Finance expert warns Aussies about the consequences of defying this policy

Aussies love exploring the great outdoors with their vehicles.

Apart from the usual maintenance, vehicle owners also know the value of car insurance.

Did you know that a 'simple' mistake could leave you high and dry, with no insurance cover when you need it most?

It's a concern many drivers may not even be aware of and has led to hefty out-of-pocket repair bills.


Insurance specialist Adrian Bennett recently highlighted this issue in an interview.

'Many people do not realise that their car insurance can be voided by simple actions they might not think twice about,' Bennett explained.

It's a sobering thought for those who take pride in their vehicles.


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Keep your vehicle (and its insurance) in tact with these tips. Image Credit: Pexels/KoolShooters


One of the most frequent pitfalls is vehicle modifications.

While drivers want their vehicles to reflect their personalities, changes like engine upgrades, altered exhausts, and suspension tweaks could impact a car's insurance coverage.

These impacts could be evident when the modifications were undisclosed to the insurer.

Bennett also pointed out another typical blunder that could cost drivers thousands.


Bennett shared that failing to pay car insurance premiums on time could leave many drivers uninsured.

Forgetting to update payment details after switching bank accounts could have serious consequences.

'Missing a payment can lead to a lapse in coverage,' Bennett added.

'You won't be protected if you're involved in an accident,' he said.

Driving without a valid licence or not adhering to licence restrictions could also instantly void car insurance.

Insurers expect drivers to comply with licencing requirements, and any breach could lead to rejected claims.


Another major blunder is reckless driving.

Speeding or performing dangerous manoeuvres on the road could endanger lives and void car insurance.

Similarly, driving a car that does not meet road standards—including faulty blinkers, brake lights, or insufficient tyre tread—could lead to voided car insurance.

Overloading a car beyond its recommended capacity or failing to lock the car when leaving it unattended could also result in voided insurance, should the vehicle get stolen or damaged.

'Prioritise safety and stay educated on what is roadworthy and permitted for your vehicle,' Bennett advised.

If you're driving safely and following road rules, you're less likely to get into a situation that could void your insurance.

Understanding your vehicle's limits and requirements could prevent unintentional violations.

So, let's all take a moment to reflect on our driving habits and ensure we're not inadvertently putting our insurance at risk.
Key Takeaways

  • Several mistakes towards vehicles could result in voided car insurance coverage.
  • Missing car insurance premium payments could lead to a lapse in coverage, leaving drivers unprotected.
  • Some of the mistakes that could void car insurance include driving without a valid licence or breaching licensing conditions.
  • Overloading a vehicle and keeping it locked when unattended were also essential to maintaining valid car insurance coverage.
Have you ever been caught out by any of these common mistakes? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let's help each other stay safe on the road!
 

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Yes, Accidents NOT Incidents.
Which means that insurance companies pay out on bugger all collisions involving motorised vehicles.

The huge majority of "accidents" are caused by preventable human errors, such as substance affected driving, speeding, not driving to conditions (including poor road maintenance), distractions (in and outside the vehicle), lack of vehicle maintenance and even manufacturing shortcomings.

So what's left? Wayward wildlife maybe? Even escaped livestock can be attributable to human error.
 
Which means that insurance companies pay out on bugger all collisions involving motorised vehicles.

The huge majority of "accidents" are caused by preventable human errors, such as substance affected driving, speeding, not driving to conditions (including poor road maintenance), distractions (in and outside the vehicle), lack of vehicle maintenance and even manufacturing shortcomings.

So what's left? Wayward wildlife maybe? Even escaped livestock can be attributable to human error.
You are being facetious. Apart from vehicle maintenance, I don't believe the above incidences are mentioned in any vehicle insurance policy.
I meant incidents like opening doors when unsafe to do so; leaving your vehicle unlocked; and other thoughtless and stupid actions.
 
You are being facetious. Apart from vehicle maintenance, I don't believe the above incidences are mentioned in any vehicle insurance policy.
I meant incidents like opening doors when unsafe to do so; leaving your vehicle unlocked; and other thoughtless and stupid actions.
Believing is nothing like KNOWING.

Just like driving with your veins full of heroin or alcohol, staring at your dumb in-dash display while you plough up someone's backside or driving at 80 kmh in a 40 kmh school zone.

Are they accidents? No! They are displaying the worst in human behaviour when it comes to driving.
 
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School crossings here are 25. If you add accessories to your car you are supposed to notify your insurance company otherwise there may be no proof of their existence or they can refuse to pay a claim for damage of them (from experience). If the accident is definitely caused by poor maintenance they can refuse or lower the amount of claim payment. It could be illegal wheels or bald tyres. Driving to the conditions - a lot of people used to speed instead of slowing down on wet roads. (An Emergency Services nightmare)
 

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