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Whilst many of us now own smartphones and computers, Online Banking can be an area that our members need support with when getting started. It provides the convenience to use banking services over the internet in a secure and safe way. There are many Online Banking benefits you can access as a member of Horizon Bank. In this blog post, we share the top ones. How do I set up Online Banking? Here's how you can enjoy easy setup and access Setting up Online Banking is free for Horizon Bank members. You can easily access Online Banking from any desktop, mobile or tablet device. When you open an account with us, our staff will offer you Online Banking access. At this point, you can register for Online Banking, or you can register at a time that suits you by filling out our online form. To access our Online Banking, select our green online banking button from the right hand side on our website homepage. When accessing Online Banking from a mobile or tablet device, you’ll be given two options: Mobile Banking and Desktop Banking. Mobile Banking – is a cut down version of Online Banking, designed to be compatible with your mobile device. You won’t be able to access the full suite of services offered within Online Banking. Desktop Banking – is the full version of Online Banking. However, you may find it hard to navigate your way around depending on the size of your device. Which option do I choose? If you have forgotten your Online Banking password, no problem! If you have a Horizon Bank Visa card, you’ll be able to reset your password by clicking ‘forgot password’ and completing the required fields. Otherwise, contact your local branch during business hours for assistance. 1. I’m using a desktop computer 2. I’m using an iPad or other tablet device 3. I’m using my phone Visit horizonbank.com.au and choose the green Online Banking button. You will be directed to Online Banking once you log in. Download the Horizon Bank app. OR Visit horizonbank.com.au and click on the green Online Banking button. Choose Mobile Banking for tasks like transferring money, using BPAY, managing payees and setting up or editing future payments. OR Choose Desktop Banking for the full suite of online banking services available. Note: your view may be affected depending on the size and age of your device. Contact your local branch if you require assistance.   Download the Horizon Bank app. Note: you will need to use a desktop computer or tablet device to access the full suite of online banking services available. Contact your local branch if you require assistance.   Banking services all in one place Once you register for Online Banking, you can enjoy many benefits. We’ve listed just some of them here: View balances on all of your accounts View your periodical payments Register for eStatements View the interest you've earned for the financial year Activate your Visa card from the Services & Help menu Transfer funds to and from accounts Transfer funds to accounts at other financial institutions Pay bills with BPAY Set up and alter future dated bill paying Download transactions Redraw on your loan (where applicable) Open a new Term Deposit or savings account. Below are the savings accounts available to open through Online Banking. For other accounts please contact us. S1 Redisavings – A general working account S2, S4, S5 – Special Purpose Savings accounts S6 Cash Management – An at call savings account with competitive interest rates for large balances S10 HorizonDirect – An online savings account Register for SMS Queries and SMS Alerts Register for SMS One Time Password for added security Make International transfers Please note, to increase your external transfer limit, please call your local branch for assistance. Access to real time payments We’re pleased to provide members with the option of transferring funds via Osko® to participating financial institutions. When you choose Osko when you’re transferring funds, the money is sent and received instantly. This service is available 24/7, 365 days a year. If you would prefer a standard bank transfer, this option is always available and is set as the default transfer option. For added convenience, you can transfer money to someone using their PayID. This can be in the form of an email address, mobile number, organisation ID or ABN. You can also create and manage your own PayID within our Online Banking. This can then be provided to anyone needing to transfer money to you, provided they use a participating financial institution. We don’t transfer you to an overseas branch or call centre As a customer-owned and local bank, all of our operations are based on the NSW South Coast. When you have questions about our Online Banking facilities or if you encounter any issues simply contact your local branch during business hours for help and support. You’ll always speak with a staff member at your local branch to help you find the right solution. Alternatively, read our Online Banking frequently asked questions. Horizon Bank is here to support our members and communities. If you’re looking for a safe and efficient way to access your personal banking online, get in touch with us today. As a local bank, we provide the support and information you need. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

As the New Year kicks in, it’s a good time to assess where you are and where you want to go with your finances. You are able to plan for, and make a list of financial goals at any time of the year - however having an outlook for the year ahead can be a great place to start, especially after the challenges many of us faced due to the effects of COVID in 2020. Read on to find out about our top tips for setting financial goals for 2021. Setting a Budget You Can Stick To  Take a look at your previous year’s spending and costs and see where you might be able to make some adjustments. The key is to set realistic goals on where you can save money; that are also achievable so you don’t get stuck in a “too hard” mentality. Once you create a budget, it needs to be easily accessible so that it’s not forgotten and can be regularly checked and updated.  Paying Off Debts If you have debts like credit cards or loans ensure you are getting a competitive rate on these. Paying off just that bit extra creates a buffer you can fall on, if you experience a tougher month in future. The faster you can reduce debt, the greater chance you have of using that money elsewhere to improve your financial standing. A great budgeting tool to use is our budget planner calculator. Look at where you can cut back on your expenses and redirect that money into paying off a debt. Have A Savings Plan When looking at your budget, allow for a regular amount to hit your savings account each pay day. You can ask Horizon to setup a payroll split so you don’t have to think about manually transferring money to your savings. Making adjustments such as buying fewer coffees or meals out all adds up at the end of the month. Start small on cutting back and work your way up to adding more to your savings as you go. Arm yourself with knowledge A lack of proper financial education or financial literacy may result in poor financial decisions which can negatively affect your financial position in the future. ASIC’s Money Smart website is a great resource for information on financial products. If superannuation and estate planning is on your to-do list for 2021, you can always speak with a financial planner about strategies that are right for you. Investments Well researched investments could set you and your family up for a prosperous financial future. Investing in property is a popular trend in Australia with about 1.8 million households owning an investment property or holiday home^. If property is not for you, there are a range of financial products available providing different levels of risk and return. Speaking to a financial planner and/or accountant about what is feasible for you is a great first step. Get in touch with the friendly team at Horizon Bank today and let us help you on your financial goals journey. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. ^Source: Survey of Income and Housing 2017/18, Australian Bureau of StatisticsThe content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

It’s December, the month of celebrations - and spending! This can be a tricky time for many families doing Christmas on a budget, especially when trying to manage the normal day to day bills and expenses. In this blog we’ll look at how you can you still enjoy Christmas without the big spend. Here are our tips to make it enjoyable without going overboard. Sell the things you no longer need Make some room and clear out space in time for the festive season by holding a garage sale or listing your unwanted items online. This is a great way to kick off your savings plan, as you may be surprised at what you could earn for your pre-loved household items. Charities, churches and other organisations may also take old Christmas decorations off your hands for their own displays. Re-purposing is a great way to get rid of unwanted items and reduces your household waste. Think of others during this time by donating things you no longer need if they’re unable to be sold. Look for Sales & Deals Do your homework and shop around for your gifts before finding and buying the first thing you see. Online shopping can be a clever way to do this, with the many comparison sites that are now available providing consumers with the best deals. Shopping during sales periods are also a great way to save on your Christmas spending. Start a Christmas budget planner and estimate how much you want to allocate to gifts, food and decorations. Don’t buy on emotion Taking a rational approach to your Christmas shopping means you may have to sacrifice pricey brands you know and trust for a cheaper alternative if you are sticking to a budget. This is why a great savings tip is to make a list of who you’re buying for and what they are receiving from you, with an allocated limit. Don’t plan a shopping trip - online or offline, without this list  - you could end up overspending and buying things unnecessarily. Christmas Day Meals It’s easy to go overboard with food preparation for Christmas Day. Take advantage of future food items on sale in the lead up to Christmas. Try to plan your grocery shop as close to Christmas Day as possible to avoid fresh produce going to waste. If you are sharing this time with family and friends, ask others to contribute by bringing a plate of their special dish for everyone to enjoy. Have lots of containers handy to store leftovers so they can be enjoyed on Boxing Day instead of making or buying more food. Set up a Christmas Account Planning for Christmas expenses ahead of time is a great way to manage your Christmas budget. This makes it easy to put aside savings throughout the year and then use this money for the festive season. We can assist you with setting up a new Christmas Club account at Horizon Bank.  Get in touch with the friendly team at Horizon Bank today and let us help you on your Christmas savings journey. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong.   The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

5 tips to prepare for bushfire season With bushfires on the rise, follow these simple tips to help you plan ahead to protect your family and home from devastation. With the weather getting hotter and drier, the fire danger period in many parts of Australia can become susceptible to bushfires that can be difficult to manage. While it’s important to plan for these catastrophic events all year round, we’ve summarised the top 5 tips to prepare for this bushfire season from the experts at the NSW RFS. Most importantly, in the event of a bushfire, don’t risk your life. Leaving the night before or on the morning of a high-risk fire day should be your highest priority.  Prepare months before Well before fire season, visit your state fire authority’s website (details below) or call them to get all the information you need to be bushfire ready. Familiarise yourself with the website and any of their social media channels. Several states also have a mobile phone app that you can download. Also know where to find your emergency broadcaster, such as the local ABC radio channel. Stay informed Once fire season begins, make a habit of checking your local fire danger ratings. Know what your local weather district is so you can access the most relevant and up-to-date forecasts, alerts and warnings. Armed with the latest information, you’ll be better placed to make a good, early decision. Remember: you don’t need to wait for a warning. Bushfires can start quickly and may threaten property and lives within moments.      Know your strategy Before bushfire season starts, make a decision about which fire danger rating will be your trigger to leave. Will you leave the night before or in the morning? Have a number of routes planned so that you have options in case there's already a fire in the area. Make sure the entire family has discussed plans for leaving, including what to take, what to do with pets or livestock and what will happen if you can’t leave. Have an emergency kit ready to go that includes important documents, medications, protective clothing, a woollen blanket, a battery-powered radio and torch, along with spare batteries. Protect your home Making sure your house is ready for a fire can increase the likelihood that it will survive. First, make sure you have current and adequate Home and Contents Insurance. Remove leaves and branches from your gutters and clear flammable items from around the house. Take special care to remove potential fuel sources such as woodpiles, outdoor furniture, paint, combustible chemicals, boxes and doormats. If you have LPG gas bottles, turn the valves to point away from the house. Prepare the backyard Prune any overhanging branches within 10 metres of the house and keep the lawn mown to less than 10 centimetres. Replace flammable mulch in the garden with rocks or pebbles. Cut back any shrubs near or under windows and tidy the garden of any dry grass, leaves, twigs and loose bark. For more help and information, check with your local fire service. The content in this article has been prepared by Insurance Australia Limited for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank. Insurance issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 trading as CGU Insurance. Any advice is general only. Consider the relevant PDS available from cgu.com.au to see if a product is right for you.

If you become unemployed and have loans to repay, you may feel overwhelmed and struggle to know where to begin. While most of us may not have a comprehensive financial management plan, in this article we’ll share our tips for helping you plan during difficult financial times that have been caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Review Spending Don’t let yourself fall into a financial crisis. Now is the time to be proactive and take actions to safeguard your future. For example if you’re looking at how to save money, it is a great time to re-think about how you and your family spend. With restrictions in place, you can be re-directing the money you were spending on meals out and other entertainment expenses and place that into a savings account. Any direct debits that are non-essential should also be reviewed. For example, multiple subscriptions to online video streaming is probably something you don’t need right now. The best way to save money is to take a good look in your pantry and cupboards then make a list of essentials you need. When visiting the supermarket, don’t panic buy, gather what you need in a calm manner to avoid over spending. Plan and prioritise for the future It is important to think of how a global situation may affect you in the short and long term. In the short term, as your bills come in, prioritise them to see what is most urgent and pay those first. Let your provider know up front if you are struggling or believe you will have difficulty paying for utilities in the coming months. Communication is key - banks, companies and organisations are aware of the current pandemic so it’s important to communicate with them and arrange payment plans or agreements to ensure your services continue during this already stressful time. Many organisations will already have measures in place you can possibly take advantage of during this time. We don’t know what will happen in weeks or months down the track, so be proactive with your savings plan which should include important insurances and safeguards such as superannuation, life insurance and income protection. Talk with your partner about what day to day life will look like if one of you were to become unemployed. Talk to your bank Many banks and financial institutions will be experiencing large volumes of calls coming through from customers experiencing financial hardship. If you need help, try and remain patient and be assured your case will be looked at. A key savings tip is to ask as many questions as you need, to understand how home loan repayment deferrals will work. Ask about how you can stay on top of your credit commitments without compromising your financial position. Access assistance and stay up to date The Government has released different assistance updates including the Coronavirus Supplement. Financial assistance is just one of a range of measures the Government is implementing to address the global health crisis. Be sure to stay on top of these changes and understand how they may help you during this time. Reading information from reliable sources from which you can base your decisions and actions off is very important. Examples include official government sites and other reputable sources. Check these first before reading content on social media. The following sites are the best available sources of information for health and government updates: Australian Government Department of Health Coronavirus Official Australian Government Information  Australian Government Department of Home Affairs Advice for travelers  Look after your mental health When you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed, it’s important to recognise this and have strategies in place to overcome these feelings. Staying connected with family, friends and work colleagues is important during this time. If you can’t access your regular doctor, reach out to online reputable resources for help and assistance. If you’re working from home, keep up regular physical activity and maintain a healthy diet. Get up and walk around every so often just as you would at work. Horizon Bank is here if you need help. Visit our web page for any updates and our response to the Coronavirus outbreak. Get in touch with us if you are experiencing financial hardship, or if you need saving tips. We are here to support our members & communities as best we can. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

Developing positive habits with money from an early age provides you with the tools you need as you grow older and make more substantial purchases - like buying your first home. So, it’s a good idea to begin this journey from a young age. Learning how to save money is a skill, so in this post we look at some of the things you can do to manage your finances in your 20’s and beyond. Know Your Net Income The first step in managing your finances is to identify the amount of money you have coming in from work, government payments or other allowances. You will need to subtract your deductions to understand your net income. Without fully understanding how much you earn versus how much you spend, you can end up over estimating what you can and can’t afford. It can help to create a budget based on how frequently you are paid. I.e. weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Watch Your Spending A great money saving tip is understanding the difference between wants and needs. A good rule of thumb is to avoid impulse buying, take time to do your research and make sure your purchase is a need not a want. Once the income starts rolling in from full time or regular work, it can be easy to assume you can afford larger, more expensive purchases. There are many apps available that help you to budget and track your spending and receipts. You can also use our personal budget calculator as an estimate of what surplus of money you could be left with after regular expenses are deducted from your income. Build a Credit Report You may have heard of the term ‘credit score’, or credit report’. Managing finances includes paying bills and making loan repayments on time. These actions are noted on your credit report, which is what lenders will look at as part of a loan application. Learn more about building credit reports. A great way to stay organised to pay bills and loans on time is to set a reminder in a calendar so you don’t forget when things are due. To show a lender that you can effectively manage your money, you could consider getting a low rate credit card to begin building your credit report. Taking out a phone plan or utility account in your name will also start a credit report. Have a Savings Plan It’s important to allocate parts of your income into savings accounts to save for major purchases like a new car, holiday, furniture or even a house deposit. Allocating a goal for your savings will encourage you to save. It is tempting to spend money that hasn’t already been allocated for a goal or other major purchase. Making a budget will help you create a savings plan, as you will know how much money you have left over after your expenses. Put a portion of this into a savings account, which can be opened online. Horizon Bank does not charge account keeping fees, which means more money in your pocket. Review Your Personal Finances on a Regular Basis Circumstances change so it’s important to review your personal budget and goals on a regular basis. If you receive a pay rise, it is a good idea to consider putting more money away into your savings to help reach your goal faster. However if you see a reduction in income, you may need to revisit your budget and look at cutting back on expenses where possible. Managing finances effectively requires foresight, so talk to your bank and other creditors about repayment options if you find yourself struggling to make payments on loans and accounts. At Horizon bank, we can help you manage your finances in your 20’s. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our products and services and how to make the most out of your money. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. ​The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

If you are looking at purchasing a new or used car, it will pay off to do your research on what your car payments will be and when is the best time to buy. There are four key times in the year to seriously consider buying a car from a dealership. That is during the end of the financial year, at the beginning of the calendar year and at the end in December. These times will be better to buy due to a variety of reasons. We’ll explore these further in our latest post. End of Financial Year New car sales season typically hits in June with heavy advertising on TV and radio. This is driven by car brands and dealers keen to hit their targets and boost financial year sales figures. You might find that there will be a push to take out auto finance. Get all the information then compare their offer with a car loan from your bank first. The end of financial year is an opportune time to buy a car at a great price or negotiate for bonus additions such as an extended warranty, extra window tinting, alloy wheels or roof racks. This time of year also often works well for buyers wanting to buy a vehicle for business use, as they can then claim the tax advantage soon after making the purchase. At The End Of The Year Cars can spend up to three months out at sea before arriving in Australia. This can lead to an excess of cars towards the end of the year, with supply being difficult to manage; making December a good time to buy a new car. The end of the calendar year means that car dealers are trying to clear out current model-year stock. Dealerships become keen to sell cars built that year, because they become the previous year’s model, which becomes harder to sell and they want to make room for new car stock. Beginning Of A New Year Before the New Year begins take the time to look at your finances and use a car loan calculator to estimate your repayments on a car loan. This will help you decide if the repayments will fit in with your budget for the New Year. A car with the previous year’s build plate is traditionally much harder to shift the longer it remains at the dealership into the New Year. If you find out the build date of the vehicle you’re interested in you could apply a bit more pressure to have the price lowered. It is worth finding out to be sure you are not buying a ‘brand new’ car that has been in the showroom for a year, if nothing else. Unfortunately, buyers can’t realistically expect a current-year build in the initial weeks of the year. As a result, the plate clearance deals can get even better early in the year. This is why it can pay off to ride out the End of Year sales and buy your new car during the early-year plate clearance sales. When Car Loan Rates Drop Keeping an eye on interest rates is a great way to save yourself money in the long term. When you apply for a loan With Horizon Bank, you can take advantage of a low variable rate car loan or a five year fixed rate car loan. We also offer flexible loan features such as no penalty for early repayments and free redraw with no minimum amount required. At Horizon bank, we can help you with your car finance for new or used cars. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our products and services. Need more convincing? Check out our 5 star reviews on Google. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant General Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.

Severe weather driving tips to keep you safe Winter driving poses its own set of challenges. Hail, storms, rain, flooding, snow, and severe winds can impact road conditions. Here are some of our top tips for staying safe whilst driving on the roads this winter. Driving in wet weather Driving in wet weather can make the roads slippery and lower your visibility. It’s important in this case to accelerate and decelerate slowly to ensure you don’t lose control of your car. Plan your journey, don’t take sharp turns, and try to drive in the tracks of the car before you to avoid slippage. Speed limits are designed for driving in dry weather conditions. Remember that when conditions change it’s important to slow down and lengthen the distance from the vehicle in front of you. Hail Hail storms have the potential to cause damage to vehicles. If you’re stuck in a hail storm, it’s important to stay in your car to avoid injuries. Stop your vehicle to slow down the force of the hail hitting your windscreen, and if you can, angle your windscreen towards the direction of the hail as this is the strongest glass on your vehicle. Driving in a flood It’s best to avoid driving in flood conditions, however if essential, you must check traffic conditions before leaving and remember to never drive across the flood waters. Flood waters are extremely dangerous and unpredictable; they also contain debris which can cause injuries and damage. Icy conditions Driving in icy or snowy conditions can add the risk of your car slipping on the roads or getting stuck in a snow storm. If driving in snowy conditions, pack blankets which can come in handy if you become snow-logged. Your tires should have added grip to minimise slippage also. Visibility in severe weather Poor visibility in winter weather can be caused by fog, rain and road spray. Fog lights are designed to assist in this type of weather and should be used accordingly. Ensure to slow down to a safe speed if conditions worsen, and keep a safe distance from those driving in front of you. If the weather is too severe and you cannot see in front of you, stop where it’s safe and wait for the weather to clear. Staying safe in severe weather Before driving on the roads in any conditions it’s important to have car insurance in place. For more information on the right insurance for your car, contact CGU Insurance. Interested in upgrading your car, or want to know more about car insurance? Get in touch with us today, we're here to help. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by CGU for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank. Insurance issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 trading as CGU Insurance. Consider the relevant PDS available from cgu.com.au to see if a product is right for you.

Car insurance for learner drivers Learning to drive is an exciting milestone. So, if it’s your first time behind the wheel or you’re guiding a learner driver, here’s all you need to know about ensuring you’re protected on the road with the right kind of insurance. Learning to drive is the tipping point between relying on public transport or parents and friends to get around to discovering greater independence. But before you buckle in and hit the road, you’ll need to make sure you have the right kind of cover to suit your situation – just in case the unexpected happens. Here’s the basics on what you need to know about insurance for learner drivers. Get covered with the right car insurance Your choice of cover will depend on your situation, like if you’re learning to drive using your parent’s car or have bought your own new set of wheels to learn in. Whatever the situation is, here are some of the main types of car insurance and what’s covered: Comprehensive Car Insurance: This protects your car from the unexpected and comes with options to suit how you drive it. This policy can cover the cost of repairs for damage caused by both parties in an incident, natural events like flood and fire, and unexpected circumstances such as theft. Third Party Property Damage Car Insurance: If you’re looking for basic security while you’re out on the road, this policy provides smart cover for the unexpected. Even if your budget is tight or your car’s not worth much, you might still need cover if you cause an accident or an uninsured driver runs into you. Third Party Property Damage Car Insurance covers you for the cost of repairs for damages caused by you to another driver’s vehicle. It also provides protection from uninsured drivers, with cover up to $5,000 of repairs to your vehicle if your car is damaged by an uninsured vehicle and the accident is not your fault. Third Party Fire and Theft Car Insurance: This is mid-range cover for your car. You might not want all the bells and whistles, but you can still get important protection for when you’re out on the road, plus cover in case your car gets stolen or damaged by fire or attempted theft. Plus, if your car’s damaged by an uninsured vehicle and it’s not your fault, we cover up to $5,000 of repairs to your vehicle. Listing a learner driver to your car insurance policy Learner drivers are covered under all CGU Private Motor Insurance policies without the need to be listed on the policy, however they must be accompanied by a fully licenced driver aged 25 years or more. This includes a Nominated Driver Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy where your premium will be calculated on the basis that your car will be driven by no more than two nominated drivers who are 25 years of age or over. If however you or your child purchases a new or used car for them to learn in, the safest option is to get a quote and buy a new car insurance policy. So, whether you’re a learner driver cruising the streets in a new set of wheels, or you’re a parent teaching your child the ins and outs of road safety in your old family car, you can get covered in a few simple steps. Before you decide which cover is right for you, it’s worth checking the policy documents to get an idea of what is and isn’t covered. For more details, view CGU’s Motor Vehicle Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). We're here to help. Get in touch with us today for a car insurance quote. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. The content in this article has been prepared by CGU for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank. Insurance issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 trading as CGU Insurance. Consider the relevant PDS available from cgu.com.au to see if a product is right for you.

Whether it’s taking a long drive to the beach or ducking down to the local oval for your kids’ big game, keep you and your passengers safe by making routine checks to ensure your car’s in tip-top condition. Whether it’s driving to work, driving to buy groceries or driving on a long road trip, it’s always a good idea to have your vehicle in tip-top condition. Here are a few ways to get your car road ready. Pay attention to your vehicle It’s important to pay attention to your vehicle and listen and look out for any out of character signs. No matter how new or old your vehicle is – or how long or short your drive is – you should always treat your vehicle like a person and regularly check if it’s in good working order. Organise routine checks Regularly schedule routine checks to give your vehicle the love and care it deserves. When the engine is cold, do all the usual checks, such as inspecting the oil, brake and power steering fluids, and engine coolant transmission fluids. Look underneath for obvious leaks and check the whereabouts of all little people before you take off. Make light of every situation Checking all the lights including indicators, low and high beam headlights, fog lights, hazard lights, warning lights, brake lights and reverse lights. If you don’t have another set of eyes to help you out, reverse up to a reflective surface or take it to a mechanic for a safety and service check. Check your tread When your car is cold and you haven’t been driving it, check tyre pressure and make sure the tread is at least 1.5 millimetres – this includes the spare tyre too. Get a clear view of the road ahead If your windscreen wipers start to squeak, skip, streak, smear or split then it may be time to swap them for new ones. Sort out the paperwork Be sure your rego is valid and your motor vehicle insurance cover is up-to-date. And if you’re crossing borders or travelling in unfamiliar terrains, check local road rules and make sure you’re aware of varying driving conditions so you’re prepared for the journey. There is a lot to consider when comparing motor vehicle insurance cover. If you’re looking for assistance with choosing the right cover for your needs, get in touch with us today. We’re here to make the process easy and provide a great experience. Horizon Bank has a branch network spanning the NSW South Coast and Illawarra. Horizon Bank branch locations: Albion Park, Bega, Bermagui, Berry, Merimbula, Moruya, Nowra, Thirroul, Ulladulla & Wollongong. Insurance issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 trading as CGU Insurance. Any advice is general only. Consider the relevant PDS available from cgu.com.au to see if a product is right for you. The content in this article has been prepared by Horizon Bank for general information only and it is not intended to be professional advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek your own legal, accounting, financial or other professional advice where appropriate, and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any products or services offered by Horizon Bank and/or its affiliated partners. We do not recommend any third party products or services referred to in this article unless otherwise stated and we are not liable in relation to them. Any links to third party websites are for your information and we do not endorse any content on those sites. Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence Number 240573 trading as Horizon Bank.