Car Insurance Comparison
Car Insurance Comparison
When buying the car insurance, take time to compare the cost and understand what (and what not) different policies cover.
Types of car insurance
When deciding what type of insurance is right for you, consider whether you could live without the car if it was written off or the stolen. Also, consider whether you can afford to pay for damage to someone else’s car if you have an accident.
A third party in exchange for comprehensive insurance
Compulsory Third Party Insurance (CTP) – Included in the cost of registering your vehicle (except for NSW, where you buy it separately). Also called a green slip lock. It covers compensation claims costs if you injure or kill someone in a motor vehicle accident.
Third-Party Property Insurance: Covers damage to other people’s property, including cars, when the accident is your fault.
Third-Party Property, Fire, and Theft Insurance – This covers damage to property and your vehicle if it is stolen or damaged by fire.
Comprehensive Insurance: Covers your car and other auto repairs, even if the accident was your fault. It will also covers your vehicle if it is stolen or damaged by fire, flood, or vandalism.
How is your car evaluated?
With comprehensive insurance, you get to choose how your car is evaluated.
The value is the amount you would get if your vehicle were written off or stolen:
- Agreed Value: A fixed amount set by you and your insurance company.
- Market value: then the amount your car would have been sold at the time of the accident.
If you use market value, you don’t know how much you’ll get if you claim it, and you can’t change the amount. On the other hand, in case if you use an agreed value, you will pay a higher premium.
Car Insurance Cost
The amount you pay annually for insurance is called a premium. The insurance company determines your premium by estimating how likely you are to file a claim.
You may also have to pay the premium when submitting a claim. The increase is the amount you agree to contribute to the cost of the claim.
The premium and increase you pay depend on your policy and other factors, such as your age. For example, drivers under 25 may have to pay a higher gain. This is because people under the age of 25 have more accidents.
No claim for reward
Some policies include a no-claim bonus. This means you pay the lower premium if you do not file a claim for a certain period.
Read the policy to understand that what claims affect your bonus and if there are any limits.
Pay for additional insurance.
Some car dealers offer additional insurance when buying a new or used car. However, often these products are not as good value for money as, for example, insurance add-ons sold by car dealers.
Get the best deal on auto insurance
To help you get the best value in auto insurance:
Third-party property insurance may be all you need if your car isn’t worth much and you can live without it. It is the cheapest option.
Comprehensive insuranc can save the money if you can’t afford repairs (to your own or someone else’s car) or live without your car.
Third-party property, fire, and theft insurance may work for you if you park your car on the street. It will save you money if your vehicle is stolen.
See if the no-claim bonus will save you money.
Check the exceptions in your policy to see what is not covered. For example, you may not be protected against rust or vandalism. This could be the problem if you park your car on the street.
Ask insurances companies if they offer any discounts. For example, in case if you bundle other types of the insuranc with them or install an alarm.
Check if the insurance company always overcharges
Even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
Weigh the difference between having a high premium and a low surplus versus the other way around. You may be able to save from your premium by increasing your excess.
Compare car insurance policies.
Get quotes from the multiple insurance companies to find the best value for money and an insurance policy that fits your needs.
Comparison sites can be helpful, but they are businesses, and you may make money with promoted links. In addition, it may not cover all of your options. See what to consider when using comparison sites.
Compare these features:
| Premium | lower premium for the same type of coverage |
| Surplus | Option to lower your premium by adjusting your excess or not paying a surplus |
| Payment | option to pay your premium in monthly installments at no additional cost |
| Exceptions | any events that are not covered, for example: Mechanical failure, wear, rust or wear intentional damage (e.g., vandalism) The harm caused by an unlicensed, drunk, or drug-influenced driver storm damage |
| No Claim Bonus | option to pay a lower premium for not claiming for some time |
| Break-ins | check the policy to see if the things you leave in the car are also covered in case they are stolen |
| Roadside Assistance | The Free roadside assistance if you break down |
| Post-Accident Care | Free Towing, Instant Repairs, Taxi Fare, Accommodation, Car Rental |