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Coming back to find your parked car damaged is never fun, but knowing how to respond correctly can save you time, money and stress.

Firstly, understand that getting upset is natural, but taking a deep breath will help you make better decisions. Examine your car thoroughly and document any visible damage, taking multiple photos from different angles, including close-ups of dents, scratches or broken parts, and capturing the surrounding area, such as road signs and markings, for context.

Next, see if you can locate the driver responsible. Sometimes, people leave a note with their contact information and insurance details. If there’s no note, look for witnesses nearby who may have seen what happened. You can also check for CCTV from nearby businesses, homes or on the street, as some areas have coverage. If you’re unsure, consider contacting the local council to find out whether cameras are in place that might have captured the accident.

If the driver didn’t leave a note, or if they did but are unresponsive or the information they provided seems incorrect, contact the police to report the accident and provide all the information you have, including photos, footage and witness statements. Be sure to request a copy of the police report, as it can be useful when dealing with insurance.

If you’re still having a hard time getting a hold of the at-fault driver and therefore cannot claim directly through their car insurer, it’s time to lodge a claim with your own insurance provider, if you have one. Provide them with as much information as possible, including the police report. From there, your insurer can determine whether your coverage, along with the information you have, will cover the damage to your car.

If your car insurer happens to find information about the at-fault driver and is able to have them lodge a claim so the costs of the damage are recoverable, you can contact Carbiz for a replacement car while your car is being repaired or until it’s been deemed a total loss. This ensures you’re not left without a car during this time, giving you peace of mind and the ability to keep your life moving.

For help organising your next steps, read our car accident insurance claim checklist and explore accident replacement vehicle options.

Updated 6 October 2026.

When an insurer declares a car a write-off, it has assessed the vehicle as a total loss under the policy. The damage may make repairs unsafe, or the cost of repairing the car may make a repair uneconomical. A write-off does not always mean the car is visibly destroyed.

How is a write-off decision made?

The assessment can take account of the vehicle's value, repair costs, salvage value and the policy terms. There is no single repair-cost percentage that determines every write-off across Australia. Ask the insurer for its assessment and the basis for its decision.

A total-loss insurance decision and a vehicle's written-off registration category are related but different matters. Whether a car can return to the road depends on the damage classification and the rules of the relevant state or territory.

Statutory and repairable write-offs

• Statutory write-off: the vehicle meets specified damage criteria and cannot be re-registered for road use.
• Repairable write-off: repairs may be technically possible, but the vehicle has been assessed as uneconomical to repair. This label does not itself authorise repairs or guarantee re-registration.

Requirements vary across Australia. In NSW, an eligible written-off light vehicle needs an Authorisation to Repair from Transport for NSW before work begins. Only limited applications are considered, and vehicles with statutory write-off damage are excluded. Approval, compliant repairs and the required inspections are separate steps.

What happens to your insurance payout?

The settlement depends on your cover and circumstances. It may be based on an agreed value, a market value or a replacement-vehicle benefit if your policy provides one. An excess, outstanding premium or finance arrangements may affect the amount you receive. Ask for a written breakdown before accepting the settlement.

Keep the assessment, photographs, policy documents and correspondence together. If you disagree with the valuation, provide relevant evidence and use the insurer's complaints process. See AAMI's explanation of total-loss claims for an insurer's example; your own policy determines your cover.

Getting around after a not-at-fault accident

If you need a replacement vehicle, tell Carbiz that your car has been declared a write-off. Eligibility, vehicle availability, the hire period and the terms of the agreement need to be confirmed for your circumstances. A write-off does not automatically entitle everyone to unlimited hire.

Contact Carbiz to discuss your accident replacement vehicle options. For a practical checklist, read what to do after receiving a write-off decision.

Updated 6 October 2026.

Whether an L- or P-plater can use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto depends on their licence, age, location and the function being used. Connecting a phone to the car does not remove mobile-phone restrictions. Navigation, music, calls, voice commands and touching a screen can be treated differently.

The summaries below cover ordinary car driving. Check the official guidance for your licence before setting off, particularly when crossing a state border. A red light or traffic queue is not an opportunity to use a phone: pull over and park safely where required.

New South Wales

NSW learner, P1 and P2 drivers cannot use a mobile phone while driving, including hands-free use, navigation and music. This includes phone functions through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Setting up the phone before departure does not make those functions permitted during the drive.

Check the NSW rules for mobiles, screens and GPS, including the limited exceptions for particular transactions and presenting a digital licence. For current penalties, see Transport for NSW's mobile-phone guidance. Double demerits apply during designated periods; a school-zone location does not itself make the demerit penalty double.

Victoria

Victoria distinguishes portable phones, mounted devices and in-built vehicle systems. Learner, P1 and P2 drivers can use a properly mounted device for navigation or audio if it is set up before the journey. They cannot touch that mounted device during the drive or use voice controls.

Brief touches of an in-built vehicle system are permitted for specified navigation, audio and climate functions. Scrolling, entering information, calls and other prohibited activities are not made lawful by using CarPlay or Android Auto. Follow the Victorian device rules for new drivers for the exact device and activity.

Queensland

Learner and P1 drivers under 25 face additional restrictions on hands-free phone use, wireless headsets and a phone's loudspeaker. Do not assume a CarPlay or Android Auto connection gives these drivers permission to use phone functions. P2 drivers and drivers outside those additional restrictions still need to comply with Queensland's general mobile-phone rules.

Use the Queensland Government's mobile-phone guidance and its linked licence conditions to check what applies to your age and licence. Passenger loudspeaker restrictions also apply when accompanying affected learner and P1 drivers.

South Australia

Learner and P1 drivers must not use any mobile-phone function while driving, including hands-free operation. A dashboard connection does not remove this restriction. P2 drivers remain subject to the general road rules on phone use and distraction.

Check the official South Australian licence conditions and mobile-phone rules before using a connected phone.

Western Australia

WA's general phone rules allow limited hands-free calling and navigation subject to specific conditions. A phone used for navigation must be secured in a mounting and must not be held or touched. Do not treat CarPlay or Android Auto as permission to text, browse or interact freely with a phone.

Consult the WA Road Safety Commission's rules and check any conditions on your licence. Set the route before departure and park safely before making changes.

Tasmania

Tasmanian learners and P1 drivers are banned from mobile-phone use, including hands-free calls, with an exception for music and GPS set up before driving. The driver must not interact with the phone while driving. This exception is limited to those functions, not general permission to operate a connected phone.

Read the official Plates Plus mobile-phone guidance. P2 drivers must still follow the general mobile-phone rules.

Australian Capital Territory

ACT learner and provisional drivers cannot make or receive calls or interact with a mobile device while driving. There are specific exceptions for pre-set audio and GPS. For GPS, the phone must be mounted or connected by Bluetooth or a cable. No interaction is allowed while driving, including voice commands or touches on a CarPlay or Android Auto screen.

Set everything before you leave and park safely if changes are needed. See the ACT Government's mobile-device rules.

Northern Territory

NT learner and provisional licence holders must not use a mobile phone in any form while driving, including hands-free and loudspeaker functions. Connecting the phone to the car does not provide an exemption.

Check the mobile-phone section of the NT learner driver resources and the NT Road Users' Handbook.

Before driving an unfamiliar or replacement car

Check your licence conditions and the rules where you will drive. Learn the car's controls while parked and disconnect your phone if its functions are prohibited for you. Built-in navigation and phone-projected navigation are not necessarily treated the same way.

Fines, demerit points and licence consequences can change. Use the official links above for current penalties. If you need an accident replacement vehicle, contact Carbiz so the team can check your licence, eligibility and vehicle options.

Updated 6 October 2026.

The Toyota Kluger Hybrid combines a petrol engine with electric assistance in a family SUV. If you are considering one as an accident replacement vehicle, the useful questions are practical: will it suit your passengers, child restraints, luggage and everyday driving?

How the hybrid system works

A conventional Kluger Hybrid uses its petrol engine and electric motor system according to driving conditions. Its battery is replenished during normal operation, including regenerative braking; it is not charged from a plug like a plug-in hybrid.

Hybrid technology can reduce fuel use in suitable conditions, but this is still a petrol-powered vehicle that produces exhaust emissions when its engine runs. Toyota explains the distinction in its electrified vehicle FAQs. Actual fuel consumption depends on the model, traffic, load and driving style. Check the current Toyota Kluger specifications and the Australian Government's Green Vehicle Guide for the particular vehicle.

Check the space you actually need

The Kluger is offered with seven seats, but passenger and luggage needs should be considered together. Before accepting a replacement vehicle, explain how many people normally travel with you and whether you need child restraints, a pram or space for work equipment.

At handover, check seating adjustments, restraint anchor points and the available boot space with the seats you will use in position. Follow the vehicle and child-restraint instructions when fitting restraints.

Safety features assist the driver

Depending on model year and grade, a Kluger may have features that warn about hazards or assist with braking, steering and maintaining a following distance. Their operation has limits, including conditions in which they may not detect or respond to a hazard.

These features do not make the vehicle self-driving or guarantee that it will avoid a collision. Keep your attention on the road and remain responsible for steering, speed and braking. Read the owner's manual for the specific vehicle and ask about unfamiliar controls before leaving.

Using a Kluger as an accident replacement vehicle

If your own SUV is unavailable after a not-at-fault accident, tell Carbiz what you normally drive and the features you rely on. A suitable replacement depends on your circumstances, eligibility and the vehicles available. A particular Kluger grade or model year cannot be assumed.

Confirm the hire terms, approved drivers and permitted use before accepting the car. For available Toyota options, visit Carbiz's Toyota replacement vehicle page or contact the team.

The Tesla brand name has become synonymous with electric cars. Every new electric car that is announced by any of the big brand names, like Volkswagen, BMW, Porsche and Volvo, - is compared to the Tesla. So the company has a clear lead that it is determined to keep. Recent reports from California, - which is the home of American electric cars, - confirm a sales surge for Tesla. Tesla's one asset that its electric competitors don't have, is its eccentric billionaire creator, Elon Musk. So Tesla is always guaranteed attention-grabbing publicity. Musk is to Tesla as Bill Gates is to Microsoft.

The Model 3 might be considered the basic entry version. It is certainly the most popular. It is also the smallest by a whisker in dimensions. It is really a two seater sports car that can carry two passengers in the somewhat cramped rear quarters, and can be optioned with most of the bells and whistles that its bigger brothers have.

There is an incredible array of options available. The basic Model 3 is rear wheel drive, but there is an option for all wheel drive. Tesla uses a unique design electric motor, and torque is digitally directed to the front and rear axles with the object of the best stability and traction control in the AWD model.

Performance is dramatic, with an 0-100km run time of as low 3.3 seconds for the hi-performance AWD version. Range varies greatly, depending on terrain and driving style. WLTP rates the Model 3 a maximum range of 570 kilometres the Long Range Model 3. Real world range whilst is a bit lower, a charging point is on every corner.

Safety is of a high standard. Its aluminium and steel structure has passed all accepted formal tests with five start ratings.

So how does it go on the road? The model 3 acquits itself very well. Obviously its rocket-like acceleration is its forte, but for all that the Model 3 is probably the best all round Tesla choice. And it is the only Tesla model to feature track mode. Which is pretty much what it suggests. The dynamic computer systems assess what the driver is asking, and direct torque to (or brake) the wheels that will most assist in achieving the best cornering angle and times. The computers also change the regenerative braking system to maximum resistance and charge, something that is likely to be uncomfortable in the highway mode. It also has cameras to record your lap activity including a G meter to measure cornering force.

The Tesla Model 3 really is in a different league. You can see its camera images on your phone, and control its movements. In the USA it can warn pedestrians in a robotic voice, who stray too close. New features like these are released in the US first and filter throughout the world.

Sales in Australia of the Tesla Model 3 sales have been increasing dramatically, with an estimated 5000+ sold during the first six months of 2021. Which was up 170% from the previous period.

While the much more expensive upmarket Teslas catch the imagination, a recent price drop makes the Model 3 a very attractive choice when compared with its less powerful but more expensive rivals.

The Tesla model 3 is the middle-of-the-road affordable, cutting edge technology, car of the future. Here now. But for those of us who have enthusiasm for old technology classic cars, it might be a bridge too far. It is totally impossible to argue with the Tesla's practicality, efficiency, and fulfilling of a market need.

Carbiz Accident Replacement Vehicles has the largest fleet of replacement Tesla’s in Australia and growing quickly. If you are not at fault in a car accident in your Tesla make sure you ask for a Carbiz Tesla replacement.

Updated 6 October 2026.

After a collision, the first priority is people's safety. Stop, check for injuries and call Triple Zero (000) if someone needs urgent help or there is an immediate danger. Insurance and replacement-car arrangements come after those urgent needs.

1. Do not put yourself in danger to collect evidence

Watch for traffic, fire, leaking fuel and other hazards. Do not stand in an active traffic lane to photograph damage. Follow emergency-service directions and help injured people as safely as you can.

Do not unnecessarily move someone who may have a serious injury. If there is an immediate threat, explain it to the emergency operator and follow their instructions.

2. Do not leave without meeting your obligations

Drivers must stop and fulfil the applicable duties to help and exchange details. In NSW, required information includes the driver's name and address, the vehicle owner's details if different, and the registration and identifying details of the vehicle. A phone number and insurance information are also useful, but they do not replace the required details.

If another driver refuses to cooperate, avoid an argument and contact police. Reporting and police-attendance requirements vary. Consult your local authority; Legal Aid NSW explains the NSW obligations.

3. Do not assume every vehicle must stay exactly where it stopped

For a minor crash, moving a driveable vehicle to a safe place can reduce further danger. Serious incidents may require the scene to be preserved. Follow police instructions and do not move vehicles or objects if doing so would create danger or interfere with emergency work.

NSW's crash guidance explains when to move out of traffic and when to contact police. Other states and territories have their own reporting rules.

4. Do not guess, argue or rush into a settlement

Record what you actually saw: the time, location, vehicle positions and any witness details. Photograph damage and relevant road features only when safe. Keep original dashcam footage if available.

Be truthful with police and insurers. Avoid speculation about fault or agreeing to a final payment before you understand the damage and your position. If liability is disputed, get advice rather than trying to resolve it in a roadside argument.

5. Do not drive a damaged car or drive when unwell

A car that starts is not necessarily safe to drive. If you are uncertain about damage, arrange an assessment or appropriate towing. If you feel injured, faint or unable to concentrate, get medical help and arrange another way to travel.

Once everyone is safe and immediate obligations are met, notify your insurer as required by your policy. If you need transport after a not-at-fault accident, contact Carbiz to discuss eligibility and replacement vehicle options.

Updated 6 October 2026.

Not every injury from a car accident is visible. A person may have damage beneath the skin or a head injury without an obvious external wound. Looking well immediately after a crash does not rule out a serious problem.

If someone is seriously injured, collapses, has difficulty breathing or appears to be deteriorating, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

Why internal injuries need attention

Bleeding can occur inside the body following trauma. It may not be possible to judge its severity from visible bruising or the damage to the car. Suspected serious internal bleeding needs urgent medical assessment.

Warning signs can include severe or increasing pain, abdominal swelling, faintness, pale or clammy skin, and blood in vomit, urine or stools. These signs can have different causes; they are reasons to seek care, not a checklist for diagnosing yourself. The Victorian Government's Better Health Channel explains internal bleeding and emergency care.

Watch for head-injury warning signs

Some head-injury symptoms develop later. Loss of consciousness, a seizure, repeated vomiting, increasing confusion or unusual difficulty staying awake after an injury require urgent medical attention. Call 000 for a medical emergency.

Follow any monitoring and discharge instructions provided by a clinician, and seek help again if symptoms develop or worsen after you return home. See healthdirect's head-injury guidance.

What to do after the crash

• Keep yourself and others away from immediate hazards, and follow emergency-service instructions.
• Tell the clinician how the collision happened, what symptoms you have and whether they are changing.
• Mention relevant conditions and medicines, especially medicines that affect blood clotting.
• Do not drive yourself if you are faint, confused, drowsy or otherwise unwell.

If the situation is not an emergency but you are unsure what care is needed, contact a health professional or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222. Do not delay emergency help to arrange towing, insurance or a replacement car.

Deal with transport once health needs are addressed

Keep your medical instructions and accident records together. If your vehicle is unavailable after a not-at-fault accident, Carbiz can discuss replacement vehicle options once you are safe. Carbiz does not assess injuries or replace advice from a treating health professional.

If your car needed to be repaired following a car accident then you’re not alone! Many people have to get their cars fixed after an accident - even when the accident was not their fault. So if you weren't able to drive your car at all or if you took it in for a thorough inspection following the accident, here are some crucial checks to make before driving off.

Check your airbag lights

Airbags can save your life in the event of an accident - but they also need to be replaced after an accident to ensure that they will work again on impact. Be sure to double check that no airbag lights are going off as this could indicate that something isn't quite right and should be addressed before driving off.

Ask about the torque

Any replacement of suspension parts should be torqued according to your car's manufacturer specifications. Improper assembly can lead to poor handling and performance - and can be very dangerous. Ask your repair workshop about what procedure was followed and what torque specifications were used.

Spare parts

Many repair shops use aftermarket or even used parts to repair damaged vehicles as a way to save money. Ask for more information about what parts were used in repairing your vehicle and if you are seeking original manufacturer parts then be sure to speak up before proceeding with the repair.

Alignment

Car accidents can often mess with the alignment of a car. This can affect driving - where the car pulls to one side or the other, or can result in tyres worn unevenly. It’s important to ask if the alignment was checked and if there was any damage to the frame of your vehicle.

Need help after a car accident? We’ll help you

For practical guidance after a collision, read our five mistakes to avoid after a car accident and insurance claim preparation checklist.