be required to pay costs related to:
- Vehicle cleaning for a vehicle returned in poor condition
- Unacceptable wear & tear
- Excess or damage if you damage our vehicle and do not abide by the terms and conditions of our agreement.
Get back on the road quickly with Right2Drive
If you’ve been involved in a not at fault car accident – whether you have your own car insurance or not – we may be able to assist you with an accident replacement vehicle while your own car is off the road. Apply now to find out if we can help you.