Company car question: obtaining equal quality hire car after accident

I am entitled to a certain grade of company car but can pay extra to have a better vehicle. I recently got a Mercedes C-Class at an additional cost of £90.00 per month. When I got rear-ended last month however, I was told the repairs may take up to 12 weeks and I am having to put up with a naff low-value courtesy car. Is there anything I can do? Anon. Surbiton

The roadside lawyer writes:

ASSUMING THERE is no frontal damage it is unlikely that there will be any dispute as to liability so, in theory, you may have a claim in your own right even if you weren’t injured. This would be for the additional monthly cost for a vehicle you cannot use until it is repaired.

If neither you nor your firm has legal expenses cover this may prove relatively expensive to negotiate. You would be well to consider taking the risk of £180 per hour solicitors expenses yourself or you might wish to consider Crashguard Hindsight which offers a one-off payment of £75 which gives you legal expenses cover for the accident which has already happened as well as full before-the-event accident cover for the twelve months to come. Terms and conditions apply - largely based on our assessment of the chances of the claim's success - but we will not charge you for an appraisal and you will not risk any money if in our view theclaim is likely to fail. Call 0800 066 99 10 for membership information.

Free legal advice direct to your inbox: Ask Law Answers your road accident or traffic offence legal question.