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Have you ever driven someone else’s car and realised just how different the driving experience is? 
Here are a few tips to success for driving a different car

Length of the car

If you’re used to driving a hatchback but hire a sedan then you need to be aware of the length difference from the back window to the end of the back bumper - this is crucial to remember while reversing. 

Access to the rear of the car

Especially important for parallel parking or when parking in front of another car, how you access the boot may be impacted by the type of car you’re driving. This can be essential if you are driving a hatchback that needs more room for the back door to open all the way.

Manual vs automatic 

If you’re used to driving an automatic car and hire a manual car, then there’s quite a steep learning curve - even if you used to drive that manual! And if you are used to changing those gears and get an auto accident replacement vehicle, there are a few things that may surprise you - such as the auto hill start assist.

Access to the finer details

Every car has a slightly different way of placing things. Such as the location of the indicator switch - either on the left or right depending on the manufacturer. While the function of indicators, windscreen wipers and lights will always be the same or similar, the location may vary - be sure to take a moment to check this before you head out.

Habits - things you do without really thinking about it. Many driving habits are often just overlooked with no consideration to how they could lead to an accident. Don’t let these simple habits lead to an accident that was your fault.

Giving in to distractions

We all lead busy lives. With so many distractions, we’ve been conditioned to constantly multitask to get things done. This is no different while driving. Listening to music or podcasts, calling up your next appointment or eating your lunch are all dangerous distractions that keep your concentration off of the road. 

Forgetting to check 

Between head checks, mirror checks and blind spot checks, it can all take a lot of time. These simple checks can help you avoid most accidents.

Tailgating

Tailgating, or driving too close to the car in front of you is illegal - and really dangerous. By driving too close to the car in front of you, you aren’t leaving enough space to brake suddenly should you need to. 

Turning to the kids

Have you ever caught yourself needing to quickly check on the kids in the back? Perhaps you’ve even done this while driving. Such a split second decision can lead to dire consequences.
Avoiding these simple driving habits could save you from an accident that is not your fault. Need help after a car accident? Call our team as soon as possible, we’ll help you.

Good braking techniques make up the foundation of your driving skills. Here are a few key braking points to remember when in both normal driving and emergency situations.

Stopping area

Scanning the road ahead and constantly maintaining attention on the rules of the road are necessary in determining your ideal stopping area. The key to preventing a situation that is out of your control is allowing enough time to brake smoothly.

Enough braking distance 

Besides ensuring that you are constantly aware of the distance in front of you - it's crucial that you make sure that there is enough road to brake. The ideal braking distance will change depending on road conditions, weather and other wheel specific factors. Avoid an accident that is not your fault by being aware of the changes in braking conditions.

Your foot placement matters

Where do you keep your foot while driving? Another key point is where you place your foot when approaching a situation that you may not be in control of. Covering the brake with your foot during these situations may reduce your reaction time. Quicker reaction time? Anything can help reduce your potential of being in a car accident.

Defensive driving may prevent an accident that’s not your fault

Knowing that other drivers on the road may not be as skilled at braking as you, or maybe more distracted while driving than you, is important to remember. At all times it is important to be aware of not only your situation but also of the cars around you and their driving situation.
Need help after an accident that was not your fault? Contact our team, we’ll help you.

Anytime you head out for a drive, there are some key things you can do to make your journey just that little bit safer.
Top tips to make your journey safer

• Is your car’s maintenance up to date? It’s always good practice to check your oil, water and fuel levels before you head out.
• How are you feeling? It’s important to assess how you are feeling before heading out. As the driver, you have a responsibility to ensure you are well enough to make that trip. If you aren’t feeling your best, perhaps it’s a good time to ask someone else to drive for you.
• Check that weather! Before heading out on your trip, take a quick look at the weather in your area and at your destination. This helps to prepare you for what to expect. 
• Do you have an emergency kit packed in your car? It’s always a good idea to be prepared in the case of an emergency, no matter how far you are from home.
• Before getting into the driver’s seat, take a moment to minimise distractions. While driving, be sure to keep those distractions to a minimum. Distractions can include an overly interesting podcast, an engaging discussion with a passenger, your cellphone or even your child in the backseat kicking the back of your seat.
• Get buckled up! Every trip, no matter how short, it’s important to buckle that safety belt. It can save your life.
• Pay attention to speed limits. If you’re driving in an unfamiliar area, be sure to keep an eye out for the speed zones. Speed limits are there to make everyone a little safer on the road and are there for a reason.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Other drivers, pedestrians or cyclists can all appear out of nowhere.

Car accidents can bring on a lot of stress and anxiety - it’s traumatic and overwhelming, and you’re probably not sure what your rights are. As the not at fault driver, you’ll be right. We’ve put together a round up of some key information that you need to know. Not sure what to do after your accident? - contact us, we’ll help you.
What are your rights as the not at fault driver?
If the other driver is deemed at fault, then you have the right to claim for compensation to cover the costs associated with the accident - this includes the cost of repairing your car, the cost of your accident replacement car while your car is being repaired, as well as other costs which you may incur as a result of the car accident.
What details do you need after the accident?
We’ve covered this in detail previously, but here is a quick round up. You need to make sure that you gather all of the details of the other driver or drivers involved - information such as their name, address, registration details, name of their insurer and car details. 
Compulsory third party insurance and what it means 
Compulsory Third Party insurance (CTP) or ‘greenslip’, as it’s most commonly known as in NSW, is required by all in Australia - this insurance provides the driver cover for any legal liability for injury and death as a result of an accident for which the insured is responsible.
What's the process you should follow if you were not at fault?
Ideally, you should contact our team on our dedicated accident support line immediately following your car accident. We’ll be able to assist you from the very beginning - what information you need to gather, helping you get your damaged car to a repair yard - right until you get your newly repaired car back, and everything in between!
Let Carbiz handle things for you – we offer full-service end-to-end accident management. Our team services the greater Sydney area.

Nobody plans for an accident - the damage to your car, potential injuries and insurance claims can all put a damper on your confidence. Getting back to your normal life can take time - as you wait for your car to get repaired or to hear back on your insurance claim.
If you haven’t called Carbiz immediately after your accident, then you will probably be left watching your car being towed away thinking “what now”. How are you going to get to work on Monday morning - or help with lift club on Thursday?
As the not at fault driver you have the right to drive. You may have the right to a hire car with the costs covered by the at fault driver. Our team will help you with your claim - and we’ll help you get back on the road as quickly as possible with a like for like accident replacement vehicle.
Accident replacement cars help you get back to normal as quickly as possible - we know that you’re busy with life. Not my fault? We’ll help you by:

• Sourcing quotes from repairers
• Recommending affordable repairers
• Providing great quality rental cars until your car is fixed
• Offering friendly, experienced 5 star customer service

So while you make sure you and your family are safe and sound following a car accident that wasn’t your fault, we’ll help you by:

• Driving your damaged car to a repairer that suits you, not the insurer.
• Providing you with an accident replacement vehicle until your car is fixed.
• Managing the repairs.
• Getting you back on the road in less than an hour*
• Handling your not at fault insurance claim.

Contact the team at Carbiz, we’ll help you.

We often fall into the trap of driving in “auto pilot” - becoming complacent about things around us that we should ideally be alert to when driving. Accidents happen - and there are many reasons why. But lowering your risk of an accident that is not your fault can be done by keeping an eye out for these everyday hazards. 
Here are a few things to be alert of 
Excessive speeding
Speeding, even by a few kph, can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation. Speeding - by either you or other drivers - can lead to mistakes. 
Not enough following distance
Tailgating is particularly dangerous as it takes away your ability to make any last minute changes in speed. If you find yourself tailgating another car, take a minute and pull back. If, however, you are the one being tailgated, consider giving the other driver an opportunity to overtake. 
Distracted driving
Driving while distracted happens frequently! The obvious distractions include busying yourself on your cell phone, eating or even putting on makeup, but are you aware of the less obvious distractions? From being fully engaged while listening to your favourite podcast to having a deep conversation with a passenger, As the driver, it’s important to keep your focus on the road.
Potholes or debris in the road
Poor road conditions can lead to dangerous situations. Be sure to keep an eye on the road ahead when driving - particularly out of town and on unfamiliar roads.
Not at fault in a car accident? Contact our team, we’ll help you

If you haven’t been driving much over the last couple of weeks, then it may be time to do some quick checks before you drive off.
Oil
While your car shouldn’t be leaking oil, a standing car can lead to new problems. Before taking a long drive, be sure to check on your oil. Something that should be checked regularly, your oil level is important to maintain. Be sure to check your manufacturer’s handbook for the exact details for your car.
Fuel
While it may seem obvious, it’s important to check your fuel level! After being stuck at home for a couple of weeks, you may have just forgotten if a trip to the gas station is necessary.
Tyre pressure
Did you know that not driving is worse for your tyre pressure than a regular day to day routine? Remember to check your tyre pressure at the same time as you fill up.
Water levels
From your coolant levels to your wiper fluid levels, it's a good idea to regularly check these. Overheated cars are quite common here at home, so make sure to double-check these levels before heading on your journey.
Lights
Things to check in regards to your lights include checking for any cracks, making sure no bulbs have blown or are weirdly dim and giving the lights a good clean. 
These quick safety checks are just another step in keeping you safer on the road. Need help after a car accident? Contact our team, we’ll help you.