Do you get a courtesy car for recalls?
Asked by: Tabitha Spencer III | Last update: February 26, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (29 votes)
You often get a courtesy car for recalls, especially for major safety issues or long repairs, but it's not guaranteed and depends on the manufacturer, dealership, and length/severity of the fix; it's always best to call ahead and request one when booking your appointment to arrange for a loaner. Some manufacturers, like GM for serious recalls, provide them, while others offer them at their discretion for convenience.
Can I get a loaner car for recall?
You don't automatically get a loaner car for a recall; it depends on the manufacturer, dealership, severity of the recall, and repair time, but it's always worth asking your dealer, especially for significant issues that take time or make the car unsafe. Federal law doesn't mandate loaners, but many brands, especially luxury ones (like Lexus or Acura), are more likely to provide one for longer repairs or critical safety fixes, as they often get reimbursed by the manufacturer.
Can I get reimbursed if my car has a recall?
Your Rights Under California Law
Manufacturers must repair recall defects free of charge, no matter the state of the product warranty. You can seek a refund or replacement if the problem persists after multiple repair attempts under the California Lemon Law.
Can I ask for a courtesy car?
You can ask the garage for a courtesy car (this is a car that the garage will give you to use - not all garages will offer this). Keep a record of everything extra you spend on travel - you might need to prove this later on.
What are my rights on a car recall?
If your car has a safety recall, your main right is to get a free repair, replacement, or refund from the manufacturer for the defect, as required by federal law, usually at any authorized dealership, even for used cars, though you may have to wait for parts. You should contact the dealership, document everything, and be aware that you're entitled to a free fix for the safety issue itself, not necessarily unrelated rust or parts damaged by the defect.
My car got Recalled... But what will i get for a courtesy car!?
Should I get a courtesy car if my car is recalled?
You don't automatically get a loaner car for a recall; it depends on the manufacturer, dealership, severity of the recall, and repair time, but it's always worth asking your dealer, especially for significant issues that take time or make the car unsafe. Federal law doesn't mandate loaners, but many brands, especially luxury ones (like Lexus or Acura), are more likely to provide one for longer repairs or critical safety fixes, as they often get reimbursed by the manufacturer.
Do recalls have to be fixed by the dealer?
Manufacturers assign recall work to their dealership network, not independent repair shops.
How to get a free courtesy car?
To get a free loaner car, call your dealership or auto shop ahead of time, arrange it with your service appointment (especially for recalls or long repairs), and ensure you have a valid license and full insurance; dealerships often provide them as a courtesy if your car is in for warranty work or major service, but availability varies, so book early. For long-term needs or financial hardship, check non-profits like 1-800-Charity Cars for donated vehicles.
Do dealerships give you a courtesy car?
Yes, many car dealerships provide loaner cars (also called courtesy vehicles) for service customers, especially for extended repairs or warranty work, but it's not guaranteed and depends on the dealership, brand, and your specific warranty, with luxury brands often being more generous. You'll usually need a valid license and proof of insurance, and your own policy typically covers the loaner.
What are my rights regarding courtesy cars?
Legal Basis for Claiming a Courtesy Car
If another driver causes an accident and is found to be at fault, their insurance should cover not only the repairs to your vehicle but also the reasonable costs of keeping you mobile – such as providing a courtesy car.
Do you get refunds for recalls?
Yes, if a product is recalled, you are generally entitled to a refund, repair, or replacement, with the recall notice specifying the remedy, often a refund or store credit even without a receipt, especially if you provide proof (like a photo) you owned the item and dispose of it as instructed. Your rights as a consumer mean manufacturers must offer a remedy, and retailers often facilitate returns for recalled goods.
What are my rights if a product is recalled?
In most instances it is best to immediately stop using the product. A full refund or replacement is also likely to be available from either the retailer or manufacturer.
How to get a refund for a made good recall?
If you have purchased a product that is part of the recall, please return it to the store where you bought it. We're offering full refunds at the retailer where you purchased the MadeGood products.
Is a dealership required to give you a loaner car?
No, a dealership is generally not legally required to give you a loaner car, as it's usually a complimentary customer service, not a right, but it's common for warranty repairs or if you're a good customer. Availability depends on the dealership's policy, manufacturer incentives, your warranty coverage, and if the repair is long; you'll need a valid license and insurance, and luxury brands often provide better loaner options.
Will insurance pay for rental while car is in the shop?
Rental reimbursement coverage helps you pay for transportation expenses, such as a rental car or public transportation fare, while your own vehicle is being repaired after a covered insurance claim. It does not apply if your vehicle needs routine maintenance work or if you need to rent a car on vacation.
Do dealers provide loaners for recalls?
Do dealerships give out loaner cars? Dealerships may offer loaner cars for extended repairs and recalls. These cars are also called “courtesy cars,” and are often available when you face a considerable wait time while the repair is completed.
Can you request a courtesy car?
Generally speaking, getting a courtesy car after an accident is only an option if your vehicle is repairable. It's also usually subject to availability – if the repairer is particularly busy, you may not have access to one. Additionally, if your car is written off, stolen or unrecoverable, you won't get a courtesy car.
How do I ask for a loaner car from the dealership?
The best way to find out is to ask a representative at the dealership or garage if they offer loaner cars. You may do this either at the dealership itself, or call ahead of time before you bring your vehicle in for a repair.
What should you never reveal to the dealer when negotiating?
When negotiating with a car dealer, never reveal your maximum budget, urgency to buy, poor credit, or that you have a trade-in upfront, as this gives them leverage to inflate the total price; instead, focus solely on the "out-the-door" price of the new car and keep your financial situation private until the final stages.
Who is eligible for a courtesy car?
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.
Whose insurance covers a courtesy car?
Courtesy cars can often be included as part of comprehensive car insurance. Those with third party car insurance may be able to add a courtesy car to their policy, though this will incur a fee. In most cases, any named driver on your car insurance policy will be able to drive the courtesy car.
What is the difference between a courtesy car and a loaner car?
People from the dealership use courtesy vehicles to pick up or drop off customers at a local destination while their vehicle is being worked on for a few hours. What happens if the car repairs take longer than a few hours? The courtesy vehicle becomes a loaner rather than a courtesy vehicle.
Can you get reimbursed for a recall?
Yes, if a product is recalled, you are generally entitled to a refund, repair, or replacement, with the recall notice specifying the remedy, often a refund or store credit even without a receipt, especially if you provide proof (like a photo) you owned the item and dispose of it as instructed. Your rights as a consumer mean manufacturers must offer a remedy, and retailers often facilitate returns for recalled goods.
Can I still drive my car with a recall?
Yes, you can often drive a car with a recall, but only if the recall notice says it's safe to do so, otherwise you must not drive it until repaired, as some are "Do Not Drive" warnings for serious hazards like fire risk or brake failure. For minor recalls, drive to the dealership for the free repair as soon as possible; for severe ones, arrange towing or a loaner car and avoid driving it entirely.
Do dealerships take care of recalls for free?
Dealerships will repair your recalls for free, regardless of whether your vehicle is still under warranty or where it was purchased. Dealerships receive payment directly from the manufacturer, not from customers.