Pros and cons of window tinting

Window tinting is popular in Australia and elsewhere, to help with safety and maintaining the resale value of their vehicles, and may be an original feature of a vehicle or may be offered as an optional extra at the time of purchase. In applying tinting to the vehicle windows, a thin, transparent sheet of film is applied. The thickness ranges from 0.0025 to 0.01cm, and will reduce radiation and damage to the interior of the vehicle which may be caused by the sun. There are 3 methods – film tinting which uses flat, metallic and mirrored materials, OEM tinted glass where tint is added during the auto glass manufacturing process, or by spraying the windows with a coated tint.

What are the benefits?
Lower inside temperatures – tinting is the most fuel-efficient way of ensuring a more comfortable temperature inside your car. With the right window tint you can reduce the heat inside your car by up to 60%.
Protection from UV rays – the amount of protection will vary depending on the tint.
Added security and privacy – tinting makes it very difficult to see inside the vehicle, and so will act as a deterrent for any would-be thief.
Protects the interior of your vehicle – upholstery, leather and carpets will last and look better for longer.
Appearance – tinting adds to the overall appearance of the vehicle. Tinted windows on a car look so much more sophisticated and professional than untinted windows.

Along with benefits, normally there is a downside.
Police may pull you over more than if your windows were not tinted – for them, not being able to see into your vehicle is a cause for suspicion.
Different states have different laws regulating the amount of tint that is permissible. If you don’t adhere to these regulations, your vehicle may not pass a state inspection.
Sometimes, tinting on the windows may lower driver’s visibility – for instance at night, or in a dark tunnel.
The tinting film may peel over time, detracting from the appearance of your vehicle – in which case you will have to have the tint removed or redone.

For broader vehicle comparisons, read our guide to understanding ANCAP ratings and browse the Carbiz replacement vehicle fleet.

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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.

6 August 2017