26 April 2018

Not sure how to choose the right car for you?

So you are in the market for a new car – but you have no idea where to start? There are so many options, and these can sometimes be overwhelming for the mainstream car buyer.

 

Perhaps your needs are simple – you need a safe and reliable car that will get your family around town (between sports practices which need sufficient boot space through to family outings that may include taking your family pet along for the ride).

 

Confused at where to start? Maybe someone has mentioned that a Jeep is your best bet but you aren’t necessarily sure that this is the right car (or brand) for you. With an overloaded choice, there are many considerations. Here are a few key questions to answer before you get too confused.

 

Step 1 – decide on car manufacturers that you will not go for

Everyone may have a slightly different answer here, but perhaps you know that Ford will not suit your style or you’ve just never liked Mazda and Toyota. Create a list of car manufacturers that are no go’s for your list. This will help your car broker stay on track when selecting cars that will interest you.

 

Step 2 – What type of vehicle will suit you for the next couple of years?

What is your lifestyle like at the moment? Will this set to change in the next year or two? Perhaps you need an SUV, with more space and seven seats. Maybe it’s a hatchback or sedan that will be more than big enough to quickly zip you through town. Will you need to tow any trailers or caravans? Think about the type of boot space you require as well as where you will be driving (Going off-roading anytime soon?)

 

Step 3 – What’s your budget?

Let’s get real – what is your total available budget monthly, what type of deposit do you have available. Be clear on your limit and budget, and stay away from test driving cars that you really can’t afford.

 

Step 4 – Features? Did you say features?

Make a list of non-negotiable features that you want in your car. Then take this list and prioritize the most important to you – your budget may not allow for everything but be clear on what you’d need vs what you’d like or want.

 

Be sure to have a good conversation with your car broker about all of these things – they will be best to find you your ideal car! Working alongside a car broker can help alleviate traps and dodgy deals as well as give you access to a wider selection of vehicles to choose from.

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What To Do If Someone Hits Your Parked Car

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.

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What It Means When Your Car Is Declared A Write-Off After An Accident

If your car has been involved in an accident, you may hear the term “write-off” from your insurance company or repairer. But what does it actually mean when your car is declared a write-off? Understanding this process can help you make informed decisions about your car, repairs and costs.

A car is considered a write-off when the cost to repair it after an accident is too high compared to its market value. Insurance companies often calculate the repair cost and compare it to the car’s value prior to the accident. If the repair cost is more than a certain percentage of the car’s value, typically around 60–75%, the car may be classified as a write-off. This doesn’t always mean your car is completely destroyed; sometimes the car could technically be repaired, but the cost would outweigh the benefits.

There are different types of write-offs. A total loss write-off is when the car is so badly damaged that repairing it is not financially viable. A repairable write-off is when the car can be fixed, but it requires significant repairs. In either case, the insurance company will usually pay out the car’s value at the time of the accident, minus any applicable excess or deductions.

The cost implications of a write-off can vary. If your car is declared a write-off, you may need to consider the cost of replacing it with another car. Some car owners opt to keep a repairable write-off, but this comes with the added repair costs, which can be substantial depending on the extent of the damage. Repair costs can quickly add up, especially if the accident involved structural damage or expensive parts.

It’s also important to understand that a car that has been written off may have a lower resale value even after repairs. Future buyers often view written-off cars as higher risk, which can affect the cost of insurance and overall value.

If your car is declared a write-off after an accident, speak with your insurance provider to understand your options. You may receive a payout for the car’s value, and in some cases, you can negotiate repair costs or even retain the car if it is repairable. Knowing what a write-off means, how it affects repair costs, and how it impacts the car’s value can save you time, money and stress after an accident.

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