2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Looking for a hatchback with difference? Needing a bit of style in that mix? The 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class mainstream variants are said to be hitting showrooms in August of this year – and could offer you a sense of luxury you’ve been craving.

We’re particularly excited for the new MBUX, the Mercedes-Benz User Experience, this will be housed within two 10.25-inch high-resolution screens on top of the dash.

Yes, we hear you – the display concept isn’t that new, however, Mercedes-Benz has added a few nifty touches within the functions – as well as how occupants interact with it – showing us the cutting edge of connectivity.

The MBUX links embedded data sources within your car – such as GPS and vehicle parameters – with cloud based services, artificial intelligence and an advanced voice recognition system. What does this mean for you though? Well, besides the conventional capabilities of being able to personalise your climate control settings or make calls out, your car will start to learn your driving habits – and tailor the screen options to suit YOU. So for instance, perhaps you are on your way to work in the morning, and prefer to listen to a particular radio station, or make a call to your significant other at the same time every day? Maybe it is that you stop for petrol at the same station on your way to work every morning? – your car will start suggesting the quickest route based on traffic or dial your significant other’s number.

Cool right?

Mercedes-Benz has once again brought the lux to the 2018 A-class, with the interior not only looking fantastic, but also setting a new standard for luxury small cars. With more thought out small item storage solutions as well as more space in the back seat and boot.

With the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class estimated to be selling at $41,000 plus on-road costs, perhaps this is one to consider if you are needing more style, usability and speed than ever before.

This article covers the model and period named above. For current reference, browse the Carbiz replacement vehicle fleet and read our guide to comparing ANCAP safety ratings.

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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.

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

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

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.

3 May 2018