Replacement Car Hire NZ: How to Get a Vehicle After a Not-At-Fault Accident

Faultless Cars
Feb 9
2 min read

Updated: Jun 28

When your car is off the road after an accident that wasn't your fault, replacement car hire in NZ is not something you pay for. It is something you are legally entitled to — at zero cost — while the at-fault driver's insurer covers it.

Here is exactly how it works.

Why Replacement Car Hire Is Free When You're Not at Fault

NZ law says you have the right to be placed back in the same position you were in before the accident. That includes transport. The at-fault driver is responsible for your replacement car hire costs, not you.

Faultless Cars NZ provides your replacement vehicle and invoices the at-fault driver's insurer directly at our standard commercial rate. We handle the billing. You handle nothing. Not now. Not ever.

What Type of Vehicle Will You Get?

Like-for-like. That is the standard you are entitled to under NZ law. If you drove a mid-size SUV, you should receive a mid-size SUV. Not a compact hatchback because it is cheaper to provide.

Faultless Cars NZ matches every replacement to the client's own vehicle. If you have specific work or family requirements, let us know when you call and we will accommodate where possible.

How Do You Arrange It?

Call Faultless Cars NZ first — 0800 387 607. Do not wait for your insurer to arrange something on your behalf. Once your insurer makes arrangements, you may find yourself locked into their preferred provider — which is almost always a cheaper, smaller vehicle than what you are entitled to.

One call to us and we take it from here. We confirm your eligibility, coordinate with both insurers, and deliver your replacement vehicle — typically within 24 hours.

How Long Can You Keep the Replacement Vehicle?

For as long as your own car is being repaired, subject to the at-fault insurer continuing to accept liability. In practice, most clients have the replacement vehicle for the full duration of their repair. We stay in contact with your repairer throughout so you always know where things stand.