How long can you use a courtesy car?

How long you can use a courtesy car in Australia depends on the type of courtesy car and your insurance or repair agreement. For a repairer-provided courtesy car, which is a free loan car offered by some smash repairers while your car is being repaired after an accident, you can use it for the duration of the repair, which typically ranges from 3 to 14 days for minor panel and paint damage, 2 to 6 weeks for major structural damage requiring parts ordering, and longer for complex repairs. You must return it within 24 hours of your car being ready or you will be charged daily rental. For an insurer-provided hire car that is included as a benefit in your comprehensive car insurance, the duration is limited by policy wording. After theft, most insurers like NRMA, Allianz, AAMI and Budget Direct provide 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 hire car for duration of repair, often up to 21 days, and premium policies like NRMA Premium provide up to 30 days. If you are at fault and have optional hire car cover which costs $50 to $100 per year extra, you typically get $50 to $100 per day for up to 14 days. If you need longer, you pay $50 to $120 per day out of pocket. Always check Product Disclosure Statement for exact limits and return car on time to avoid extra charges.