31 October 2017

The cost of owning a car

Buying a car could be one of the most expensive purchases that you will make – having said that you should understand all of the financial implications before you buy.

Obviously, there are the initial costs of buying a car, such as

  • Car registration
  • Compulsory Third Party Insurance
  • Comprehensive insurance
  • Mechanical or other inspections
  • Dealer delivery charges – Dealer delivery is a charge set by the dealer. It covers expenses that the dealer will incur in selling the car – such as cleaning the car, compliance, administrative costs and the cost of holding the vehicle prior to the sale.
  • Goods and services tax (GST) is a broad-based tax of 10 per cent on most goods sold in Australia. If you are buying a luxury vehicle, be aware of the Luxury Car Tax, which is 33 per cent on the GST-inclusive value of the car over the relevant threshold.
  • Government taxes and levies which include stamp duty and transfer fees. Stamp duty will vary depending on which state you are in
  • Any vehicle that is sold as an unregistered vehicle will incur the cost of number plates.

In addition to the initial costs, you need to consider the cost of running your vehicle. Australian households are now spending up to $22,000 every year on their vehicles as toll-ways, insurance and other costs continue to rise. Have you considered the everyday running costs? These will include:

  • Fuel, which makes up a significant portion of the running costs
  • Road tolls
  • Insurance which will be compulsory third party as well as comprehensive insurance which you may decide to purchase to cover you for any damage to your own vehicle
  • Loan repayments, if you have not purchased your vehicle with cash
  • Regular services at the correct servicing interval as stipulated by the manufacturer. If you have purchased a new vehicle or a relatively new used vehicle the cost of servicing may be covered by a service warranty for a period of time.
  • Spare parts and repairs, which will include tyres, shock absorbers, brake pads etc that need replacement on a regular basis, as well as any part that may fail unexpectedly and need replacement.
  • Membership of associations and clubs
  • Roadside assistance
  • Registration costs which need to be renewed annually

 

Carbiz Online is a full circle motor vehicle dealership. We can help you source ANY car you want at the best possible price, finance, trade-in, insurance, warranty and so much more. For more on costs of owning a car, Contact us on 1300889256 today!

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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.

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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.

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