Dealers Courtesy car charges

Fedorov · 11th December 2006, 13:50

Perhaps one of our dealership members could explain this better to me...

Drop my car off at dealership, they need it for a few days, they copy my car/license documents for the courtesy car and then ask if I am using my own insurance or their insurance.
They said that to put the courtesy car on my own full-comprehensive insurance I'd likely be charged a fee from my insurer.

So I said I would just use their insurance as that is all I used last time they gave me a car...

£10 + vat charge now applies!!!

I asked why I didn't pay last time and was told that this only came into effect as of 1st November 2006.

I made the point that it is already an inconvenience to me to bring my car here and that I need to get to work... went away, came back and said that it's fine as long as I remember it's a £500 excess on their insurance if I crash it - no probs

Is every dealership charging for courtesy cars these days?

I think the word "courtesy" is being forgotten a bit here isn't it!!!
Surely if my car is in for warranty/fault repairs then the least they should do is give me a courtesy car.
I can understand if you've given them your car to fix following an accident or other non-warranty reason that you should pay for the privilege.

Note: I have no problems at all with fuelling it back up before I return.

Bungle · 11th December 2006, 14:01

With my experience it depends on insurance companies and the car's insurance groups.

When I need a curtesy car, if it is the same or lower ins. group, my insurers will insure it fully comp no problem without charge.
I recently had a diesel civic courtesy car, and as it is one insurance group higher, my insurance company charged about the same, £10 per day or so.

Courtesy cars must be insured fully comp, and they (dealer) are offering to insure it for you for that price. Did you call your insurance comapny to see if there would be a charge?

Andrea · 11th December 2006, 14:26

Hartside mentioned this to me when i said i was taking mine in for the recall. he said that springfield have started charging £10 a day for their insurance. they didnt have any courtesy cars avail for the day mine is in (tomorrow) lucky my other half has hols he needs to use before the end of month so he has took a day off otherwise i would have been stranded at springfield in newcastle for hours ( 2 they reckon but we will see) and if they say they need to keep it in then i am going to demand a car with no charge for ins. the other half said if they havent got a courtesy car then ask for the managers s2000 pmsl!!!

SimonB · 11th December 2006, 14:38

I've found over the last year or so quite a few Honda dealers charging when you come to borrow a curtosey car - but they word it cleverly.

The £10 charge covers a Zero excess should there be a problem - and if you don't pay it, they have a silly excess (between £500 > £2000!)

With excess's like that, and you driving a car for a day which you are not used to - I'm sure alot of people are scared into paying it.

Fedorov · 11th December 2006, 14:52

... a bit like hospitals charging you to park your car, they don't *really* need to charge you but it's a sneaky way of making a bit extra

Sorry but I shall continue to refuse to pay for a courtesy car if I have to go out of my way to return my car to the dealership to fix faults under warranty, it's a matter of principle and the LEAST the dealership can do for the inconvenience.

basegreen · 11th December 2006, 15:56

My attitude is sod it, if there's an excess to be paid, let the dealer pay it as good will as I'm not paying a tenner to borrow a car for a day. Let's call it a test drive, eh?

Mark996 · 11th December 2006, 16:16

My local dealers also charge now for their courtesy cars - 20 Euros per day.

However, when I was there last week to have the shocks, fuel cap etc sorted, I said that I refused to pay for the car as the work I was having doen was not my fault - so they gave me a Demonstrator Jazz to drive for 2 days.....

I don't mind paying for the Hire car if it was 'unnecessary' work, but for warrenty items, no way!!!!

Andrea · 11th December 2006, 16:19

im just hoping that they dont need to keep my car, if they do then they can sort me out a car to use as i have work the next day!

Topcat · 11th December 2006, 16:31

When I was using my own dealership I lost count of the number of courtesy cars I had, but I didn't have to pay for any of them but I am not sure if that is because a friend works there and was helping me out!

Now I am going to the Ruislip dealership I have been told I will have to pay £10 or arrange my own insurance. My Insurance company dont charge if its a one off and I have the same cover as with my own car but it is hassle as you have to get the cover note to provide on the day.

If I had to do this everytime I have had a courtesy car it would have cost me a small fortune by now.

When my car went in two weeks ago i sat there for two and a half hours and when it goes in this week I have arranged for a lift there and back! Tis a pain really.

Pottsy · 11th December 2006, 16:58

Seems a common theme. I was charged £10 for the day of the service, but nothing for the day of warranty work (that wasn't done anyway).

AndyG · 11th December 2006, 17:54

Hi,

Car was in last week for the garage to, unsuccessfully, fix the window creaking. Had to shell out a tenner for the experience, plus had to put fuel in the car £10, and then fill my own up when I got it back as they returned it with 0 miles on the trip.

The dealer will come and pick the car up at work and drop it back if it's only away for the day. So to have a service I wouldn't need to pay for that, but to try and get the problems that Honda themselves are responsible for I have to pay! This does seem rediculous. What I wonder is that the dealers say that the fee is to arrange cover, so why is it not a one off payment. Basically they are adding you as a named driver on their insurance, plus it makes no odds whether you have the car for a day or a month its the same £10 charge.

It's unfortunate that Honda's quality on the Civic has slipped, as if it was up to scratch then none of us would be aware of the charge!! My mum has a '98 civic and hasn't once needed a courtesy car!!

Andy

Hartside · 11th December 2006, 17:56

Quote:

im just hoping that they dont need to keep my car, if they do then they can sort me out a car to use as i have work the next day!

When they kept mine in and didn't have a car available, they hired one for me free of charge.

I'm with Direct Line insurance who allow 7 temporary covers without charge during a policy year. I've used 5 up to now with the troubles I've had with mine!

Topcat · 11th December 2006, 18:11

The other thing that drives me mad about having a courtesy car is when you take a courtesy car they make you sign a form saying that the courtesy car is pefect or it shows any imperfections but do they sign a similar form for our car? No they bloody well do not so if anything should happen to our car we have to prove they did it

Honcho · 11th December 2006, 18:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topcat

The other thing that drives me mad about having a courtesy car is when you take a courtesy car they make you sign a form saying that the courtesy car is pefect or it shows any imperfections but do they sign a similar form for our car? No they bloody well do not so if anything should happen to our car we have to prove they did it

Many dealers go round the car you take in for repair and mark off any dents and scratches on a form, giving you a copy. Then there's no argument afterwards. Might be worthwhile trying it with your current dealer. Though you're in there so often..!

Brodick · 11th December 2006, 18:22

What a load of moaners

what is wrong with giving you insurance company a quick call
to say you are going to need cover for a courtesy
I saw someone else mentioned direct line already
I have never been charged by them neither has my mum when we have
had courtesy cars from our dealer.

I suppose if your insurance company is **** they may make a charge

Hartside · 11th December 2006, 19:04

Quote:

The other thing that drives me mad about having a courtesy car is when you take a courtesy car they make you sign a form saying that the courtesy car is pefect or it shows any imperfections but do they sign a similar form for our car? No they bloody well do not so if anything should happen to our car we have to prove they did it

I always get the dealer to go around inside and out, signing a sheet off to say what the condition of the car is. Last time the dashboard was scratched and I got a no quibble replacement

Your dealer should have a check sheet for this, but if he doesn't use one of these and doctor it to suit
http://www.clean-image.co.uk/documen...heck-sheet.pdf

Honda100 · 11th December 2006, 19:05

I have paid for a courtesy car for a number of years from Honda dealers, £10 per day. I don't find that too onerous and easier than the hassle of phoning my insurance company and certainly cheaper than a taxi from the dealer to home and back again.
It costs the dealer money to make the car available and if they did not charge up front you can be sure that the charge would be hidden somewhere in the bill!
If you don't want to pay then don't have a courtesy car.

Topcat · 11th December 2006, 19:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honcho

Many dealers go round the car you take in for repair and mark off any dents and scratches on a form, giving you a copy. Then there's no argument afterwards. Might be worthwhile trying it with your current dealer. Though you're in there so often..!

LOL!! Yeah and now I have so many marks on my car it would take hours to complete the form

civicsport · 11th December 2006, 22:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fedorov

Perhaps one of our dealership members could explain this better to me...

Drop my car off at dealership, they need it for a few days, they copy my car/license documents for the courtesy car and then ask if I am using my own insurance or their insurance.
They said that to put the courtesy car on my own full-comprehensive insurance I'd likely be charged a fee from my insurer.

So I said I would just use their insurance as that is all I used last time they gave me a car...

£10 + vat charge now applies!!!

I asked why I didn't pay last time and was told that this only came into effect as of 1st November 2006.

I made the point that it is already an inconvenience to me to bring my car here and that I need to get to work... went away, came back and said that it's fine as long as I remember it's a £500 excess on their insurance if I crash it - no probs

Is every dealership charging for courtesy cars these days?

I think the word "courtesy" is being forgotten a bit here isn't it!!!
Surely if my car is in for warranty/fault repairs then the least they should do is give me a courtesy car.
I can understand if you've given them your car to fix following an accident or other non-warranty reason that you should pay for the privilege.

Note: I have no problems at all with fuelling it back up before I return.

Sorry to rubb it in Fedorov, but Andy waivered the £10 charge when i returned my car to have the paintwork corrected, you mustn`t have bent his ear enough.

Fedorov · 12th December 2006, 20:46

You misunderstand, I didn't (refused) pay the charge, she went away to speak with him and came back to say there would be no charge.

11th December 2006, 13:50	#1 (permalink)
Fedorov Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 15th April 2006 Posts: 783 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Courtesy car charges Perhaps one of our dealership members could explain this better to me... Drop my car off at dealership, they need it for a few days, they copy my car/license documents for the courtesy car and then ask if I am using my own insurance or their insurance. They said that to put the courtesy car on my own full-comprehensive insurance I'd likely be charged a fee from my insurer. So I said I would just use their insurance as that is all I used last time they gave me a car... £10 + vat charge now applies!!! I asked why I didn't pay last time and was told that this only came into effect as of 1st November 2006. I made the point that it is already an inconvenience to me to bring my car here and that I need to get to work... went away, came back and said that it's fine as long as I remember it's a £500 excess on their insurance if I crash it - no probs Is every dealership charging for courtesy cars these days? I think the word "courtesy" is being forgotten a bit here isn't it!!! Surely if my car is in for warranty/fault repairs then the least they should do is give me a courtesy car. I can understand if you've given them your car to fix following an accident or other non-warranty reason that you should pay for the privilege. Note: I have no problems at all with fuelling it back up before I return.

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This thread is about: Courtesy car charges, it's in Buying, Dealers and Servicing at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; Perhaps one of our dealership members could explain this better to me... Drop my car off at dealership, they need it for a few days, ...

11th December 2006, 14:01	#2 (permalink)
Bungle Rocketship door handle Join Date: 3rd July 2006 Location: SE London/Kent Posts: 1,220 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	With my experience it depends on insurance companies and the car's insurance groups. When I need a curtesy car, if it is the same or lower ins. group, my insurers will insure it fully comp no problem without charge. I recently had a diesel civic courtesy car, and as it is one insurance group higher, my insurance company charged about the same, £10 per day or so. Courtesy cars must be insured fully comp, and they (dealer) are offering to insure it for you for that price. Did you call your insurance comapny to see if there would be a charge?

11th December 2006, 14:26	#3 (permalink)
Andrea Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 22nd July 2006 Location: Lynemouth, Northumberland Posts: 421 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Hartside mentioned this to me when i said i was taking mine in for the recall. he said that springfield have started charging £10 a day for their insurance. they didnt have any courtesy cars avail for the day mine is in (tomorrow) lucky my other half has hols he needs to use before the end of month so he has took a day off otherwise i would have been stranded at springfield in newcastle for hours ( 2 they reckon but we will see) and if they say they need to keep it in then i am going to demand a car with no charge for ins. the other half said if they havent got a courtesy car then ask for the managers s2000 pmsl!!!

11th December 2006, 14:38	#4 (permalink)
SimonB Wheelnut Join Date: 1st November 2006 Posts: 64 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	I've found over the last year or so quite a few Honda dealers charging when you come to borrow a curtosey car - but they word it cleverly. The £10 charge covers a Zero excess should there be a problem - and if you don't pay it, they have a silly excess (between £500 > £2000!) With excess's like that, and you driving a car for a day which you are not used to - I'm sure alot of people are scared into paying it.

11th December 2006, 14:52	#5 (permalink)
Fedorov Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 15th April 2006 Posts: 783 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	... a bit like hospitals charging you to park your car, they don't really need to charge you but it's a sneaky way of making a bit extra Sorry but I shall continue to refuse to pay for a courtesy car if I have to go out of my way to return my car to the dealership to fix faults under warranty, it's a matter of principle and the LEAST the dealership can do for the inconvenience.

11th December 2006, 15:56	#6 (permalink)
basegreen Super Moderator Civinfo guru Join Date: 15th April 2006 Location: noitacoL Posts: 2,896 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts iTrader: (0)	My attitude is sod it, if there's an excess to be paid, let the dealer pay it as good will as I'm not paying a tenner to borrow a car for a day. Let's call it a test drive, eh?

11th December 2006, 16:16	#7 (permalink)
Mark996 Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 11th April 2006 Location: Nottingham, Notts. Posts: 462 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts iTrader: (0)	My local dealers also charge now for their courtesy cars - 20 Euros per day. However, when I was there last week to have the shocks, fuel cap etc sorted, I said that I refused to pay for the car as the work I was having doen was not my fault - so they gave me a Demonstrator Jazz to drive for 2 days..... I don't mind paying for the Hire car if it was 'unnecessary' work, but for warrenty items, no way!!!!

11th December 2006, 16:19	#8 (permalink)
Andrea Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 22nd July 2006 Location: Lynemouth, Northumberland Posts: 421 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	im just hoping that they dont need to keep my car, if they do then they can sort me out a car to use as i have work the next day!

11th December 2006, 16:31	#9 (permalink)
Topcat Supporter Civinfo guru Join Date: 11th May 2006 Location: Middlesex Posts: 2,759 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts iTrader: (0)	When I was using my own dealership I lost count of the number of courtesy cars I had, but I didn't have to pay for any of them but I am not sure if that is because a friend works there and was helping me out! Now I am going to the Ruislip dealership I have been told I will have to pay £10 or arrange my own insurance. My Insurance company dont charge if its a one off and I have the same cover as with my own car but it is hassle as you have to get the cover note to provide on the day. If I had to do this everytime I have had a courtesy car it would have cost me a small fortune by now. When my car went in two weeks ago i sat there for two and a half hours and when it goes in this week I have arranged for a lift there and back! Tis a pain really.

11th December 2006, 16:58	#10 (permalink)
Pottsy Administrator Civinfo master Join Date: 10th April 2006 Location: Leics Posts: 5,472 Thanks: 22 Thanked 166 Times in 97 Posts iTrader: (0)	Seems a common theme. I was charged £10 for the day of the service, but nothing for the day of warranty work (that wasn't done anyway).

11th December 2006, 17:54	#11 (permalink)
AndyG Valve Cap Join Date: 31st October 2006 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Hi, Car was in last week for the garage to, unsuccessfully, fix the window creaking. Had to shell out a tenner for the experience, plus had to put fuel in the car £10, and then fill my own up when I got it back as they returned it with 0 miles on the trip. The dealer will come and pick the car up at work and drop it back if it's only away for the day. So to have a service I wouldn't need to pay for that, but to try and get the problems that Honda themselves are responsible for I have to pay! This does seem rediculous. What I wonder is that the dealers say that the fee is to arrange cover, so why is it not a one off payment. Basically they are adding you as a named driver on their insurance, plus it makes no odds whether you have the car for a day or a month its the same £10 charge. It's unfortunate that Honda's quality on the Civic has slipped, as if it was up to scratch then none of us would be aware of the charge!! My mum has a '98 civic and hasn't once needed a courtesy car!! Andy

11th December 2006, 18:11	#13 (permalink)
Topcat Supporter Civinfo guru Join Date: 11th May 2006 Location: Middlesex Posts: 2,759 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts iTrader: (0)	The other thing that drives me mad about having a courtesy car is when you take a courtesy car they make you sign a form saying that the courtesy car is pefect or it shows any imperfections but do they sign a similar form for our car? No they bloody well do not so if anything should happen to our car we have to prove they did it

11th December 2006, 18:22	#15 (permalink)
Brodick Perfect Guy! Rocketship door handle Join Date: 2nd December 2006 Location: Central Scotland Posts: 1,842 Thanks: 0 Thanked 12 Times in 11 Posts iTrader: (0)	What a load of moaners what is wrong with giving you insurance company a quick call to say you are going to need cover for a courtesy I saw someone else mentioned direct line already I have never been charged by them neither has my mum when we have had courtesy cars from our dealer. I suppose if your insurance company is **** they may make a charge

11th December 2006, 19:05	#17 (permalink)
Honda100 Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 31st May 2006 Location: Stockport Posts: 240 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I have paid for a courtesy car for a number of years from Honda dealers, £10 per day. I don't find that too onerous and easier than the hassle of phoning my insurance company and certainly cheaper than a taxi from the dealer to home and back again. It costs the dealer money to make the car available and if they did not charge up front you can be sure that the charge would be hidden somewhere in the bill! If you don't want to pay then don't have a courtesy car.

12th December 2006, 20:46	#20 (permalink)
Fedorov Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 15th April 2006 Posts: 783 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	You misunderstand, I didn't (refused) pay the charge, she went away to speak with him and came back to say there would be no charge.