Replacement Car After an Accident: When You Get One and How to Ask

After an accident, the hardest part is often not the damage itself but being without a car: commuting, school runs, client meetings. For people working in busy business districts such as Maslak, days without a car can be a real disruption. A replacement car service exists to fill that gap. This guide explains when a replacement car is provided, how to request it and the most common misunderstandings.

What is a replacement car and which policies include it?

A replacement car is a vehicle provided temporarily while your insured car is being repaired after a covered loss. It usually comes as an additional cover or assistance service within a kasko (comprehensive motor insurance) policy. It is not automatically included in every policy; some packages have it as standard, others require you to add it.

The details vary a great deal. Check how your policy sets out:

• Duration: how many days per claim and per policy period,
• Frequency: how many times it can be used in a policy period,
• Car class: the class or segment of car provided,
• Condition: whether it only applies to repairs at a contracted garage,
• Type of loss: accident, theft or mechanical breakdown.

When is it provided?

A replacement car is mostly provided when your car is in the workshop because of damage covered by kasko. Some policies also provide one after theft, again subject to the policy terms. Mechanical breakdowns are not covered by kasko, so they usually do not trigger the right, although some assistance packages may differ.

A common condition is that the repair is done at the insurer’s contracted garage. Taking the car to a non-contracted workshop can restrict the right. To weigh contracted garages against cash settlement, read contracted garage or cash settlement.

How to request a replacement car

1. Report the damage first to your agent or insurer. The replacement car is linked to an open claim file.
2. Confirm your cover and its conditions when you report.
3. Choose the garage: if there is a contracted garage condition, deliver the car to one of them.
4. Call the assistance line: replacement cars are usually arranged through the insurer’s assistance service.
5. Check the handover terms: where to collect the car, deposit or licence requirements, mileage and fuel rules.

Foreign residents should ask in advance whether their licence is accepted for the replacement car and which documents to bring. Photograph the replacement car when you collect it and read the handover form carefully to avoid disputes on return.

An example

A driver who works in a Maslak office tower has a minor accident in the morning traffic. The policy includes a replacement car, so after reporting the claim she calls the assistance line and learns the handover terms. Because the car goes to a contracted garage, there are no restrictions. Another driver in the same accident without this cover has to arrange transport alone for the whole repair period.

What if the other driver was at fault?

If the other driver was fully at fault, you can claim your repair costs from their compulsory traffic insurance. However, compulsory traffic insurance does not generally include a replacement car service. How a claim for the period you were without your car is assessed depends on current legislation and the circumstances; ask your agent or a lawyer for advice.

A practical alternative: if your kasko includes a replacement car, you can have the damage paid under your own kasko, use the replacement car and let your insurer recover the cost from the other side. Discuss the effect on your no-claims discount with your agent first.

Questions to ask when buying a policy

1. Is the replacement car standard in this package or an add-on?
2. How is use limited per claim and per policy period?
3. Does it apply after theft?
4. Does the right continue if the car is repaired outside the contracted network?
5. Is the car class suitable for your daily needs?

For people who drive for work or have only one car in the household, these answers can matter more than a small premium difference between two quotes.

Common mistakes

• Assuming the policy includes a replacement car and discovering otherwise after the accident,
• Using a non-contracted garage and losing or restricting the right,
• Keeping the replacement car after the permitted period,
• Not asking which insurance applies if you have an accident in the replacement car; this is set out in the handover agreement.

If you want kasko with a replacement car, or want to check your current terms, visit our comprehensive car insurance (kasko) in Maslak page. We compare quotes from several insurers to find the right option. Call us on +90 530 375 89 61 or send a message on WhatsApp — English support is available.