If you’re in a motorbike accident that is not your fault, you might get a courtesy bike while yours is being fixed. But how long can you keep it? Let’s find out.
1. What Is a Courtesy Motorbike?
A courtesy motorbike is a temporary replacement bike. You use it while your own bike is off the road.
If another driver caused the accident and that driver has insurance, their insurer must pay for your courtesy bike under UK tort law Accident.
2. When Does the Courtesy Bike Start?
The clock starts ticking when:
- Your bike is unroadworthy due to accident damage, or
- After written-off claims, once the insurance claim has been agreed Accident Courtesy.
3. How Long You Can Keep It
You can keep the courtesy motorbike until one of two things happens:
- Your bike is fully repaired and returned, or
- Your bike is written off, and the insurance settlement is paid Auto Claims Assist
So you keep it during the entire repair or settlement period.
4. What If Repairs Take a Long Time?
There is generally no strict time limit set by law. But practical things may affect it:
- The repair shop or courtesy provider might have availability limits
- If repairs delay, rental may be cut short unless you fight it through your claim.
But most UK providers and insurers will let you keep it until the process ends.
5. Courtesy Bike vs Credit Hire Bike
These two are similar but not the same:
- Courtesy bike is usually provided via your or the at-fault insurer.
- Credit hire bike comes from an independent company that you pay and then claim back.
Courtesy bikes are simpler. Credit hire bikes might charge back even if the insurer delays or disputes claims.
6. Do You Have to Pay Anything?
Generally, no – fuel, parking, tolls are paid by you. But the hire cost is covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance psrsolicitors.co.uk
Do check the fuel policy (usually you must return it full).
7. What If You Can’t Ride the Bike?
If your injuries stop you from riding:
- You may qualify for a courtesy car instead, if you’re allowed to drive one under the insurer’s rules.
8. Who Provides the Bike?
Options include:
- Your insurer (if you have comprehensive or courtesy-bike cover)
- Credit hire companies (paid later by the at-fault insurer)
These firms work across the UK. They’ll provide a similar bike (engine size, power) and deliver it to you .
9. Real‑Life Example
One Reddit user in the UK shared (in a motorbike forum):
“Insurance fully paid out for repairs and courtesy bike. Declared the incident as non‑fault … it didn’t bump my yearly insurance costs. 10/10 would deal directly with other party’s insurance again.”
Their bike stayed on loan until repairs were fully done.
10. What to Watch Out For
- Mileage limits: Some providers limit distance .
- Availability: There might not be one right away if stock is low .
- Riding restrictions: Young or new riders may have limits. Providers often set age or license rules psrsolicitors.co.uk.
Check the terms before you accept.
11. How to Make It Smooth
- Tell the provider your situation ASAP.
- Ask for a like-for-like bike (same type, engine size).
- Keep track of repair progress and communicate any delays.
- Keep all paperwork – documents, invoices, dates.
That way, you can support your claim if the at-fault insurer tries to reject or limit the hire.
12. Key Things in Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who pays? | At-fault driver’s insurance |
| When start? | As soon as your bike is off the road |
| When end? | Once bike is repaired or write-off settled |
| Cost? | Hire cost covered; fuel & extras paid by you |
| Time limit? | No fixed legal limit, but watch provider terms |
13. Final Advice
Yes, you can keep a courtesy motorbike until your bike is fixed or compensation is settled. It’s your right under UK law if the accident wasn’t your fault
But make sure to:
- Choose a provider you trust.
- Understand their terms.
- Collect proof and invoices.
That will make your claim smoother and stress‑free.
Conclusion
A courtesy motorbike is a useful help after a non-fault accident. You get to ride a similar bike without paying hire fees. Just keep it until your own bike is repaired or settled. And always check the terms to avoid surprises.