Things Worth Knowing

Which type of cover do I need for my car?

The type of cover you require may vary depending on the vehicle you own, your driving habits and your personal preferences. We recommend you thoroughly read our Car Product Disclosure Statement or contact our member service centre on 133 423 if you have any concerns.

What are nominated drivers?

Nominated drivers are any persons you tell us may drive your car and are listed on your policy schedule. Nominating drivers gives the ability for you to disclose all drivers to HBF to ensure they are eligible to be insured and also gives the ability to avoid any undeclared driver excesses that may apply in the event of an accident (An undeclared driver excess may apply if you motor vehicle is driven by anyone other than a nominated driver).

Who is the regular driver of my car?

When nominating your drivers you will nominate the regular driver. The regular driver of your car is anyone who will drive your car two or more times in a week. It is important that you disclose to HBF any drivers of your vehicle as undeclared driver excesses can apply in the event of a claim. Nominating the regular drive may affect your premium and the insurance cover provided as some drivers will not be covered for driving certain car models. It is also part of your duty of disclosure to tell us immediately when the regular driver changes, even during the period of cover.

Do I need to let you know that my children now have their learner licences and that we will be using the car we have insured with you to teach them how to drive?

Yes. You need to contact us, as your policy may have restrictions on it that restrict a learner driver from being covered in the event of a claim.

Do I need to list my child as a nominated driver – they have just received their probationary licence?

Yes. If he/she has an accident in the vehicle and is not nominated to drive the vehicle, he/she may be required to pay the undeclared young driver excess, the age excess (if they are under 25 years of age) and also the basic excess applicable to the policy, on condition that HBF chooses to accept the claim. HBF also restrict cover for drivers based on their age and the vehicle type, therefore it is important that you contact us to ensure that your cover is not affected.

What about modifications to my car?

Generally speaking there are two types of modifications, they are 'Performance Enhancing Modifications' & 'Cosmetic Modifications'. Any modifications must be in accordance with the police department regulations and the vehicle must comply with all licensing laws. HBF will cover some types of modifications but conditions do apply, so please call us on 133 423 for more information.

I have bought a new CD player for my car and I want it covered if it gets stolen. What do I do?

You need to let us know the details and the value of the accessory so we can add it to your policy. You will need to do this for all non-standard accessories you have on your car. Remember to also keep a record of your purchases. It is important that you disclose all non-standard accessories and modifications to HBF to ensure you are fully covered in the event of a claim.

Can I apply for windscreen protection cover?

If you have Comprehensive cover you are able to take up our windscreen protection option.You must select and pay for this option for it to apply. This optional cover allows unlimited windscreen and window glass repairs and replacements without being required to pay any Basic Excess or Voluntary Excess. This option is not required if you have purchased the Basic Excess buyout.

We do not offer this option on our Third Party Property Damage or Budget Fire & Theft policies.

Can I apply for hire car after accident cover?

If you have Comprehensive cover you are able to take up our hire car after accident cover option. You must select and pay for this option for it to apply. If your car has been involved in an accident and we have agreed to pay your claim, we will pay for a compact size hire car while your car is damaged as a result of the accident and you cannot drive it due to the damage or because repairs have started. Conditions do apply so please see our current Product Disclosure Statement or contact us on 133 423 for further details.

Am I eligible for any discounts?

We do offer discounts for HBF members who hold current insurance products with us.  You may also be eligible for discounts based upon the details of your vehicle. You may also be able to reduce your premium through product options such as voluntary excesses and payment options and No Claim Bonus. For details on how to best reduce your premiums please contact our member service centre on 133 423 or visit one of our service centres. 

What do I do if I have an accident?

The main objective is to ensure the safety of you and your occupants so please contact the emergency services first if required. Once your immediate situation has been settled please call our Claims Department on 133 423. Our people will guide you through the claims process and help organise repairs for your vehicle and arrange a tow if required. If possible please obtain details of other parties or witnesses to the accident (name, address, vehicle registration and contact telephone number) and any other details such as the time of the accident, the accident location and police report number.

How do I claim against the other driver where the motor accident was not my fault?

Submit the claim details with us as soon as possible and we will investigate the matter.  In order to be eligible for a faultless excess you must meet the following criteria:

1. We agree the accident that led to the claim was entirely the fault or intentionally caused by:
   a) the driver of the other car; or
   b) another person; and
2. You can advise the name and address of that driver or other person; and
3. You can provide the registration number of the car at fault.

Do I have to pay an excess and will I lose my no claim bonus if I have a motor accident that is not my fault?

Once it is confirmed that you were not at fault by meeting the criteria of ‘No Fault – No Excess’ as detailed in the Product Disclosure Statement, HBF will not apply an excess and you will not lose your No Claim Bonus. If the ‘No Fault – No Excess’ criteria is not met and there is a dispute in liability, HBF may dispute the matter with the third party or their insurer. In these instances the applicable excess will be required to be paid and the No Claim Bonus will be amended until such time as the third party admits liability.

How do I pay my insurance by direct debit?

Direct Debit for members

Pay the easy way. Direct debit is a convenient, no fuss option so you don’t run the risk of missing a payment. You’ll also save on cheque fees, stamps and the time it takes to write out a cheque and mail your payment.

How does direct debit work?

With your authority, your insurance premiums are deducted fortnightly, monthly, or annually from your bank, building society, credit union or credit card account (MasterCard or Visa). You can even arrange your payments to coincide with your pay day or pension day. Only the amount required to cover your premium will be transferred to us.

Is there a cost to me?

We suggest you contact your bank, building society or credit union regarding any possible charges, as some financial institutions may apply transaction fees. We apply a 10% premium loading to all General Insurance fortnightly and monthly direct debit payments**.

How do I arrange for direct debit?

First you need to have a cheque, savings or credit card account with a bank, building society or credit union. Call us on 133 423 with your BSB or financial institution number and account number. We’ll do the rest for you. Your payments will be automatically debited according to your chosen frequency.*

A few guidelines to remember

Please ensure that there are sufficient funds in your account to cover the specified deductions and that your deductions are correctly debited from the account. In the event that three consecutive deductions (for the same payment period) are not met, we will cancel the Direct Debit Authority with your financial institution.◊

If rates alter or a change is made to your policy, HBF will adjust the deductions accordingly.†

To find out more about Direct Debit

If you would like more information about Direct Debit or would like to set up this convenient payment option, please call us on 133 423 or visit your nearest service centres.

For full terms and conditions, please refer to the Direct Debit FAQs flyer.

** Except in the event Direct Debit fees are waived as part of a promotional offer.

* Please note that your initial deduction may include an adjustment to ensure your policy is financial or to coincide with your nominated date.

◊Any fees or charges incurred as a result of insufficient funds will be the responsibility of the account holder.

†The Direct Debit Authority authorises your bank to deduct the amounts required to cover your policy payments, which may alter from time to time.

Can someone else manage my policy for me?

If you would like a partner, friend or relative to manage your membership, or if a person has been granted Power of Attorney to act on your behalf, simply fill out the Power of Attorney/Appointment of Agent form and post it to us at HBF, GPO Box C101, Perth WA 6809.

The nominated person will then be able to access and update your personal information. You can cancel this access at any time by calling us on 133 423.