If you’re in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, Australian law says you should be put back in a similar position as before the accident. This means that the at-fault driver, or more commonly their insurer, must cover certain costs such as hire costs of an equivalent temporary car while yours is off the road.

This temporary car is called an accident replacement car, and in most cases, you’re entitled to one if you weren’t at fault in an accident involving two or more vehicles. You can use it until your car is repaired or deemed a total loss, provided you do not delay the repair or total loss process.