3 October 2017

Parking in Australian city streets

It is convenient to take your car into the city – but with Australian cities becoming more and more congested, parking is an issue. For some advice on the best way to navigate this issue in the easiest way possible, read on.

 

Firstly – take some time to become familiar with the parking signs. Some of these can be really complex, with some parking zones different regulations for different times of the day. Look out for special instructions such as “rear to kerb”.

 

Plan your trip – find out whether there is a parking garage in the vicinity of where you need to go, and whether they offer a discounted rate for advance booking. If you travel in to the city on a daily/regular basis, look out for further discounts available for weekly or monthly use. Some parking garages will take credit cards which saves time on locating the pay station when you are ready to leave. Some parking garages will offer discounted rates for parking during off-peak periods, and some street parking spots become free parking from 6pm daily.

 

An alternative to a paid car park is a shopping centre – often they will allow for parking at a reasonable cost.

 

When you park, take note of the exact location – seems a bit obvious, but most of us have spent some time looking for a “lost” car – whether it be inside a parking garage or on the street. Having taken note of where you have parked, don’t forget to note when your paid time will expire. Setting an alarm on your phone which will allow you enough time to return to your car before the metre expires is a great idea.

 

Another good idea is to take a few photos of your car once you have parked it, so that you have a reference as to the condition in which you left it – should something happen to the vehicle while you are away.

 

Look at options to utilise available public transport in conjunction with the convenience of using your car – perhaps parking on the outskirts of the city in a more affordable parking garage or unmetered area, which is close to a bus, or train or tram.

 

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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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