Do You Need a Credit Card or Deposit for an Accident Replacement Car?

Acorn’s published FAQs say you can apply for an accident replacement car without a credit card or deposit. If another driver caused your accident and you need transport while your car is off the road, you can enquire without assuming you must first arrange a credit card.

You still need to qualify for the service. Acorn assesses applications from not-at-fault drivers where the other driver is identified and insured. Approval, vehicle availability and rental terms apply. Its credit card and deposit FAQ answers the payment question; it does not remove the need to read your rental agreement.

Check Which Type of Car Hire You Are Arranging

An accident replacement booking may have different payment requirements from a holiday rental, an insurer-arranged hire car or a repairer’s courtesy car. Ask who will supply the vehicle and which service you are applying for.

Acorn’s website terms contain a separate section headed “Holiday Special Terms and Conditions”. The upfront rental payment and refundable deposit listed there belong to that holiday offer. They should not be read as the deposit requirements for Acorn’s not-at-fault accident replacement service.

For example, if a repairer directs you to a rental desk, check whether the booking is with Acorn or another supplier before relying on Acorn’s FAQ. If the paperwork you receive asks for a card or deposit, ask the team to explain how it applies to your booking before you sign.

What Your Rental Agreement Covers

A deposit is an amount collected at the start of a hire. The rental agreement also explains responsibilities that can arise while you have the vehicle. Ask separately about upfront payments, day-to-day use and what happens if the replacement car is damaged.

Acorn’s published terms describe hire-charge recovery and an indemnity arrangement, while also stating responsibilities for vehicle loss, tolls and infringements. Read the documents supplied for your application and ask the team to explain the circumstances in which you could have to pay. Do not assume that approval means every possible expense is covered.

Before accepting the car, get clear answers to these questions:

Who can drive it, and what details must additional drivers provide?
What should you do if it is damaged, stolen or involved in another accident?
What excess or other responsibility could apply, and under what circumstances?
How should you handle fuel, tolls and any infringement notices?
When and where must you return it, and whom should you contact if repairs take longer?

These are questions to resolve against your agreement, rather than a list of charges that will necessarily apply. Keep the answers with your booking documents so you can refer to them during the hire.

What to Prepare Before Applying

Have your licence, vehicle and accident details ready, along with the other driver’s contact and insurance information. Gather photos, witness details and any claim reference number you have. If something is missing or the drivers disagree about what happened, explain that when you enquire.

Tell Acorn why you need the replacement vehicle and whether your car is already off the road or booked for repairs. Explain any transport needs for your usual passengers or work equipment so the team can assess what is suitable.

Acorn’s application and handover process includes approval, arranging the vehicle and signing the rental documents. Ask for time to read those documents and raise anything you do not understand before accepting the vehicle.

Keep a Record at Collection and Return

The ACCC’s car hire guidance recommends inspecting the vehicle, photographing existing damage and making sure it is recorded before signing. Check the return requirements too, including the agreed location, timing and fuel arrangements.

At collection, walk around the car with the person handing it over where possible. Check the interior as well as the bodywork, and keep your own photos. If you notice a mark that is missing from the condition report, raise it before driving away.

Take photos again when returning the vehicle. If it is undamaged, ask for written confirmation. Keep the return record and any messages about changes to the hire period alongside your agreement.

Credit Card and Deposit FAQs

Does another company’s card requirement mean I cannot use Acorn?

Each provider sets its own booking requirements. Tell Acorn that you do not have a credit card and ask it to assess your circumstances. A different rental company’s refusal does not determine whether you qualify for Acorn’s service.

Can I use someone else’s credit card if I am asked for one?

Ask the supplier first. Do not enter another person’s card details or change the named renter to work around a booking requirement. Confirm who is renting, who will drive and what the supplier needs.

What if I am asked to pay something I do not understand?

Request an explanation of the amount, what it covers and the agreement clause it relates to. Keep the invoice and correspondence. Discuss it with the provider before assuming that every payment request is either a deposit or an error.

For accident replacement vehicles in Melbourne and Sydney, apply for an eligibility assessment or call Acorn on 1300 22 67 67. The not-at-fault service is subject to approval and terms, with the other driver identified and insured.

General information only, not legal advice.