Home » Insurance Articles » Top ten reasons people argue in cars

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Top ten reasons people argue in cars

Did you know that nearly 65% of couples fight on a long car trip?

Recent surveys carried out in Britain showed that the car was one of the top locations that people had arguments.

Reasons that the arguments were sparked included blaming the navigation and driving skills of others, getting lost, and whether the car was going too fast or moving too erratically.

Also, one in five couples squabble over the choice of music or radio station.

The complete list is as follows -

1.   Getting lost
2.   Driving too fast or dangerously
3.   The choice of music or radio station
4.   Forgetting to pack certain items
5.   Having to stop for a toilet break
6.   The children’s behaviour
7.   Having to stop for something to eat
8.   Money
9.   Refusing to share the driving duties
10.   Long-standing relationship issues

Whilst the right car insurance won’t solve the problem of your car being a top location for a fight, it can make peace of mind a little easier knowing you are protected against the unexpected.

1300 Insurance has car insurance available across a range of cover options and budget needs. Check out the car insurance options online.

Home » Insurance Articles » Car insurance news – do women make better drivers than men?

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Car insurance news – do women make better drivers than men?

Insurance industry statistics have found that despite the adage, generally women make better drivers than men.

Statistics found that women were less likely to be involved in car crashes, and that the vehicle repair bill for men involved in crashes was likely to be higher on average than the vehicle repair bill for women involved in crashes.

However, crash repairs are a minor feature of car ownership that are easily negotiated by taking out appropriate car insurance for your circumstances. The safety of your driver and passengers is paramount.

Another feature of the study found that men were twice as likely to drive for long periods of four hours or more without taking a break, and were twice as likely to fall asleep at the wheel.

These studies show the importance of making sure you have the right car insurance, and that you exercise appropriate caution with driving on the roads, whether you are male or female.

Source: Money Magazine, December 2009

Home » Insurance Articles » Tips for Christmas Travel

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Tips for Christmas Travel

The Sun-Herald has recently compiled a list of tips for Christmas travel to make it as painless as possible for the many Australians who will find themselves away from home over the holiday break.

  • Be Digital.

If you’re flying, make use of online check in systems that may allow you to check in up to 24 hours before your flight is due to depart. This could save you some time and standing around at the airport.

  • Prepare for the crowds.

Sydney Airport says that Friday, December 18, and Saturday, December 19 will be the busiest days at the airport this year, along with January 2 & 3 when people return home from holidays.

  • Time your Drive.

The NRMA expects the busiest days on the road to be the last day of school, Dec 18, two days before Christmas, Dec 23, the day after boxing day, Dec 27, and January 4. The NRMA also says that morning traffic tends to peak later in holiday periods due to people being on annual leave, so travel early in the morning if you can.

It’s also important to ensure you have the right car insurance.

  • Pack Light

Whilst it’s hard to pack light at Christmas, it makes life easier due to avoiding excess baggage charges and having less items to drag around.

  • Pack Smart.

Make sure you are up to date with the latest in packing regulations with airlines, especially items such as sharp objects, aerosols, and hand luggage restrictions. If you’re carrying Christmas gifts, it’s best not to wrap them as they need to be available for inspection.

  • Pack Safe.

Don’t put Christmas presents in your checked on luggage unless you absolutely have to. Christmas is the busiest time of year for travel, meaning a greater chance of luggage going astray, so make the most of your carry on luggage allowance.

  • Cover Yourself.

“If ever there was a time to take out travel insurance, the peak Christmas travel season is it, especially if you’re carrying gifts. Online insurance providers have really brought down the cost of insurance and it’s money well spent.”

Travel insurance is available online through 1300 insurance.

  • Think Ahead.

If you’re going to need airport transfers, airport parking, hotel parking or other arrangements, book it now. This will save time, and possible headaches, later.

  • Be Entertained.

Use time spent standing around in airports to pick up a book. When you’re driving, download yourself some new music or podcasts to listen to. A DVD player for the back of the car may be a worthwhile investment for kids.

  • Don’t forget your Christmas Spirit.

“Wear a Santa hat, listen to music, do whatever it takes to remember that Christmas is supposed to be fun, not survival of the fittest.”

Source: The Sun-Herald, December 13, 2009

Home » Insurance Articles » Car insurance and holiday driving

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Car insurance and holiday driving

As the Christmas and Summer holiday period approaches, many Australians will be taking road trips across the country to reach their destinations. It is important for driver and passenger safety that responsible driving practice, including adequate car insurance, is undertaken.

The RTA have made the following suggestions to make sure your road trip is as safe and well prepared as possible;

Check oil, brakes and tyre pressure before setting off on your journey.

Avoid driver fatigue by taking regular breaks and being aware of driver reviver sites.

Be aware that the roads will be busy and adjust your driving style to the traffic conditions. The RTA webpage has a live traffic report on it, which can help you plan your travel route.

Additionally, the following advice on car insurance can be helpful before setting off on a long trip -

Check your car insurance policy and cover is appropriate

Ensure all intended drivers for the trip have been included in the policy

If you are leaving your vehicle at home, make sure it is secure

Paying attention to changing traffic conditions and making sure your car insurance policy is up to date is very important over the summer break. However, 1300 insurance offers differing levels of cover of car insurance that can meet your budget and cover needs, meaning that your insurance costs need not eat into your holiday fun!

Home » Insurance Articles » Your Lifestyle and Your Car Insurance

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Your Lifestyle and Your Car Insurance

Ever wondered how losing your car would impact on your lifestyle?

The Age Newspaper has recently published research that shows at least 20,000 cars are stolen in Australia every year, and 45,000 are involved in a car crash.

Imagine facing this stress without car insurance, and bearing the unexpected costs without any assistance.

Living without your car; whether it be used for work purposes or recreational, can put a serious dent in your style.

The Age also found that one in 10 cars on Victorian roads are currently uninsured, and stressed the importance in thoroughly researching your car insurance policy.

With the freedom that a car provides to your lifestyle, and the expense that you invest in your cars, it is important to look at a comprehensive and budget-friendly  car insurance policy.

1300 Insurance provides car insurance with easy to understand policies, and can assist you in finding the car insurance that meets your budget and your needs.

Source: The Age online, September 9, 2009

Home » Insurance Articles » Car Insurance TV Advertisement

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Car Insurance TV Advertisement

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Save 10% on Gold Comprehensive Car Insurance when you purchase online at 1300Insurance.com.au

Save 22.5% on you Home and Contents Insurance when you combine it with your 1300 Insurance Car Insurance Policy.

1300 Insurance – Low Cost Insurance for you!

Home » Insurance Articles » Gold Comprehensive Car Insurance

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Gold Comprehensive Car Insurance

Have you received your $900 bonus from the Rudd Government stimulus package?

If you car insurance policy is due soon, the stimulus package bonus has come at the right time. And we have even better news for you! 1300 Insurance currently has 10% online saving off the Gold Comprehensive Car Insurance.

Gold Comprehensive cover gives you Full Comprehensive cover with added features such as 24 month or 40,000km New Car Replacement. View all the features here.

If you are after affordable car insurance, look no further than 1300 Insurance.

Home » Insurance Articles » Headphones a hazard behind wheel

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Headphones a hazard behind wheel

YOUNG drivers are risking serious accidents by listening to portable music players through their headphones at the wheel, research has revealed.

The company says research shows one in five drivers under 30 admits to wearing headphones while driving. Police say the practice is dangerous and could result in prosecution if deemed to be the cause of an accident.

The NSW head of police traffic command, Chief Superintendent John Hartley, said wearing headphones while driving was “not illegal, but not advisable”. “If you’re deemed to be not in proper control of your vehicle or not aware of your environment while you’re driving, you could be done for negligent driving if you cause an accident,” he said.

A spokesman for the researcher, John Hallal, said listening to MP3 players through headphones could be as distracting as using a hand-held mobile phone. “It does beg the question why one is illegal and the other is not,” he said.

“Drivers should always be alert to what is happening around them and by using headphones, the driver is likely to be less aware of the surrounding traffic conditions. [Headphones] can totally block out other sounds. You won’t hear a siren, you won’t hear a horn – and that can be dangerous.”

Mr Hallal said MP3 players presented problems even if headphones were not used because drivers could be distracted by scrolling through playlists while they were driving. ‘There’s always the temptation to look down and change songs,” he said.

About half of the under 30s interviewed said they used portable digital music players while driving. Mr Hallal said the players were more distracting than a normal car stereo.

“IPods and MP3 players are different to simply listening to the radio or a CD. With a stereo, you know where the controls are. If you’ve got an iPod in the centre console and it slips off, the temptation is to go looking for it. And it only takes a split second with your eyes off the road for something to happen.”

He added: “We’re not calling for people to stop using their MP3 players. We just believe they should use common sense and sort out their music before they start driving.

“And under no circumstances should headphones be used.”

Car companies are increasingly offering jacks to support the devices in their cars. Some have more integrated systems that allow iPod or MP3 playlists to be displayed on a screen on the car’s dashboard and operated through buttons mounted on the steering wheel.

The marketing manager for Hyundai, Oliver Mann, said integrated systems were safer than auxiliary jacks because they allowed drivers to maintain eye contact with the road ahead.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald March 19, 2009

Home » Insurance Articles » Shopping stress fuels motor insurance claims

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Shopping stress fuels motor insurance claims

Australia’s car parks are becoming more hostile. All across the country, accidents in car parks are increasing, with many motorists not having the correct motor insurance to fund necessary repairs.

According to a leading insurer, people are becoming increasingly time constrained in their quest to find a parking spot, with the frustration causing a marked rise in the amount of insurance claims.

Statistics show Chadstone shopping centre in Melbourne caused 95 collisions in the two weeks before Christmas, with other shopping complexes also fairing badly.

The level of stress can increase the likelihood of being involved in an accident and that is a sure way to ruin your day.

However, the days of many motorists were ruined further by not having the correct motor insurance.

Motorists in Australia must, by law, at least have third party personal car insurance. It is, in the majority of cases, included as part of the car registration process. State law governs which provider and what other clauses are required. For example, only New South Wales and Queensland offer consumers a choice of insurer for their third party personal cover.

Car insurance companies will pay out for any unplanned work that the vehicle needs, after a car park accident, for example.

When you are next at the shopping mall and cannot find a space, relax and take a deep breath. If not, you may become one of the hundreds of Australians each day having to claim on a motor insurance policy.

Source: www.money-au.com.au