Why choose a loaner electric vehicle?
Made available by a garage, insurer or dealership, a loaner electric vehicle allows you to replace your car (business or personal) and quickly benefit from an electric car.
The advantages of electric loaner vehicles are numerous, allowing you to :
- maintain mobility for people who need to get around,
- avoid wasting time using a cab company or rental service,
- to save money, they are available free of charge or at reduced rates.
In ecological terms, it reduces CO2 emissions and helps protect the environment. It's also an excellent opportunity to experiment with electric mobility at lower cost.
Also read → How to negotiate car insurance for your electric car?
What are the conditions for taking advantage of a loaner electric vehicle?
For the professional, setting up conditions for granting a loaner electric vehicle enables him to guarantee the safety of his customers. He is liable if the electric car suffers any damage during the loan period. Insurance is therefore compulsory, and the driver must be fully fit to drive the vehicle.
Replacement or courtesy electric car?
The difference between a replacement electric vehicle and a courtesy electric vehicle is that the former is free of charge and provided by the car insurance company, while the latter has to be paid for and is provided by an electric car brand. electric car brand or a garage.
| Courtesy vehicle | Replacement vehicle | |
|---|---|---|
|
Price |
Free |
Fully or partially covered if included in the insurance contract
|
|
Duration |
Depending on vehicle availability |
Depending on the terms of the contract |
|
Automatic allocation |
No |
Yes, if you subscribe to the loan vehicle option |
|
Warranties |
Third-party simple insurance |
Coverage for immobilized vehicle transferred to replacement vehicle |
|
Car type |
The garage's choice |
New car in the same category as the immobilized car |
What are the criteria for obtaining my loan vehicle?
Of course, the precise conditions depend on each company's internal policy, but they are generally as follows:
- Must be at least 21 years old,
- No previous major traffic offences,
- The loan period cannot exceed 30 days,
- An insurance deductible of €500 to €1,000 may apply,
- Depending on the contract, a mileage limit may be imposed (from 50 to 100 km/day).
How do I get my loaner electric vehicle?
Getting a loaner electric vehicle may seem complicated, but the process is usually quick and easy. We explain everything to make the process as easy as possible.
Contact the professional
The professional will ask you for your contact details, the make of your current vehicle, the reason for the request and the length of time you wish to make the vehicle available. This first step usually only takes a few minutes, and you will then be informed of the terms and conditions.
Provide the necessary documents
Once you have ensured that you are eligible for the loan, you will need to provide :
- your driver's license,
- proof of insurance,
- a police report in the event of an accident.
You may also be asked to provide documentation to support your eligibility. Once you've read all the conditions, fill in the online application form.
Picking up the loaner
Once the request has been validated and all the conditions accepted, the professional will confirm the reservation of the loan vehicle by e-mail or telephone. An appointment will then be made to collect the vehicle. Remember to check the condition of the vehicle on departure and report any problems, to avoid any disputes when you return it.
Returning the loaner electric vehicle
Make sure the vehicle is in the same condition as when you picked it up. An inspector will check the condition of the vehicle in around ten minutes and finalize the loan. In the event of damage, report it to your car insurance company or garage as soon as possible. If additional costs are involved, they must be paid at the time.
In conclusion: what's good to know?
What is the maximum duration of a loan?
The maximum duration granted by a professional for an electric vehicle loan depends on the type of claim:
- 7 days for a breakdown
- 14 days for an accident
- 40 days for a flight
Is my insurer, garage owner or dealer obliged to lend me a vehicle?
No, they are not obliged to provide you with a loan vehicle. This is an optional service.
Can someone else drive my courtesy electric vehicle during my loan period?
It is the holder of the car insurance policy, i.e. the main driver, who must drive the courtesy electric vehicle.
Can I drive my loaner electric vehicle on any type of road or terrain?
There are no restrictions. However, it is important to take into account the capacity of the vehicle loaned. A electric SUV like theAudi Q4 e-tron is capable of driving over difficult terrain (dirt tracks, mountain roads). However, this is not the case for an electric city car such as a Peugeot e-208 which is suited to urban areas.
Can I drive abroad during my loan period?
It is advisable to inform your car insurance company or garage if you plan to travel abroad during your loan period. Contract conditions on this point may differ from one company to another, and roadside assistance is not the same in the event of a breakdown or need for recharging.
Is it possible to test different makes of electric vehicles as loan vehicles?
This will depend on the supplier's policy: dealers tend to lend out electric cars of their own make. Garages and insurers, on the other hand, have a much wider catalog.
Are loaner vehicles equipped with special features for people with reduced mobility?
Some loaner vehicles are not suitable for people with reduced mobility. However, on request, we can provide you with an adapted vehicle equipped with special features (access ramps, adapted seats, power-assisted controls), free of charge.
Can I request additional accessories for my loaner vehicle?
Yes, it's perfectly possible to request them. These accessories can be of various kinds (bike racks, baby or car seats, GPS, snow chains, travel bags, phone chargers, etc.). Some accessories may be subject to a surcharge, so we recommend that you find out all the details in advance to make sure you can benefit from them.
What happens in the event of a breakdown or accident with the loan vehicle?
In the event of a breakdown or accident, report the incident immediately to the company, providing as much detail as possible about the situation. If possible, document the incident with photos and written records. Finally, check the conditions of any rental contract concerning accidents or breakdowns to find out what your responsibilities are.
