Budget Direct Comprehensive
- Get a 15%* online discount
- 24/7 Claims
- Lifetime guarantee on repairs
- Save by restricting younger drivers
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Whether you're looking to switch insurers or find cover for a new car, Car Insurance Finder® helps you easily compare and find the right car insurance policy for you. Our aim is to make comparison something every Aussie does before they buy a product. So compare car insurance policy features, get a bunch of quotes, and see if you could be getting a better deal.
Car insurance comparison
What is car insurance?
Car insurance is an agreement between you (the driver) and an insurer, in which you pay them a car insurance premium in exchange for them covering you in case something goes wrong. In Australia there are 4 levels of insurance. Compuslory Third Party (CTP) insurance is mandatory, and only covers injuries to other people and legal liability. If you want to cover your car or damage you might cause to other people's car, you'll need to look at extra insurance.
Your options are third party property damage, which covers damage you cause to other people's vehicles. Third party fire and theft polices cover you for that, plus any damage from fire and theft (surprise!). Comprehensive car insurance policies cover you if you're in an accident with someone else and need your vehicle repaired or replaced. It's the only type of policy that will cover you for pretty much any event, like storms, vandalism, and car crashes.
What types of car insurance can I get in Australia?
Comprehensive car insurance
If you want top cover, this is the option for you.
It covers theft, vandalism, storms, flood, hail, fire, key replacement, emergency accommodation, hire cars, accidental damage (to name a few) - plus everything that's covered by cheaper policies.
Third Party Fire & Theft
This gives you that little bit extra cover against life's uncertainties. This protects you if your car is stolen, as well as covering you for fire damage.
You're also covered if your car causes damage to someone else's property. But this type of policy won't really cover you if you're in an accident with another vehicle.
Third Party Property Damage
The most basic policy. This provides coverage for any damages you may cause to someone else's vehicle or property.
This means that if you smash into a Mercedes, you won't be paying the repair costs from your own pocket. However, it won't cover your own repair costs.
Compulsory Third Party
Commonly known as greenslip insurance, CTP is mandatory for every registered driver in Australia, and is included in your car rego in many states.
If you crash into another driver and they have to go to the hospital for injuries, CTP will cover their hospital expenses. It won't cover your car or someone else's car.
How much would you rather pay for your car insurance?
| Hire Car | New Car Replacement | Emergency travel & repairs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurer A |
|
|
|
| Insurer B |
|
|
|
We collected real quotes from 12 well known Australian car insurance brands and found that the difference in the cost of car insurance can differ by up to $41 a month, or $414 a year! Insurer A is a budget car insurer, whilst Insurer B is a household car insurance name.
Whilst Insurer A is far cheaper than Insurer B, Insurer B actually offers far more cover, giving you benefits like hire car, new car replacement and emergency travel & repairs included in the cost of the policy. Insurer A does give you the option for these features, but you'll have to pay more to get them.
These prices are just indicative of how you can't just go off the cost of car insurance - you should also take into account what you're paying for. It's a good idea to not be tied to any insurer, and instead make your decision on cost and the kind of features available, depending on what's most important to you.
Our quotes were based off a female Sydneysider born in 1980, driving a 2015 Toyota Corolla.
What to expect from a car insurance quote
When you click through to one of our partner car insurance brands, you’ll be asked a few questions before getting your own personalised quote.
It should only take a couple of minutes, but there are a few things you’ll need to know:
The policy.
You’ll be asked what type of policy you want and when you want to start it. Don’t worry if you’re not sure yet, you can adjust these later.
Your car.
You’ll have to know the exact type of car you’re going to get before you get an accurate quote. You’ll also be asked about any non-standard features (like a custom paint job) and existing damage.
Your habits.
The insurer will want to know what you use your car for, how far you typically drive in a year, where you keep it, and other things like that.
The driver.
You’ll also have to share information about how long you’ve had your licence, whether it’s been suspended, and whether you’ve made car insurance claims in the past.
All of this is to help the insurer get an accurate picture of how likely you are to have an accident.
It’s important to be honest. If you deliberately mislead an insurer, your claim may be refused further down the line.
How to compare car insurance
1. Review your policy yearly.
The longer you stay with your insurer, the more they will reward you, right? Wrong. Some Aussie's are paying more each year, just for being loyal to their insurers. A good way to combat this is to review your policy every renewal period. If you can find a better policy somewhere else, don't hesitate to take your business there. Don't just check the cost of your policy, but also see whether you still need the same level of cover that you have now. Priorities change!
2. Don't get tied to a brand.
Don't just fall for a brand because you've seen their ads on tv. These policies might even be more expensive to offset their advertising costs! Instead, look for policies that suit you and your unique circumstances. Short on cash? It might be better for you to go for a budget insurer. Driving a brand new car? Then it's probably best to go for one of the high-end brands.
3. Compare car insurance policies.
You're probably tired of hearing this, we know, but this is probably the most important tip to getting the best car insurance deal for you. Don't rely on one website to give you your answer (even us!). Set aside 30 minutes, fill in a bunch of quotes, compare car insurance, and make your decision off that.
4. Use autofill.
Autofill is a quick and easy way to get lots of quotes for the least effort. It allows you to fill out commonly entered information in your quote form, so you're not stuck entering your details over and over again. It can be found on most browsers and makes the job of comparing so much easier.
5. Read the PDS.
We know it's daunting, but this one is crucial. Make sure you understand what you're covered for. If you've been seeing the same mechanic for 20 years only to find that a policy doesn't let you choose your own repairer, chances are it won't work out.
Case study: How to compare car insurance and save
Not sure where to start? Follow along as Finder's Managing Editor, Kate Browne, saves $400 a year on her car insurance.
Compare car insurance by state
Use the map below to compare car insurance based on your location.
Compare car insurance costs
^ When comparing policies for our 2021 Finder Awards, we found an average difference of $1,773 for men and $2,543 for women between two car insurance policies.
We found that on an average, a 30-year old man paid anything between $612 and $2,385 annually, while a 30-year old woman paid between $426 and $2,969 for a comprehensive policy. Once we averaged everything out, the cheapest provider was $2,851 less than the priciest! So think you're paying too much? You could be right.
Compare policies and see how much you could save.
These costs are based on an average of 36 driver profiles across 6 states in Australia. For our full methodology, head to our Finder Awards page.
For more insights on how much car insurance costs and a cost comparison between Australian companies, head to our dedicated page on car insurance costs.
How does Finder compare car insurance?
Don't like flicking through fine print? Got better things to do than check if a car insurer offers roadside assist? We're here to help you Find Better.
At Finder we do all the heavy lifting for you. We spend countless hours looking through policy documents so you don't have to and highlight the important policy features in a table so you can compare policies side-by-side. We choose to compare car insurance features as we believe that the value of your policy is more important than the cost. Features we look at include:
- Roadside assist
- Accidental damage
- Storm cover
- Choice of repairer
- Agreed or market value
- And more
Compare car insurance quotes
While Finder doesn't have the facilities in place right now to provide car insurance quotes, we can help you narrow down your search by showing you which insurers offer the features that are important to you. And unlike many other comparators who only provide quotes or compare car insurance policies from insurers they have a relationship with, Finder provides an unbiased comparison of car insurers both inside and outside of our panel.
What other guides does Finder have on car insurance?
Car insurance FAQs
Am I covered?
Will I be covered for driving off-road?
Some insurance policies will provide coverage for your vehicle if you are driving off-road, but you should check with your insurance company and always take safety precautions.
Are learner drivers covered under my insurance?
Generally, learner drivers will be included under your insurance. However, they may have to pay a larger excess if they have an accident. Remember, a fully-licensed driver must be in the passenger seat as an instructor, whenever a learner driver is in control of a vehicle.
Does car insurance cover all types of vehicle?
No. Some insurance companies will not provide coverage for certain vehicles. Common exclusions are; commuter buses, imported vehicles, rally cars, hearses, tractors, beach buggies, and vintage cars. If you aren't sure whether your vehicle is covered, contact the insurance company directly.
Can I tow a caravan on my car insurance?
As long as your caravan is roadworthy, it's covered by the registered towing vehicle's Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance
Am I covered if I have an accident while drunk?
No. Your insurance will be void if you have an accident while drunk or under the influence of drugs. Your claim may also be denied if you are taking prescription medication that impairs your ability to drive.
Will my insurance cover me to drive other cars?
No. Your car insurance won't cover you if you drive another person's vehicle. It only applies to the car listed on the insurance policy.
Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
No. Car hire companies will typically offer insurance which covers their vehicles, but your standard car insurance policy will not cover you if you damage a hire car while driving it.
Will my insurance cover for tools of trade?
Probably not. Most insurance companies will not cover tools of trade under a car insurance policy.
What happens if?
What happens if my car is a write-off?
If your vehicle is too damaged to repair, you will receive the amount covered or the agreed value. Some comprehensive policies will replace your car with a new vehicle, if your car was declared a write-off within the first two years of its first registration.
What happens if my car is stolen?
If you have comprehensive car insurance or third party fire and theft insurance, you will be covered if your car is stolen. However, some insurance policies enforce a waiting clause on stolen vehicles.
This gives the police time to recover your car. If your car is recovered with damage from theft, only a comprehensive insurance policy will pay out.
What if I want to modify my vehicle or make alterations?
If you intend to alter your vehicle so it's different from the standard model, you'll have to contact your insurance company and provide a list of the alterations, along with their monetary value.
What happens if another person lodges a claim against me?
If you receive a letter from someone claiming you're responsible for damage, do not respond but contact your insurance company immediately.
If you're present when an incident happens, exchange insurance details with the other driver - including name, insurance company, phone number and vehicle information. Do not admit fault and do not promise to cover any damage.
Get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible, and let them know what happened, so they can help you with the process.
Will my insurance premiums go up if I make a claim?
It's highly likely your premiums will go up if you make a claim on your car insurance policy.
Understanding your policy
Will my policy renew automatically?
If you pay your premiums every month, the insurance company will continue to draw payment from your account on a regular basis.
However, if you pay your premium as an annual lump sum, your insurance company will typically contact you at least two weeks before the expiration date of your policy, with details about how you can renew.
How can I pay for a policy?
Usually, you can pay for car insurance on a monthly or annual basis. If you choose to pay monthly, your premium may be higher than if you'd paid a yearly lump sum.
How do excesses work?
An excess is the amount you are required to pay towards every claim you lodge. Generally, there are five types of excess that might apply to your car insurance policy:
- Basic excess - The amount you are required to pay towards a claim
- Voluntary excess - You can opt to set a larger excess to make your premiums cheaper
- Age excess - Often, your insurance company will set a larger excess for young drivers
- Inexperience excess - If you haven't held a licence for very long, you may have to pay a larger excess
- Undeclared young driver excess - A larger excess may apply if someone under 25 is responsible for a claim, but isn't listed on the policy
If the insurance company agrees that you were not to blame for the accident, and you are able to offer the details of the driver who was at fault, you may have your access waived.
What does 'amount covered' mean?
The amount covered is the maximum sum an insurance company will pay for the damage or loss of your vehicle.This amount includes the entire value of the vehicle, alterations and accessories, as well as GST.
How can I cancel my car insurance?
In most cases, a car insurance policy can be cancelled by calling the insurance company or by sending in a written cancellation. Generally, if you cancel your policy outside the cooling off period, you'll receive a refund for the portion of your premium that has not yet expired.
Read more on this topic
- What to do after a car accident
Would you know what to do if you were involved in a car accident? This guide looks at the steps to take after an accident has occurred, from securing the scene to making a claim with your insurer.
- BMW X7 car insurance
Thinking about buying a BMW X7? See average car insurance costs and find out about prestige car insurance
- Bentley Continental car insurance
Learn about insuring a Bentley Continental with a prestige car insurance broker
- Porsche 911 car insurance
Want to insure a Porsche 911? Here are things we think you should know.
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class luxury car insurance
Find out about how to insure the luxury Mercedes-AMG G 63 4x4 SUV.
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class car insurance
Find out how much the average Mercedes-Benz E-Class costs to insure, as well as how to find a prestige car insurer.
- Porsche Taycan car insurance
Looking for cover for a Porsche Taycan luxury electric sportscar?
- Hybrid car insurance comparison
Compare hybrid car insurance quotes.
- Baby and child car seat laws
Find out everything you need to know about baby and child car seat laws in Australia.
I have a 1968 mustang. I need to get insured. I’ve looked at the known ones but is there a list of general companies that cover classic cars?
Hi Jeff,
I’m afraid we don’t have a specific list of car insurance for classic cars. However, you can still go ahead and compare car insurance brands featured on this page. It’s a good place for you to start your search.
Use our comparison table and compare your options based on various details. Once you’re done comparing, click on the “Get quote” button to be redirected to your chosen brand’s page. You can then get a quote or get in touch with their representatives to confirm whether they can cover your car or not.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
James
Hello,
I have heard some horror stories regarding car insurance companies not covering cars for theft if they leave their electronic keys in a portable steel coded safe attached to or in the vicinity of their vehicles whilst enjoying water sports.
I have even heard one of the insurance companies who you have recommended here will advise customers they are covered when taking out the policy only to reject their claims if it happens.
How can customers be better protected against these sorts of actions and be better informed?
Cheers
Andy
Hi Andy!
Thanks so much for getting in touch. Thanks for bringing this to our attention – it’s definitely a tricky one.
A good start is always reading and understanding the terms and conditions of their policy. Many insurers will have a clause about where you can keep your keys as an agreement for getting cover.
For example, Budget Direct state in their conditions of cover that “you or the person in charge or control of the car, lock the car, activate any required security devices and remove all keys from within, on, or in the immediate vicinity of the car when it is left unattended for any period of time.”
This one is tough as there seems to be a bit of grey area in terms of what’s considered to be in the immediate vicinity of the car, which might be what’s leading to these issues.
As an immediate fix, you might consider getting a little waterproof bag and keeping it on you – it’s definitely not ideal but it’s better than getting a claim potentially rejected.
We’ll also endeavour to check through our content (especially our watersports and boating guides) and make sure these risks are clearer so customers are aware of these risks.
Thanks so much, Andy. If you have other questions, please let me know.
Regards,
Joshua
to match Mi.S.O.S. 30day temporary auto. license plate,can i buy only 30 days of auto. insurance????
Hi Lyle,
Thanks for getting in touch! You can get car insurance for only 30 days however there isn’t a specific policy that offers this. What you can do, however, is take out a normal car insurance policy, choose to pay monthly, then just cancel your policy when you don’t need it anymore. The cancellation fee for many car insurance policies sits around $40.
Keep in mind that if you make a claim, you’ll probably need to pay out the rest of the years premiums before your claim is processed.
I hope this helps!
Best,
Nikki
If you car is stolen and not recovered how long is it before the insurance company has to settle the claim
thanks
Hi Gavin,
Thanks for your question.
The turnaround time for your car insurance claim (for a stolen car) would actually vary depending on your insurer and how fast you would also gather the documents required for the claim. Foremost, you would need a police report. A pertinent insurance form should also be filled. Best to directly check your insurer to confirm the processing time. We have a guide on how you can process a car insurance claim which might be useful.
Hope this has helped.
Cheers,
May
Hi,
My Partner has just recently got his full licence. When he was on a provisional licence he had a temporary suspension due to racking up points from a minor speeding ticket (10km over the limit) and being caught on his phone while driving, because he was provisional he had limited points and got suspended for 3 months. Now he has a full licence, the ban was 6 months or more ago – is he able to get insurance now as a full licence driver with a minor record?
Thanks.
Hi Suzanne,
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
Yes, your partner can still obtain an insurance policy even if he has a minor record. However, your partner might be considered as a high-risk driver. Depending on the insurer, there are different categories being used to determine the level of risk for each driver.
Your category will affect your premiums, and your category is generally determined by a combination of risk factors, which can both raise and lower your premiums by different amounts. It can be a good idea to get a solid understanding of the factors affecting car insurance premiums, so you can easily pick out ways to reduce your costs.
You may want to read our guide on high-risk car insurance to learn more.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua