What is the GTA, and why it matters for your claim

What is the GTA Credit Hire Agreement?

The General Terms Agreement (GTA) is a voluntary code of conduct between most of the UK's major motor insurers and professional credit hire companies. It was established to create a clear and agreed-upon process for handling claims that involve a temporary replacement vehicle.

The agreement sets out standard rules for:

• How replacement vehicle hire rates are calculated.
• What documentation is needed for a non-fault claim.
• The appropriate duration for vehicle hire.
• The timelines that insurers and hire companies must follow.

By pre-agreeing these terms, the GTA reduces disputes, speeds up the claims process, and provides non-fault driver protection.

Who manages the GTA?

To ensure fairness, the GTA is not controlled by one side. It is managed by a committee with representatives from both the credit hire industry and major insurers. This balanced approach ensures the protocol protects the rights of the driver while preventing overcharging and unnecessary delays, which benefits insurers.

How the GTA protects you as a non-fault driver

For the non-fault driver, the GTA provides two key protections: clarity on costs and entitlement to a suitable vehicle.

A clear process for handling costs

When you use a GTA signatory provider, all costs are handled according to a pre-agreed framework. This means all eligible costs are billed directly to the at-fault driver’s insurer. For you, this means:

• You do not pay your own policy excess.
• The costs are covered by the at-fault driver's insurance.
• You are not asked to make upfront payments for the replacement vehicle.

What the GTA means for your replacement vehicle

The GTA ensures you receive a replacement vehicle comparable in size and specification to your own. It is provided for the entire time your vehicle is off the road for repairs. If your vehicle is deemed a total loss, you will have use of the replacement for a set period to allow you to source a new vehicle. This process ensures you remain mobile without being unfairly penalised for repair delays that are outside of your control.

Why it matters that Auto Claims Assist is a GTA signatory

Auto Claims Assist is an official GTA signatory. This means we have passed a formal audit to prove we adhere to a code of conduct approved by both the credit hire industry and major UK insurers.

Our status as a signatory benefits you by:

• Ensuring quicker response times from insurers.
• Reducing the risk of disputes over hire rates or documentation.
• Providing clear and fair timeframes for your claim.
• Confirming that we work to the highest professional standards through an audited claims process.

By working within this recognised framework, your claim moves faster, and your rights are protected throughout the process.

What happens if you don’t use a GTA provider?

Using a company that does not follow the GTA can introduce significant risk and uncertainty into your claim.

How does a GTA provider compare to a non-GTA provider?

• Agreed Rates: A GTA signatory uses rates pre-agreed with insurers. A non-GTA provider may use rates the at-fault insurer could dispute, delaying your claim.
• Reduced Risk of Disputes: A key benefit of the GTA is that it significantly reduces the risk of financial disputes over hire costs. The agreed framework means there is less chance of the at-fault insurer rejecting the charges. Without this agreement, a claim can be delayed by disagreements, and in some cases, drivers can be pursued for payment, causing significant and unnecessary stress.
• Resolution Speed: GTA claims are typically faster because the rules are clear to both parties. Non-GTA claims are frequently delayed by disputes over hire duration, vehicle type, and cost.
• Industry Recognition: Choosing a GTA signatory means you are using a credit hire company whose processes are recognised and accepted by major UK insurers.

Frequently asked questions

• Do I have to pay anything towards the claim?

  No. As a non-fault driver using our service, all costs are recovered directly from the at-fault driver's insurance company as per the GTA protocol.

• Will this affect my premium or no-claims bonus?

  Your no-claims bonus is protected because the claim is made against the at-fault party’s insurer, not your own policy. While the accident doesn’t count as 'a claim' on your record, you should be aware that some insurers may adjust renewal premiums based on your involvement in any incident, regardless of fault.

• What if the at-fault insurer is not a GTA signatory?

  The vast majority of UK motor insurers are signatories. In the rare case that one is not, our expert team still follows the principles of the GTA to robustly defend your entitlement to a replacement vehicle and recover the costs.