Should I get a hire bike?

I recently left hospital following an accident with a car. I received a call from a company offering me a replacement bike while mine is being fixed.  I’m still recovering from my injuries so I don’t really want to ride until I am better.  What should I do?

Sam, Manchester

Answer

You need to find out if the offer is on a ‘courtesy’ or ‘credit hire’ basis.  If it is courtesy then it is straightforward as it will likely be paid through your insurance and not arranged through a separate company. If it is credit hire then you need to be careful.

Credit hire is the supply of a like-for-like vehicle on a credit basis, which means the cost of hire is much more expensive. The contract will also be between the company, providing the hire, and the individual involved in the accident. A clause is inserted that enables the company to recover any unrecovered money from the unsuspecting individual if there is a shortfall. This can leave the individual having to pay a significant bill if they are later found to be partly or wholly to blame for the accident or the hire is deemed unnecessary.

It is unclear from your question whether fault for the accident has been agreed. If not, and as you are still unable to ride a motorcycle, then it may be sensible to decline the offer for a replacement, especially one on a credit hire basis.