Do You Possess These Good Driver Qualities?

If you had to answer this question, what would you say? Are you a good driver? Most of us would say YES, of course! And most of us have been driving frequently for a considerable amount of time - so you must be a good driver, right? Well, turns out that good drivers all have a couple of qualities in common - let us know how you fare.

Knowledge - the know how if something goes wrong

Good drivers all have a good knowledge of what to do in the event of something untoward happening. They’re normally fully educated on how to handle their vehicles, general road safety and safe driving. They’re also aware of what to do in the event of an accident - and how to seek out help after an accident where they were not at fault.

General driving skill

Good drivers are skilled drivers! Steering, changing gears, handling of your vehicle during suboptimal conditions and accelerating safely and smoothly are all skills of a good driver. There are ways to improve your driving skills - such as taking an advanced driving course or learning how to be a proactive or defensive driver.

Awareness and observation

Good drivers often have the ability to see an accident before it happens - this is because they are always fully aware of their surroundings. Driving with the ability to be aware of what is happening around you at all times will help prevent accidents from happening. While some accidents are unavoidable - especially those where you are not at fault - it’s still a good idea to be fully aware at all times.

Having the right attitude

Being a good driver is more than just skills or knowledge - it’s about having the right mindset before setting off on your journey. Being calm and level headed while driving is incredibly important especially when there are other drivers around. Another important part of having the right attitude is not panicking should something unexpected happen. For instance, being involved in an accident where you are not at fault. Having the right mindset will allow you to remain calm at the accident scene, allowing you to take a moment to get to what you need to - such as sharing your details, taking witness statements and gathering their information as well as taking photos. Being calm will also help you when calling our dedicated accident support line and organising your accident replacement vehicle. And while accidents are scary, unexpected and inconvenient, the team at Carbiz is here to help you through it!

1300 889 256

For related reading, see our guide to ANCAP safety ratings and tips for getting familiar with a different car.

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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.

8 March 2021