Car insurance myths debunked
There are many myths and misconceptions about car insurance – Bingle is here to help you get the facts straight. Check out our top six car insurance myths.
Six myths about car insurance debunked once and for all
There are so many myths and common misconceptions about car insurance – it's hard to know what's true! Let's bust these myths today.
Something to keep in mind: This article is based on Bingle's car insurance policies and what is and isn't covered by Bingle.
Myth 1: Car insurance covers mechanical or electrical repairs and breakdowns
Bingle's Comprehensive Car Insurance doesn't cover any mechanical, electrical or electronic repairs and breakdowns. Similarly, general wear and tear is not covered by your car insurance and should be addressed by getting your car regularly serviced.
Myth 2: Car insurance doesn’t cover modifications and accessories
Bingle's Comprehensive Car Insurance covers most accessories and modifications – think tinted windows, GPS and sound systems, as well as reverse cameras (up to their market value). However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are some exclusions. Here are more details on modifications covered by Bingle Car Insurance.
Just remember, we don't offer cover for personal items that are left in your car, except baby capsules or child seats.* This means that, if your car is stolen or broken into, and you've left some things in it, you’ll have to cover the cost of replacing your personal possessions.
Myth 3: Windscreen and window glass claims are always excess-free
This can come as quite a surprise. But while your windscreen and window glass are covered under your Bingle Comprehensive Car Insurance policy, your standard excess still applies.
That's why Bingle created a Windscreen and Window Glass Only cover. This optional extra gives you coverage when the only loss or damage to your car is to the windscreen or window glass. In these cases, you won't have to pay any excess.
So, if your windscreen is damaged by say, a stone chip, and you have this optional extra on your policy, you can relax knowing you'll be covered without needing to pay an excess.
Find out more about our optional Windscreen and Window Glass Only cover.
Myth 4: My insurance only covers listed drivers
At Bingle, an unlisted household member or unlisted regular driver will be covered to drive your car. However, an unlisted excess will apply, in addition to the standard excess.
Unsure who should be listed as a driver? For more info, read this blog on lending your car to a mate.
Myth 5: I need to add a learner driver as a listed driver
At Bingle, we don't require you to add a learner driver as a listed driver. You'll just need to have a listed driver in the car when the learner is driving to avoid the unlisted driver excess. Note that the standard excess plus an age excess will still apply to any claims if the learner driver is under 25.
Once the learner driver is on their Ps, you may want to list them as a driver on your policy. Otherwise, an unlisted driver excess might apply. Find out more about learner drivers and car insurance, or update your listed drivers here.
Myth 6: The cost of car insurance is based on your car type
The type of car you insure, is one of the many factors used to calculate your car insurance premium. Other things we may consider include:
These are just a few examples, not a full list.
We use this info to estimate your likelihood of making a claim, which in turn, impacts the cost of your car insurance. So even if you and your friend have the exact same car, the cost of your insurance may be higher or lower than theirs. That's why it's best to get a quote and see exactly how much your car insurance would be, rather than making assumptions. For more information, feel free to read the Premium, Excess & Claims Guide.
*Limits, conditions and exclusions apply, read the PDS for details.
