Am I legally entitled to a courtesy car under the Consumer Rights Act 2015?

No, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA 2015) does not grant a statutory right to a courtesy car. While the dealer must repair the vehicle within a 'reasonable time' and without 'significant inconvenience', the law does not explicitly mandate a replacement vehicle during the repair period.

Does the dealer have to pay for my travel costs while my car is being repaired?

Under Section 23 of the CRA 2015, the trader must cover all 'necessary costs' of the repair. While this includes parts and labour, it generally does not extend to the cost of a rental car or alternative transport unless specifically agreed in the sales contract.

What happens if the car repair causes 'significant inconvenience'?

If a dealer refuses a courtesy car and the repair takes an excessive amount of time, this may constitute 'significant inconvenience' under the CRA 2015. In such cases, you may be entitled to a price reduction or to exercise your final right to reject the vehicle.

Why do some UK garages provide a courtesy car if it isn't a legal requirement?

A courtesy car is usually provided based on the dealer's own policy, your insurance small print, or a manufacturer warranty agreement rather than statutory law. Always check your V5C documentation and sales contract for specific terms.

Do my rights to a courtesy car change if the vehicle is on PCP or HP finance?

Yes. For vehicles under finance (PCP or HP), the Consumer Credit Act 1974 provides additional protection. Since the finance company legally owns the car, they may intervene if the vehicle is not of satisfactory quality, though a courtesy car is still not a guaranteed legal right.

What can I do if a dealer refuses to provide a courtesy car?

If you cannot reach an agreement regarding transport during repairs, you can refer the dispute to an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme or the Motor Ombudsman. Keep records of all correspondence and receipts for any out-of-pocket travel expenses.

CRA 2015: Are You Legally Entitled to a Courtesy Car During Repairs?

Whether you’ve just purchased a nearly-new SUV or a dependable used hatchback, finding a mechanical fault shortly after driving off the forecourt is a frustrating experience. As the vehicle goes back to the garage for repairs, a pressing question arises: "How am I supposed to get to work?"

In the UK, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA 2015) is the cornerstone of your protections as a car buyer. However, there is a significant amount of misinformation regarding whether this legislation forces a dealer to provide a courtesy car while your vehicle is off the road.

As of June 2026, the landscape of vehicle retail has shifted towards more digital transactions, but the fundamental statutory rights remain firm. This guide explores your legal entitlements under the CRA 2015 and other key UK legislation.

Buyer Rights: What the Law Actually Says

When you buy a car from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 implies certain terms into your contract. The vehicle must be:

Of satisfactory quality (based on age, price, and mileage).
Fit for purpose (including any specific purpose you made known to the dealer).
As described.

If the car fails any of these criteria within the first six months, you have the right to a repair or replacement. This is where the confusion regarding courtesy cars typically begins.

The Right to Repair or Replacement (Section 23)

Under Section 23 of the CRA 2015, if you opt for a repair, the trader must carry it out within a reasonable time and without significant inconvenience to the consumer. Furthermore, the trader must bear the "necessary costs" incurred in carrying out the repair.

The Legal Reality of Courtesy Cars: Crucially, the CRA 2015 does not specifically mention a "courtesy car" as a statutory requirement. The law requires the dealer to repair the car at no cost to you, but it does not explicitly mandate that they provide a substitute vehicle while the work is being done.

The "Significant Inconvenience" Clause

The strength of your argument for a courtesy car lies in the phrase "without significant inconvenience." If a repair is expected to take several weeks, or if the dealer is located 50 miles away and expects you to drop the car off and find your own way home, you could argue that the lack of a temporary vehicle constitutes a "significant inconvenience."

However, "inconvenience" is subjective. In most UK court interpretations, being without a car for a few days while a fault is rectified is considered a standard frustration of vehicle ownership rather than a breach of statutory duty that necessitates a free loan car.

Section 75 and Modern Finance (CCA 1974)

If you purchased your car on Hire Purchase (HP) or Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), or paid a portion (over £100) via credit card, you have additional protections under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Here, the finance provider is "jointly and severally liable" for any breach of contract or misrepresentation. While this still doesn't guarantee a courtesy car, it gives you a second path to claim for "consequential losses" (such as the cost of a rental car) if the repair is unacceptably delayed.

Dealer/Trader Obligations: Transparency and Fairness

While the CRA 2015 doesn't force a dealer's hand on courtesy cars, traders are bound by other regulations that dictate how they must treat you during a dispute.

The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (CPRs)

Dealers must not engage in "unfair commercial practices." If a dealer advertised that they "always provide a courtesy car for warranty work" to induce you into a sale, and then they refuse to provide one when a fault occurs, they may be in breach of the CPRs 2008. Misleading omissions or false statements regarding aftersales support can be grounds for a complaint to Trading Standards.

The Obligation to Cover Costs

Under the CRA 2015, the trader must pay "any duties, fees or charges" associated with the repair. While this covers parts and labour, it often extends to the cost of recovering the vehicle if it is unsafe to drive.

Dealers are obligated to:

Respond timely: They cannot leave a consumer in limbo for weeks without a diagnosis.
Provide a professional standard of work: The repair must restore the car to a "satisfactory quality."
Communicate limits: If a courtesy car is part of their service, they must clearly state the insurance requirements (e.g., age limits or points on a licence).

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and FSMA 2000

If the car was bought on finance, the dealer and the lender are regulated under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA). They are required to "treat customers fairly" (TCF). If a car is faulty and the consumer is still expected to make full monthly payments while the car is unusable for an extended period, the lender may be required to offer a gesture of goodwill, a payment holiday, or cover the cost of alternative transport to ensure fairness.

Managing the "Courtesy Car" Dispute: Practical Steps

Since there is no automatic legal right to a courtesy vehicle, your strategy should focus on negotiation and "consequential loss."

Check the Warranty/Contract: Most dealer-provided warranties or "Approved Used" schemes include a courtesy car provision. This is a contractual right, even if it isn't a statutory one.
Request "Consequential Losses": If the dealer cannot provide a car and the repair is taking an unreasonable amount of time (e.g., over 14 days), inform the dealer in writing that you intend to hire a small vehicle and claim the cost back as a "consequential loss" resulting from their breach of contract (selling a faulty goods).
Use Section 99 (Voluntary Termination): If you are on a finance agreement and the car is constantly in the shop, you may eventually look at ending the agreement, though this is usually a last resort after the "Final Right to Reject" has been exercised under the CRA 2015.

Key Takeaways

No Automatic Right: The Consumer Rights Act 2015 does not explicitly grant a right to a courtesy car.
Inconvenience Matters: You are entitled to a repair "without significant inconvenience." Long delays may give you leverage to demand a loan car or car hire costs.
Contract vs. Statute: Check your sales contract. Many modern dealers include courtesy cars as a service-level agreement rather than a legal obligation.
Finance is a Shield: If the car is on PCP or HP, the finance company is often more helpful in resolving mobility issues than the dealer.
Consequential Loss: You can potentially claim for travel expenses (trains/taxis) if the dealer fails to repair the car within a reasonable timeframe.

Summary Table: Rights at a Glance

Situation	Legal Basis	Courtesy Car Guaranteed?
First 30 Days (Right to Reject)	CRA 2015	No (Usually a full refund)
Repair within 6 Months	CRA 2015 s.23	No (Only "No significant inconvenience")
Manufacturer Warranty	Contract Law	Dependent on Terms & Conditions
Unreasonable Delay (>3 weeks)	CRA 2015 / CCA 1974	Likely claimable as consequential loss

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws regarding consumer rights can change, and the application of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 depends on the specific facts of your case. If you are in a dispute with a dealer, consider consulting the Citizens Advice Consumer Service or a qualified legal professional.