16 January 2018

Autonomous Emergency Braking

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and forward collision warning can stop your vehicle and avoid cars or obstacles ahead. In some cars the system operates only for lower speeds, and in others, a warning is provided to the driver if a potential collision is identified – this technology is applied differently in various vehicle makes and models.

The technology uses a sensor at the front of the car to judge distances and closing speeds between your car and other vehicles, objects or people. If it calculates that a collision is imminent, the car will apply brakes to stop or slow the car without any intervention from the driver.

This technology can avoid or lessen the damage caused by collisions due to driver inattention, fatigue or speeding – saving the lives of both the occupants of the car as well as other road users including pedestrians. The technology is programmed to act quickly – and reaction time is therefore more effective than even an attentive driver in the same situation, as most people are not used to dealing with critical situations and therefore don’t react quickly enough, or apply enough brake pressure to avoid a crash.

According to ANCAP (the Australian New Car Assessment Program), Australia’s independent vehicle safety advocate, low-speed AEB results in a 38 percent reduction in real-world rear-end crashes. The low-speed version – referred to by ANCAP as “AEB (City)” – usually consists of an automatic brake function that operates for speeds up to 30km/h or 50km/h.

According to Victoria’s Transport Accident Commission, AEB can avoid 35 percent of all rear-end crashes and mitigate damage in 53 percent of rear-end collisions.

Clearly AEB has tremendous potential to reduce injuries and costs associated with crashes.

As stated at the start of this article – not all AEB systems work in the same way. Some will not prevent a crash but will only slow down the vehicle thereby lessening the severity of the impact. It is important to note that no two systems are the same – there will be differences in the hardware used (cameras/radar/lasers) as well as the speeds at which the systems become effective. It is therefore really difficult to compare AEB systems between models – however, if you are in the market for a new vehicle, at least understand whether the models that you are looking at have AEB capability, and if so, to what extent.

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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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