Our commitment to industry standards as a CHO member

What CHO membership means for how we operate

Our CHO membership reflects the way we handle every claim: professionally, ethically, and in line with best practices. The CHO sets out clear principles that guide how credit hire companies should serve clients — from the way vehicles are allocated, to how hire charges are presented, and how claims are pursued from the at-fault insurer.

As a CHO-accredited company, we ensure that:

• All replacement vehicles are comparable in size and specification to your own.
• Hire periods and vehicle categories are managed responsibly.
• Every client interaction is built on openness and clarity.

Our focus on high standards results in a clear, professionally managed, and efficient claims process.

Trusted, transparent processes — backed by CHO standards

Choosing Auto Claims Assist means choosing an accident management provider that operates under clear standards of compliance and transparency. There are no hidden fees or unexpected charges; everything is explained in plain English.

Our work is informed by The CHO’s framework, which ensures that:

• Your rights as a non-fault driver are protected.
• The claims process is handled with integrity and evidence-based assessments.
• Our communications with insurers and repair providers follow consistent and fair practices.

Where to verify our CHO status

You can verify our membership directly via The CHO’s official member directory. Auto Claims Assist is listed as part of this national network of trusted credit hire professionals. We encourage all drivers to check credentials when selecting a credit hire company.

CHO membership is more than a badge — it’s a promise of ethical service and industry compliance.

Understanding the CHO and its role in protecting non-fault drivers

What is the Credit Hire Organisation (CHO)?

The Credit Hire Organisation — or The CHO — is the trade body that represents the UK's credit hire industry. Its members are accident management companies that provide replacement vehicles to drivers after non-fault accidents. The CHO exists to promote fairness, transparency, and high standards in the delivery of credit hire services. It is not a regulator, but a professional body that holds its members to a clear code of conduct.

What does “credit hire” mean — and why does it matter?

If you’ve been involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you are legally entitled to a replacement vehicle while yours is off the road. This is known as credit hire — where the cost of the replacement car is recovered from the at-fault driver’s insurer, not from you.

Credit hire matters because it:

• Keeps you mobile while your vehicle is repaired or written off.
• Ensures you are not left out of pocket.
• Lets you avoid relying on your own insurer’s courtesy car terms, which may not provide a comparable vehicle.

How the CHO protects your rights as a driver

CHO members agree to uphold standards that benefit both the client and the broader claims industry. That means:

• Supplying a vehicle comparable in size and specification to your own.
• Making hire terms and durations fully transparent.
• Managing the claim in a way that protects your policy and no-claims bonus.

These principles are in place to ensure non-fault drivers are treated fairly throughout the entire process.

The practical benefits of CHO membership for non-fault drivers

Replacement vehicles that meet CHO guidelines

As a CHO-accredited company, Auto Claims Assist provides a replacement vehicle that matches the size and specification of your own. This ensures your mobility and comfort are preserved.

CHO guidelines ensure that:

• The vehicle is delivered promptly.
• It matches your day-to-day needs (e.g. hatchback, estate, SUV).
• You aren’t pressured to accept something that isn’t right for you.

Clear costs, no hidden fees

With CHO member companies, transparency is a standard. At Auto Claims Assist:

• You pay no excess fee.
• There are no hidden charges.
• All hire and claim costs are recovered from the at-fault driver’s insurer.

This means you receive the support you need at no cost to you, with the full process managed responsibly and ethically.

Transparent repairs and claims handling

Beyond the vehicle, we apply the same high standards to how we manage your entire claim:

• Repairs are carried out by BSI Kitemark-accredited technicians using manufacturer-approved parts and paint.
• Our communication with insurers is professional and consistent.
• You are kept informed by a dedicated claims handler.

Protecting your no-claims bonus

Using a CHO-accredited company helps protect your insurance record. We claim directly from the at-fault driver’s insurer, meaning your no-claims bonus is protected as the claim does not go against your own policy. This helps protect you against future premium increases that can arise from making a claim.

Our commitment to the General Terms of Agreement (GTA)

In addition to our CHO membership, we also subscribe to the General Terms of Agreement (GTA). The GTA is an industry-wide protocol between insurers and credit hire companies designed to standardise processes and reduce friction during claims.

Our commitment to the GTA framework benefits you by:

• Ensuring efficiency: It helps to streamline the authorisation of vehicle hire and repairs.
• Minimising disputes: By following agreed-upon rates and procedures, it reduces the likelihood of delays.
• Providing certainty: It adds another layer of assurance that your claim is being handled according to established, fair industry practices.

What to ask before choosing an accident management provider

To protect your rights and your insurance status, we recommend asking:

• “Are you a CHO-accredited company?”
• “Do you subscribe to the GTA?”
• “What kind of vehicle will I be given, and will it be comparable to mine?”
• “Will I need to pay an excess?”
• “How does this affect my own insurance?”

If the answers aren’t clear, consider a company that provides transparent, accredited support.

Frequently asked questions about credit hire

• Is a credit hire company the same as an insurer?

No. An accident management company like Auto Claims Assist works on your behalf to manage a claim against the at-fault driver's insurer. We are not an insurance company; we are specialists in non-fault claims.

• Do I have to use my insurer's recommended repairer?

You have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired. We arrange for repairs at our BSI Kitemark-accredited repair centres using manufacturer-approved parts to ensure quality.

• How do I know if a company is truly CHO accredited?

You can and should verify membership via The CHO's official online member directory. This confirms the company is committed to the CHO's code of conduct.