Few drivers know that if they’re involved in a traffic accident where they’re not at fault, they can get a free replacement car for the entire repair period, without paying anything extra. This is a legal right introduced in Romanian legislation back in 2016, yet it remains little known and rarely used in practice.

Many drivers—even experienced ones—are not informed by insurance companies or repair shops that they can get a replacement vehicle at no cost when their car is in the shop due to damage covered by the other driver’s liability insurance (RCA). Without this information, most people rely on help from family or friends, pay for alternative transport, or worse, are left without any mobility while their car is being repaired.

If you’ve recently been in an accident and your car is now in the shop, it’s important to know that you don’t have to wait for repairs to finish without having a means of transport. You have the legal right to request a replacement car, and the costs are fully covered by the insurance company of the at-fault driver. In practice, you won’t pay anything out of pocket.

In this article, we’ll explain what the law says, what documents you need to request a replacement car, and how we can help you step by step to quickly get a vehicle to use while yours is in the shop. It’s your right—and one you should use to maintain your daily mobility and comfort.

What does the law say about replacement cars?

The right to a replacement car is outlined in Article 26 of ASF Regulation 39/2016, in force since November 2016. According to this article, if you’re in an accident where you’re not at fault, you’re entitled to a replacement vehicle for the entire period your car is unavailable due to repairs.

The costs are covered by the at-fault driver’s RCA insurance, so you have no additional expenses.

All you need to do is prove that your car is in the shop for accident-related repairs, and the rest of the process can be handled by a specialized company.

What conditions must be met?

You don’t need complicated contracts, guarantees, or hidden fees. To request a replacement car, you only need a few simple documents:

✅ Damage assessment report
✅ Repair estimate from the shop
✅ Copy of the vehicle registration certificate
✅ Copy of your ID and driver’s license

These documents are enough to show that your car is unavailable due to accident-related repairs, and the process of providing a replacement car can begin immediately.

Why don’t more drivers use this right?

Even though this rule has been in place for years, many drivers don’t know they have this right. Often, the information isn’t shared by the repair shop or insurance company, and the victim ends up managing on their own—using taxis, public transport, or asking for help from others.

Lack of information is the main reason why this legal right goes unused. That’s why it’s important to know you don’t have to wait for repairs without an alternative means of transport.

How we can help you

At PAC Inmatriculari, we offer complete assistance for getting a replacement car. We handle the entire bureaucratic process—from checking documents to delivering the vehicle—so you can focus on what really matters in your life.

We don’t charge hidden fees, and our collaboration is based on transparency and efficiency.

👉 If your car is in the shop and you were the victim in an accident, contact us:

📧 office@pac-inmatriculari.ro
📞 0753 719 386

We’ll guide you step by step and take care of all the necessary formalities so you can benefit from this right stress-free and at no cost.

Traffic accidents are unpleasant and often cause logistical headaches—especially when you’re left without a car. But the law is on your side, and you have the right to keep moving without being affected by the loss of your vehicle.

Choose to stay informed, claim what you’re entitled to, and let us handle everything for you. For more information and fast support, we’re just a call away!