Not at fault accidents can be a major disruption, not just because of the damage to your vehicle, but also due to the sudden inconvenience of being without a vehicle to continue your daily routine.
A common question people ask when seeking a replacement vehicle from not-at-fault accident companies are “Who pays for my replacement vehicle?” Understanding this answer can help you reduce the stress and inconveniences involved in a not at fault accident.

What Is a Replacement Vehicle?
A replacement vehicle is a temporary car provided to you while your damaged vehicle is being repaired or until a settlement is reached if it’s considered a total loss. This vehicle allows you to carry on with your daily life, whether that means commuting and using it for work, taking your kids to school, or running errands without interruption. While it might sound too good to be true, rest assured if your eligible, the hire costs are recovered from the at fault party’s insurer so you’re not left out of pocket.

Who Pays for a Replacement Vehicle?
If you’re the not-at-fault driver in an accident, Australian law entitles you to a replacement vehicle, with the costs recoverable from the at-fault driver’s insurer. This forms part of the at-fault party’s liability for the damages caused, ensuring you’re not further inconvenienced by their mistake. You have the right to a like-for-like replacement vehicle.
Here’s how the process works:
- Contact I’m In The Right: To find out if you’re eligible for a like-for-like replacement vehicle, contact I’m In The Right and Apply.
- Determination of Fault: Once it’s established that you are not at fault and the at-fault party has insurance, their insurer is obligated to cover your reasonable losses. This includes the hire costs of a replacement vehicle and repairs to your car.
- Arranging the Replacement: I’m In The Right will arrange for a replacement vehicle, delivered to you at a time and place that suits you best. We’ll closely match the replacement vehicle to your vehicle, considering factors like age, size, usage, and features.
- Payment: Our team will handle the process of recovering the hire costs directly from the at-fault driver’s insurance. You won’t need to worry about any out-of-pocket expenses for the hire.
Are There Personal or Hidden Costs in Hiring a Replacement Vehicle?
As long as you comply with our Hire and Recovery Agreement, there will be no charge for hiring the vehicle. However, you will be responsible for certain costs similar to those incurred with your own vehicle, such as:
- Tolls
- Fuel
- Traffic, parking or toll infringements
Are There Additional Costs in Hiring a Replacement Vehicle?
You may also face additional charges for the following:
- Refuelling the vehicle if you return it with less vehicle than it started with
- Cleaning fees if the vehicle is returned dirty, inside or out
- A fee for smoking or vaping inside the vehicle
- An excess if the vehicle is damaged during the hire period
You can avoid these charges by refuelling and cleaning the vehicle before returning it, not smoking or vaping inside the vehicle, and adhering to road rules while driving with care.
At I’m In The Right, we ensure full transparency so you can focus on getting back on the road without unnecessary financial stress. If you have any questions or need clarification on the terms of the hire agreement, please email us at [email protected]
If you think you’ve been in a not-at-fault accident, you may be eligible for a like-for-like accident replacement vehicle with I’m In The Right. Call us on 1300 004 487—our support team is available 24/7 to assist you!
*Eligibility criteria apply. You are responsible for certain costs, including fuel and tolls, and must comply with the terms of our Hire and Recovery Agreement.