Things Worth Knowing

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 automatically deducted from your nominated account on the day you select.

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 do not apply any loading nor do we charge any extra premium for this service.  We do not apply any fees if your instalment dishonours, however your bank or financial institution may charge a fee if your account is overdrawn.  Please check with your financial institution regarding dishonour fees.

How do I arrange for Direct Debit?

Firstly, you need to have either a cheque, savings or credit card account with a bank, building society or credit union. Call us with your BSB/Financial Institution number and account number. We’ll do the rest. 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 one of your instalment payments dishonours we will attempt to make up the missed payment at the same time as your next scheduled deduction.  If 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 action the request 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 or visit your nearest branch.

*Please note that your initial deduction may include an adjustment to ensure your policy is up to date, 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.

Last updated: December 21, 2011

The type of car insurance you require may vary depending on the vehicle you own, your driving habits and your personal preferences. We have flexible policy options available which allow you to choose the level of cover you need which means you only pay for the cover you want. We recommend you thoroughly read our Car Product Disclosure Statement or call us if you have any concerns.

Last updated: December 21, 2011

We reward good driving by giving you a discount on your premium for each year that you do not make an at-fault claim while you are insured with us. We will reduce your premium in this way until you reach the maximum No Claim Bonus. If you make an at-fault claim, your No Claim Bonus will be reduced when you renew your policy.

Do you have No Claim Bonus Protection?

Earned No Claim Bonus Protection provides you with one at-fault claim during your period of insurance without it affecting your No Claim Bonus.

You are eligible for Earned No Claim Bonus Protection if you have

• held your driver’s licence for eight years or more, and not had any at-fault incidents in the last two years, or
• been on the maximum No Claim Bonus with us for a consecutive two-year period and not had any at-fault claims in the past two years.

If I have an accident, will my No Claim Bonus be affected?

If your car or motorcycle is involved in an incident, we will not reduce your No Claim Bonus if

• we decide the incident was not your fault, and you provide us with the name, current residential address and vehicle registration of the person who caused the incident, or
• your claim is for damage caused by a storm or other naturally occurring event.

If you make a claim for an accident that you caused, your No Claim Bonus will be reduced when you renew your policy.

Last updated: December 21, 2011

Our Nominated Driver policies calculate your premium on the basis that your car will be driven by no more than two nominated drivers over the age of 25. It is important to note that under our Nominated Driver policy, no cover is provided to any drivers under the age of 25.  If someone other than a Nominated Driver was driving the vehicle (over the age of 25) and is involved in an accident a double excess will be applied to the claim. Any nominated drivers will be listed on your policy schedule.

Last updated: December 22, 2011

Depending on the type of policy you hold. Our standard policy automatically covers learner drivers; however additional excess levels may apply in the event of a claim. If you hold a Nominated Driver policy and your children are under the age of 25 your policy restricts drivers under the age of 25 from being covered in the event of a claim so you would need to contact us to alter your policy type. If you are unsure which cover is best for you, please call us to discuss the options available.

Last updated: December 22, 2011

Depending on the type of policy you hold. If your child has just received their license you should contact us to ensure the appropriate level of cover is in place.  We have flexible policy options available so if the circumstances of any regular drivers change, please contact us to ensure that all drivers are covered.

Last updated: December 22, 2011

You need to tell us if you have made any modifications to your vehicle as the nature of the modifications may affect our ability to insure you. It is also important that you disclose all non-standard accessories and modifications to ensure you are fully covered in the event of a claim. Any modifications must be in accordance with the relevant road traffic 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 for more information.

Last updated: December 22, 2011

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 the purchases. It is important that you disclose all non-standard accessories and modifications to ensure you are fully covered in the event of a claim.

Last updated: December 19, 2011

If you have Comprehensive cover you are able to take up our Windscreen Extension option. You must select and pay for this option for it to apply. This optional cover allows one windscreen or window glass repair or replacement without being required to pay any Basic Excess or Voluntary Excess and without affecting your No Claim Bonus. We do not offer this option on our Third Party Property Damage or Budget Fire & Theft policies.

Last updated: December 19, 2011

We do offer discounts for HBF members who hold more than one insurance product with us.  You may also be able to reduce your premium by restricting the number of drivers nominated on your policy, electing to pay a voluntary excess, selecting market value cover or opting for our low kilometres policy option. For details on how to best reduce your premiums please call us or visit one of our branches. 

Last updated: December 21, 2011

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 1300 133 520. 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.

Last updated: December 19, 2011

Submit the claim details with us as soon as possible and we will investigate the matter. In order to avoid paying an excess you must meet the following criteria:

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

You can advise the name and address of that driver or other person; and

You can provide the registration number of the car at fault.

Last updated: December 19, 2011

An ‘excess’ is your contribution towards the cost of a claim.  Depending on the type of policy you have there may be more than one type of excess applicable.  These include a basic excess, age excess and an inexperienced driver excess.

An excess will not apply if

• the incident was not the fault of the driver of your vehicle, and we are provided with the contact details of the person who caused the incident, including their name, current residential address and vehicle registration, and who they are insured with.
• you have selected the Windscreen Extension Option, it is listed on your schedule, and you are only making a claim for windscreen or window glass damage.

Last updated: December 21, 2011

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 the driver’s age and the vehicle type therefore it is important that you contact us to ensure that your cover is not affected. 

Last updated: November 24, 2010

If you have Comprehensive or Third Party Fire and Theft cover we will pay the cost of a hire vehicle if your vehicle is stolen or unsafe to drive as a result of theft or attempted theft. We will cover the cost of a hire vehicle up to a total of 14 days or until your vehicle is recovered and repaired. Conditions do apply so please see our current Car Policy Wording and Product Disclosure Statement or call us for further details. 

Last updated: May 28, 2012

Insurance issued by CGU Insurance Limited (CGU) ABN 27 004 47838291. For full policy details please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) which can be obtained by calling HBF on 133 423. This is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances. You should consider the PDS and your personal circumstances in deciding whether to buy or hold these products. HBF Health Limited ABN 11 126 884 786 AR No. 406073 (HBF Health), is an authorised representative of and also acts under a binder from CGU, the issuer of general insurance products distributed by HBF Health. HBF Health will receive a commission of between 10 – 15% of the premium you pay (excluding taxes and charges) plus GST. For each travel insurance policy sold, HBF Health will receive a commission of up to $62. Please read the Financial Services Guide (FSG) before applying for an HBF General Insurance product.

Last updated: October 29, 2012