How long can I use a courtesy car?

How long you can use a courtesy car in Australia depends on the type of courtesy car and your insurance policy. For a repairer-provided courtesy car, which is a free loan car from the smash repairer while your car is being repaired, you can use it for the duration of the repair, typically 3 to 14 days for minor repairs, and 2 to 6 weeks for major structural repairs, as long as your car is in their workshop. Once your car is ready, you must return the courtesy car within 24 hours or you may be charged. For an insurer-provided hire car that is included as a benefit in your comprehensive car insurance, the duration is limited by policy. After theft, most insurers like NRMA, Allianz, AAMI and Budget Direct provide a hire car for up to 14 to 21 days until your car is recovered or claim is settled and paid. After a not-at-fault accident where you can identify the other driver, many insurers provide a hire car for the duration of repair, often up to 21 days, and some premium policies like NRMA Premium provide up to 30 days. If you are at fault, you only get a hire car if you purchased optional hire car cover, which typically provides $50 to $100 per day for up to 14 days. If you need longer, you pay out of pocket at $50 to $120 per day. Always check your Product Disclosure Statement for exact hire car limits, as exceeding the limit means you pay extra days yourself.