NSW Hire Car Association

19/03/2026

Major insurance update

Cut Your Car Insurance Costs – Quick Survey for Professional Drivers

Insurance premiums are rising fast, and it is costing drivers thousands each year.

The NSW Hire Car Association is developing a national group insurance program for professional drivers across Australia, designed to deliver cheaper comprehensive car insurance with better coverage.

Before moving forward, we need to confirm one thing:
Would drivers actually be interested in a lower-cost option like this?

This survey takes less than a minute, and your input will directly influence whether this program goes ahead.

Insurance premiums keep climbing, and that comes straight out of your pocket. The NSW Hire Car Association is exploring a member insurance program designed specifically for professional drivers across Australia, which could deliver cheaper comprehensive car insurance along with better coverage. Befo...

06/02/2026

Your Jobs Are Safe (For Now): The Truth About "Autonomous" Vehicles

Remember when we were told autonomous vehicles would be completely driverless? Well, here's an interesting development from the United States.
Waymo, one of the world's leading robotaxi companies, just admitted to US lawmakers that their "fully autonomous" vehicles aren't so autonomous after all. When their AI can't handle a situation, they call for help from human operators – based in the Philippines.
That's right: these supposedly cutting-edge self-driving cars still need human judgment and intervention.

Watch the Senate hearing here: https://youtube.com/shorts/qgbDjxy9dto?si=oegz6a-QsWn5ihjk
Key Points:

Waymo's Chief Safety Officer confirmed remote operators in the Philippines provide guidance to US robotaxis
This revelation came during Senate hearings, shocking lawmakers who had been told the vehicles were fully autonomous
US Senators raised serious concerns about cybersecurity, safety, and the qualifications of overseas operators
The disclosure came just weeks after a Waymo vehicle struck a child near a California school

What This Means for Our Industry:
The technology that's supposed to replace professional drivers still depends on... professional drivers. Just outsourced ones.
This confirms what we've always known: there's no substitute for experienced, licensed drivers who understand local roads, traffic conditions, and Australian road rules. Our members provide a level of service, safety, and local expertise that no algorithm can replicate.
So to our professional drivers across NSW: your skills, experience, and judgment remain invaluable. The future of autonomous vehicles may be coming, but it's clearly not here yet.
Stay safe out there.

05/02/2026

NSW Hire Car Association
Industry Advisory – Motor Insurance and Chauffeur Operations

The NSW Hire Car Association issues this advisory to assist licensed hire car, limousine and chauffeur operators in understanding insurance risks that may arise when using private motor vehicle insurance policies.

This notice is provided for general industry awareness only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice.

Advisory overview

The Association has observed that some professional chauffeurs and hire car operators may be operating under private motor vehicle insurance policies that do not provide cover for commercial passenger transport activities.

Operators are reminded that insurance coverage is determined strictly by the terms, conditions and exclusions set out in their individual policy documentation, including the Product Disclosure Statement and Certificate of Insurance.

Key points for NSW hire car operators

Many private motor insurance policies exclude use for hire and reward, chauffeuring or people transportation

Some policies permit limited rideshare use only, subject to:

Explicit notation on the Certificate of Insurance

Hourly usage limits

Rideshare services and professional chauffeuring are treated differently under many insurance contracts

Business use or part-time use alone does not necessarily constitute approval for passenger transport for reward

Common risk identified

The Association has identified a risk where operators may assume they are insured because:

Premiums are paid regularly

The vehicle is used only part-time

The operator drives limited hours per week

The policy notes general “business use”

Such assumptions may be incorrect.
If the specific use of the vehicle for chauffeuring or hire car services is not expressly accepted by the insurer, a claim may be declined.

Potential consequences

In the event of an incident occurring while operating without appropriate insurance cover, operators may be exposed to:

Uninsured vehicle damage

Uninsured third-party property claims

Personal financial liability

Policy cancellation or non-renewal

NSW HCA guidance

The NSW Hire Car Association encourages all operators to:

Review their Certificate of Insurance carefully

Confirm directly with their insurer, in writing, whether their policy:

Covers chauffeuring or hire car use

Permits passenger transport for reward

Obtain insurance that is appropriate for licensed hire car and limousine operations, where required

Regulatory reminder

Operators are reminded that holding appropriate insurance is a fundamental component of operating a compliant hire car or chauffeur service in New South Wales.

Responsibility for ensuring adequate insurance coverage rests with the operator.

15/12/2025

NSW Hire Car Association Statement on Bondi Beach Terror Attack

The NSW Hire Car Association stands with all Sydneysiders and the Jewish community in mourning the tragic loss of 15 lives in yesterday's terrorist attack on the Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach. We condemn this senseless act of violence targeting our community.

We are proud to donate $2,000 to Ahmed al Ahmed, whose extraordinary courage and selfless actions saved countless lives. Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner, charged one of the gunmen from behind, wrestled the rifle from his hands, and disarmed him—all while under fire from a second shooter. He was shot twice during the struggle, once in his arm and once in his hand, and is currently recovering in hospital.

As NSW Premier Chris Minns said, Ahmed is a "genuine hero" whose bravery saved many lives that night.

Our deepest condolences go to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this horrific attack on our Jewish community. Our thoughts are with the 40 people who remain hospitalized, and we wish them all a full and speedy recovery.
Support Ahmed's recovery: https://gofund.me/d7aa8dff8

The transport and hire car community serves Sydney every day, connecting people across our great city. We have seen firsthand the resilience and strength of Sydneysiders, and we know that spirit will carry us through this dark time.

Sydney is strong. We stand united. We will get through this together.

NSW Hire Car Association

After witnessing the extraordinary actions of the hero who he… CarHubAustralia Car Hub Australia needs your support for Support the Hero Who Disarmed a Bondi Attacker

29/09/2025

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24/09/2025

Hi everyone, a quick tip for the hire car industry!

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You can get a competitive quote and great service through GM Cabs. Just call 02 9667 2028 and press extension 125 to speak with Amal.

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Don't miss out on these savings!

09/09/2025

Attention NSW Limo and Ride Share Drivers – Important Road Rule Reminder

Did you know? Under NSW road rules, limo drivers and ride share drivers can be fined and lose 3 demerit points if the front seat passenger is not wearing their seatbelt correctly.

⚠️ Taxi drivers are exempt from this rule – but importantly, limousine and ride share drivers are not.

This means every time a passenger rides in your vehicle, it is your responsibility to ensure that:

The front seat passenger has their seatbelt on before you start driving

The belt is worn correctly across the shoulder and lap

You remind passengers courteously if they are non-compliant

Protect your licence, your livelihood, and your professional reputation by making sure every trip is compliant.

The NSW HCA is committed to keeping our industry informed and safeguarding professional drivers from unnecessary fines and penalties.

Stay compliant. Stay professional. Stay safe.

28/08/2025

SPECIAL OFFER FOR NSW HCA MEMBERS

Limo drivers, meet your new go-to mechanic! Fernside Automotive in Redfern gets you back on the road fast.

Why drivers love us:

✓ 30-minute fixes for minor issues
✓ Prime Redfern location (154-156 Regent St)
✓ 8 hoists = no waiting around
✓ 4.8 Google rating
✓ All brands serviced
✓ Quick tyre quotes (under 20 mins)
✓ Comfortable waiting area
NSW HCA MEMBERS - Just mention your membership when you visit!

Need a reliable workshop that understands the hire car business? We've got you covered.

📞 9318 0300

🌐 www.fernsideautomotive.com.au

Direct contacts:
Waqar (Client Services): 0420 580 663
Tamer (Owner): 0481 773 773

07/08/2025

I am pleased to inform you all that we raised $8620 for George, and less the platform fees, we just deposited $8413.86 into his bank acount to help out with his bills until such time as he can get back on his feet again.

I would like to thank everyone for their donations and a special shout out go to the following people for their generous donations:

Mr John Aquilina
Mr Ben Hassary
Mr Gabriel De Pao

And of course the NSW HCA Team for organising this campaign.

31/07/2025

Amazing News - We've Reached $7,293 for George! 🎉

Dear Incredible Supporters,

I'm writing with a heart full of gratitude and some fantastic news to share with you all.

Thanks to your generosity and kindness, we've now raised $7,293 for George, our beloved driver who has been such an important part of the transport community. When we started this journey, we hoped the community would rally around George, but the response has been absolutely overwhelming.

Every single donation – whether $5 or $500 – has made a real difference. You've shown George that his years of dedicated service, his warm smile, and the care he's shown every passenger hasn't gone unnoticed. This isn't just about the money; it's about a community coming together to support someone who has always been there for others.

George was genuinely moved when we told him about the fund, and he asked me to pass along his heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed. He keeps saying he can't believe how kind people are – but honestly, those of us who know George aren't surprised at all that people want to help him.

Help Us Spread the Word

We're still accepting donations, and every bit helps George during this challenging time. If you'd like to share this with friends, family, or colleagues who might want to contribute, here's the link: https://gofund.me/f2403553

Even if people can't donate, sharing the link helps spread awareness and shows George just how many people are thinking of him.

What's Next

We'll keep you updated on George's progress and how the funds are helping him. Your support means everything – not just to George, but to all of us at the Hire Car Association who have watched this amazing community response unfold.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of George's story and for showing what Australian kindness really looks like.

With enormous gratitude,

The Hire Car Association Team

P.S. If you know anyone who might want to contribute or share George's story, the link is: https://gofund.me/f2403553

Help George Plassaras Rebuild His Life After Devastating Crash A dedicated chauffeur'… Simon Kalipciyan needs your support for Help George the Limo Driver

30/07/2025

Help George Plassaras Rebuild His Life After Devastating Crash

DONATE NOW: [https://gofund.me/5e6cd45a](https://gofund.me/5e6cd45a)

A dedicated chauffeur's life changed forever in seconds

On a quiet Sunday morning in Rose Bay, professional chauffeur George Plassaras was simply doing his job – providing safe, reliable transport for his clients in his Mercedes van. In an instant, a drunk driver in a Rolls-Royce made a reckless decision that shattered not just George's vehicle, but his entire world.

The devastating reality:
George now faces a heartbreaking journey ahead with catastrophic injuries from head to toe:
- Fractured skull requiring ongoing neurological care
- Broken neck with potential long-term mobility impacts
- Multiple fractured ribs affecting his breathing and recovery
- Complete right knee replacement needed
- Full right hip replacement required
- Extensive rehabilitation that could take years

A man who dedicated his life to safely transporting others now can't even walk.

George is single with no family support network except for one brother. The man who spent years ensuring others reached their destinations safely now faces the frightening prospect of not knowing if he'll ever walk normally again – let alone return to the work he loves.

His livelihood – his Mercedes van – is completely written off. The vehicle that represented years of hard work, pride, and his means of earning a living is now scrap metal. Without income and facing mounting medical bills, George is confronting financial devastation on top of his physical trauma.

This is where our community can make a difference.

The NSW Hire Car Association has organized this campaign with George's full permission to help him through this unimaginably difficult time. Every single dollar raised will go directly to George to help cover:

- Essential medical treatments and rehabilitation costs
- Living expenses during his long recovery period
- Mobility aids and home modifications he'll need
- The basics of life while he fights to rebuild what was taken from him

George never asked for this. He was simply a hardworking professional who took pride in providing excellent service to his clients. He doesn't deserve to face this battle alone.

Your support can help give George hope when he needs it most.

👆 CLICK TO DONATE: [https://gofund.me/5e6cd45a](https://gofund.me/5e6cd45a) 👆

No contribution is too small. Whether it's $5 or $500, every donation brings George one step closer to rebuilding his life after this senseless tragedy. Share this campaign with your friends and family – together, we can show George that his community stands with him.

*100% of all funds raised will go directly to Mr. George Plassaras. This campaign is organized by the NSW Hire Car Association with his complete knowledge and permission.*

Please help us help George get back on his feet – literally.

DONATE HERE: [https://gofund.me/5e6cd45a](https://gofund.me/5e6cd45a)

The NSW HCA just donated $2000 to kickstart this campaign, please help us reach our goalof 20K.