Courtesy cars explained

Quick insights

• A courtesy car is a vehicle that an auto dealership or repair shop provides a customer while their car is being serviced.
• The main benefit of a courtesy car is minimizing the disruption that vehicle service often poses to your daily routine.
• When a courtesy car is not offered or unavailable, a rental car may be useful.

When you bring your car for maintenance or repair, a courtesy car is like the business saying, “Here’s a set of wheels to keep you rolling.” The businesses that offer courtesy cars are usually dealerships but can also be independent service shops.

What are courtesy cars?

A courtesy car’s main purpose is to help you keep your normal schedule while your car is being repaired or serviced. By offering courtesy cars, dealerships and repair shops have an opportunity to improve customer loyalty. It’s a convenience offering that reflects positively on the business, which could persuade you to bring your car back in the future.

Common types of courtesy cars

When offering a courtesy car, dealerships might try catering the make or model to your preferences. A courtesy car could match or complement the vehicle you’re used to driving, for example. The range of vehicles available could include sedans, SUVs, trucks and much more. Availability depends on the number of vehicles in the courtesy fleet and their availability at the time of service.

Courtesy car vs. rental car

A rental car is a vehicle you pay to borrow for an agreed period of time, while a courtesy car is offered in specific service or repair situations. Rentals are generally used for travel, business or personal reasons car. Although you also borrow a courtesy car, you have to be offered one by a business servicing your vehicle, and there may still be a charge.

Compared with courtesy cars, rental cars might be better in several situations:

• An extended period: You could need a car for a longer period than is a business will offer you a courtesy car. A rental might be a better choice for keeping you on the road if you’re going to be without your primary car for several weeks.
• Vehicle type: If a specific type of vehicle is needed that a shop’s courtesy fleet doesn’t offer, you could have a wider selection of rental cars.
• Travel: Vacations, business trips or other travel arrangements don’t involve a car being serviced, so courtesy cars might not even be an option. However, there may be plenty of rental car companies to choose from.

How to obtain a courtesy car

The main situation where a courtesy car is provided is when your car is being serviced and you do not have access to an alternate vehicle. Maybe it’s routine maintenance, manufacturer updates and recalls or serious repairs after an accident. Depending on the dealership or service provider, you could be offered a courtesy car regardless of the reason or how long your car will be in the shop.

Courtesy car eligibility requirement

Besides having a valid driver’s license, you could have to meet additional eligibility requirements to obtain a courtesy car, such as:

• Valid insurance: You may need a car insurance policy that covers your use of a courtesy car before you can obtain one.
• Age: Some dealerships or service centers may have a minimum age requirement to offer a courtesy car, similar to rental cars.
• Service agreement: A courtesy car typically won’t be offered unless your car is undergoing some type of service at a business.

What to consider when accepting a courtesy car

Before accepting a courtesy car, consider the following:

• Insurance coverage: Ensure that your auto insurance covers the use of a courtesy car and understand any potential liabilities.
• Fuel policy: Clarify whether you need to return the car with a full tank of gas, or if there are any mileage restrictions and fees for exceeding them.
• Condition: Inspect the car for existing damage and report it to avoid being held responsible later.
• Any applicable fees: It doesn’t hurt to ask if any fees will be charged for using a courtesy car before signing or accepting it.
• Return: Note exactly when and where the vehicle is due back to the business.

In summary

A courtesy car is a vehicle you might be offered while a dealership or mechanic services your car. It’s a shop’s way of lending you a car while they tune up yours. You typically need insurance and have to pay for gas, but a courtesy car can offer a lot of convenience. For other situations and longer periods when you need a car, you may want to consider a rental.