Top Tips for Buying a Car

Looking to buy a car but not sure where to start? These are some top tips that can help you get the best deal!

First of all, it pays to understand your needs and your budget. Make a list of the types of trips and the use that you will need from your vehicle – this will guide you in selecting a suitable model of vehicle based on your specific requirements. Then, armed with a view of which makes and models of vehicle you are interested in, research the market to see what is available and at what price, and compare this with your budget to enable you to make a good buying decision.

In need of finance? Get that sorted as soon as possible so you know your budget going in.

It is preferable to use a licenced dealer who will be regulated and provide you with legal protection in the event of a problem, as well as offering you a cooling off period and Statutory Warranty on used vehicles. You will not have the benefit of this type of protection if you use an unlicensed dealer or a private seller – here the onus will be on you to protect your interests.
If you are buying from a private seller, do remember to check that there is no balance outstanding on any finance on the vehicle, and also that it is not stolen or written off. Be sure to use a car broker, such as Carbiz, to ensure that you don’t have to deal with this extra hassle!

When buying a vehicle, take particular note of the safety features, and buy a vehicle with the highest ANCAP or used car safety rating.

If you are buying a used vehicle, make sure that you get the vehicle inspected by an independent qualified mechanic. Include wording in the contract that provides for the sale to be revoked should the inspection be unsatisfactory. Don’t ever sign an incomplete contract – read it through and make sure that you understand the contract before you sign. You have the right to insist on the wording of the contract being changed to suit your requirements – if the dealer will not comply then you should consider carefully whether you should in fact go ahead with the purchase.

Remember that any verbal undertaking will be difficult to enforce – make sure that you get any guarantee or warranty offered, in writing.

Finally – make sure that you have insured the vehicle before you drive off. Although Compulsory Third Party (CTP) may be arranged, this will not cover damage to your vehicle – so consider whether you should in fact have Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance or Third Party Property insurance as well.
Contact us on 1300889256 today to find out how easy it is to buy your dream car!

1300 889 256

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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.

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.

2 November 2017