Accidents can happen, which is why insurance is important as it may cover your client’s prestige vehicle or classic car.

However, many of the top five accidents that come across the claims desk at Dawes Motor Insurance are avoidable.

Josh Shelley, who is Head of Claims at Steadfast Claims Solutions t/as Dawes Claims Solutions and administers claims for Dawes, reveals the top five claims at Dawes and offers tips on how they can be mitigated.

1. Rear-end collision

Josh says there isn’t always a lot a driver can do to prevent another driver from running into the back of them, and when it does happen, it may not be their fault.

But there are things drivers can do to minimise the risk of further damage and to make the claims process smoother.

“The first thing is that if it's safe to do so, drivers should pull over to the side of the road or down a side street to avoid any other vehicles from becoming involved in the accident,” Josh says. “The second thing is to exchange details with the other driver, including taking a photo of their driver’s licence and exchanging phone numbers.”

2. Damage while parked

You would hope that most people would leave their details if they had damaged a parked vehicle.

“But the sad reality is that that doesn't happen often,” Josh says. However, thanks to technological advances, the culprit can be identified increasingly often.

“For example, a Tesla or a Porsche Taycan comes with technology where they can scan and record the surroundings if the car gets bumped. If your client doesn't own one of these cars but owns a car that they love, which most Dawes policyholders do, they can install a dash-mounted camera that will do the same thing.”

While a camera won’t prevent this type of accident from occurring, it can help make the claims process easier, he says.

3. Windscreen damage

To prevent a damaged windscreen, Josh recommends drivers keep their distance when following heavy vehicles that may kick up debris from the road.

“If drivers follow cars closer than they should, there's a much higher likelihood a stone will get kicked up and that damage will occur.”

He also suggests high-end vehicles shouldn’t be driven on gravel roads, as apart from windscreen damage, stones can also cause paint chips which aren’t covered by insurance.

If a windscreen does start to show a chip, Josh says getting it fixed straightaway can prevent more damage.

“More often than not, if your client catches damage to a windscreen early, it can be repaired rather than needing to be replaced. But if it does need replacing, there's so much technology in windscreens of high-end vehicles, that it isn’t simply a matter of replacing the glass, it also has to be recalibrated, which can add to the time the vehicle spends off the road,” he explains.

4. Reversing accidents

While many reversing claims involve one vehicle hitting a static object, two-car reversing accidents are more common than most people would think, Josh says.

“Many of the cars that Dawes arranges insurance for have rear-view cameras, sensors and auto braking but older cars may not have that technology,” he says. “When someone is reversing, they actually have a higher duty of care to other drivers than someone driving forward, and almost always the reversing car will be considered at fault.”

To avoid fixed objects or other cars, Josh says it’s good practice for a driver to do a quick walk around their parked car before driving, particularly in car parks, to ensure they’re aware of their surroundings. He also suggests using both side and rear-view mirrors for maximum visibility.

5. Single vehicle loss of control

It's easy for a driver to lose control when it's raining, and after three years of La Nina, Dawes noticed an increase in loss-of-control accidents, Josh says.

Even with a drier forecast ahead, Josh warns that drivers are still at risk of weather-related accidents. That’s because roads can become slippery during the first rainfall following an extended dry period, due to a build-up of oil on the road.

Driving in the dark can be another risk factor, and the key to avoid accidents is to always drive to the conditions and use the vehicle’s technology to avoid losing control.

“The cars Dawes arranges insurance for are typically technologically advanced with traction control and stability control. Drivers sometimes think they can drive better with the technology off, but they're probably wrong,” Josh says.

First-class insurance with Dawes

With Dawes, your client’s prestige, classic and exotic cars and motorcycles are in expert hands. Visit our website or call us on 1300 188 299 to learn more about our first-class insurance for first-class vehicles.

Dawes Underwriting Australia Pty Ltd t/as Dawes Motor Insurance (ABN 18 050 289 506, AR No. 342982) (Dawes) is an Authorised Representative of SGUAS Pty Limited (ABN 15 096 726 895, AFSL 234437) (SGUAS) and acts for the insurer, Allianz Australia Insurance Limited (ABN 15 000 122 850, AFSL 234708) (Allianz). Consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination available by contacting Dawes on 1300 188 288 or visiting www.dawes.com.au, before deciding if it is right for you.

Steadfast Claims Solutions Pty Ltd (ABN 44 649 484 364, AFSL 530839) t/as Dawes Claims Solutions performs claims management and settlement services as agent for Allianz.