16 November 2017

Why you should never leave your kids in the car unattended!

Have you ever left one or more of your kids in the car unattended while you quickly pop into a store, or to collect something from a friend, or to pay for your petrol at the petrol station? An intended minute or two that has turned into something longer? Is this safe? Is this legal?

Well, no. Firstly, it’s not legal. While penalties vary depending on which state you are in, the general rule is that children should never be left in a car unattended. The only exception could be if taking them out of the car is more dangerous than leaving them in the car – as in a busy petrol station – but, here you should either get petrol when the children are not with you, or pay at the pump.

Secondly, it’s not safe. What happens if your 1-minute errand turns into something more time-consuming? World wide, there are an average of 37 child deaths per year after having been left in hot cars for lengthy periods of time. You cannot assess the temperature outside and make a judgement on whether the temperature inside your car will be safe – a pleasant 20 degrees C outside can reach to up to 60 degrees C inside the car, and can reach 45 degrees C within the first 5 minutes. If it’s a hot day, at say 30 degrees C, you could be looking at 70 degrees C inside the car. Opening the windows slightly will only reduce the inside temperature by a few degrees. The colour of the car, outside or inside doesn’t make a difference to how quickly and to what extent the inside of the car heats up. Even with all of the doors fully open, there are lots of metal fittings inside a car that will heat up, posing a danger to small children.

This is all very scary when you consider that an internal body temperature of 41.7 degrees C is regarded as being lethal for humans. Children’s bodies heat up three to five times more quickly than do adults.

So bottom line – don’t take the chance, even if you believe it will be for only a minute or two – it’s illegal and definitely not safe.

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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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