If you ask thousands of Australian motorists, apparently, the resounding answer is \u2018yes\u2019.<\/p>\n
In recent days, one online price comparison company has started a petition making the point as to why shouldn\u2019t Australians be eligible to receive a refund on a portion of their unused car registration and insurance costs?<\/p>\n
Quite predictably, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. After all, times are tough at the moment and we could all do with a little extra money in our pockets.<\/p>\n
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But is it likely<\/em> that government and insurers would budge?<\/strong><\/h2>\nAccording to some, the principle of \u2018fairness\u2019 goes some way to underpin the request for a partial refund. And sure, if either state governments or insurers are feeling charitable, the prospect certainly can\u2019t be ruled out.<\/p>\n
However, we also have to put into perspective broader efforts being made by all levels of government. From health care costs, to support for businesses, jobs and the significant \u2018benefits\u2019 payments being distributed to support people who receive subsidies and\/or find themselves impacted by a change in employment circumstances. This means that government debt is set to balloon. Believe it or not, we\u2019ll all be paying for that soon enough.<\/p>\n
What is also missing from this equation is a \u2018benefit\u2019 that motorists have seen offset their car expenses. That is, the overwhelming majority, if not all drivers have seen a significant reduction in running costs. Petrol prices have plummeted in recent weeks, not to mention, most of us are driving nowhere near as much as we normally might. On top of that, a reduction in wear and tear can only help delay some costs arising from repair work.<\/p>\n
In light of this benefit relating to lower petrol costs, the federal government will also lose a chunk of its fuel excise intake due to refiners and petrol operators shifting less fuel. And ultimately, this fee is more linked to your driving activity than say, registration, which would still normally apply even if you were not using your car or out of the country.<\/p>\n
Although insurance refunds could be on the agenda \u2013 especially if there is enough of a vocal push from insured motorists \u2013 even here, we have to consider, your car is meant<\/em> to be insured even when it\u2019s not being driven, in case of fire and theft, or for that once a week trip to the supermarket.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
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