{
  "id": 3472364,
  "title": "Car stuck at the panel beater? What to do when your courtesy car is about to expire",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/car-stuck-at-the-panel-beater-what-to-do-when-your-courtesy-car-is",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-26T08:35:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/motoring/industry-news/2026-08-26-car-stuck-at-the-panel-beater-what-to-do-when-your-courtesy-car-is-about-to-expire/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Many South African car owners experience frustration when their courtesy car benefit runs out while their vehicle is undergoing repairs. Insurers, repairers, and manufacturers may not automatically provide indefinite rental car assistance. To address a delayed courtesy car, start by determining what is causing the delay and reviewing your insurance policy. Parts delays can occur due to sourcing issues, especially for newer or less common vehicle models, which include body panels, airbags, wiring harnesses, and advanced driver-assistance system sensors. According to SAMBRA, a repairer cannot release a vehicle if critical safety or structural components are still outstanding, even if 99% of the repair work is complete. Insurers typically provide vehicle hire benefits for a defined period, but extensions may be considered if the delay is due to normal repair processes, not back-ordered parts. To avoid misunderstandings, request written details about the vehicle hire duration, potential extensions, any costs involved, and alternative mobility options if an extension is denied. It's crucial to document the reason for the delay and the expected timeline in writing. Contact both the repairer and insurer immediately upon discovering a parts delay and inquire about available extensions or alternative transport. If unresolved disputes with the repairer arise, consider filing a complaint with the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud. While repairs should proceed efficiently, motorists are entitled to updates on outstanding parts, reasons for delays, expected delivery dates, and the impact on collection dates. If answers are unclear, escalate the matter to the insurer's claims department. When purchasing a car, consider factors such as repair ease in South Africa, as this may impact your experience with a courtesy car.",
  "summary": "A parts shortage can leave South African motorists without their cars for weeks, but what happens when the courtesy-car benefit runs out before repairs are complete?",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}