Compare Car Insurance in Australia

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26 live offers compared from 15 providers, from A$15 /month. Updated daily.

What is car insurance in Australia?

Car insurance in Australia covers the cost of accidents, theft and damage to vehicles. It comes in several tiers: Compulsory Third Party (CTP), which covers injury to people and is mandatory; third-party property, which covers damage you cause to others' property; third-party fire and theft; and comprehensive, which also covers damage to your own car. Comprehensive is the most complete and most commonly bought optional cover, and it is usually required if your car is financed.

How the Australian market works

CTP is compulsory and is arranged differently in each state — bundled with registration in Victoria and Queensland, but chosen from approved insurers in New South Wales, where it is sometimes called a Green Slip. Optional cover such as comprehensive and third-party property is sold competitively by insurers nationwide. Many well-known brands are underwritten by a smaller number of large insurers, so several policies may ultimately sit behind the same underwriter even though they compete on price and service.

Benefits of comprehensive cover

Own-damage protection — Comprehensive pays to repair or replace your own vehicle after an accident, not just the other party's, which matters for newer or financed cars.

Theft, fire and weather — It covers theft, fire, storm and hail, which is significant given Australia's exposure to severe weather and natural disasters.

Optional extras — Add-ons such as a hire car after an accident, windscreen cover, roadside assistance and choice of repairer can be included for an extra premium.

How to choose a policy

Decide on the level of cover you need, then compare the excess you would pay at claim time against the premium — a higher excess lowers the premium but costs more when you claim. Check whether the policy insures for an agreed value or market value, look at how the insurer handles repairs and no-claim discounts, and read the Product Disclosure Statement for exclusions such as unlisted young drivers, modifications or driving under the influence.

Leading providers in Australia

The comparison features RACV, NRMA Insurance, Budget Direct, Youi, Suncorp Insurance, GIO, CGU Insurance and Allianz Australia. Suncorp underwrites several of these brands including GIO, while IAG-owned names such as NRMA and CGU are also major players. Motoring clubs like RACV bundle insurance with roadside assistance and member benefits. The best choice balances premium, excess, claims reputation and any membership perks against the specific cover terms.

What it costs

Premiums in this comparison range widely, from around A 5 on a monthly instalment basis to A$900 for an annual policy, reflecting differences in vehicle value, driver history, location and cover level. Comprehensive costs more than third-party options, and premiums are rising with repair and parts inflation. Choosing a higher excess, listing only experienced drivers, parking off-street and paying annually rather than monthly can all reduce the price.

Protections and regulation

General insurers are prudentially regulated by APRA and must hold an AFS licence overseen by ASIC. The General Insurance Code of Practice sets service and claim-handling standards, and unresolved complaints can go to AFCA. CTP schemes are governed at state level by bodies such as SIRA in New South Wales. Insurers must handle claims in good faith, and misrepresenting information when applying can void a policy.

Common questions

Is CTP the same as comprehensive? — No. CTP is compulsory and only covers injury to people; comprehensive is optional and covers vehicle damage, theft, fire and more.

Does a higher excess save money? — Generally yes, a higher voluntary excess lowers your premium, but you pay more out of pocket when you claim, so balance the two against your budget and how often you are likely to claim.

Car Insurance in Australia — FAQ