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There are three types of car insurance you should consider to protect your car on the roads of QLD in addition to having compulsory third-party cover (CTP).
If you ever need to repair or replace your car because of storm damage, theft or accidental damage, having suitable car insurance can help you handle the costs.
If you drive in the sunshine state, there are some handy car insurance features that you may want to consider adding to your policy.
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Last updated 20/02/2024
Written by Kenneth Young
Reviewed by Adrian Taylor
A comprehensive car insurance policy provides wide-ranging cover for your vehicle if it’s stolen or damaged in a traffic accident, storm, fire, flood or malicious act. It also covers any damage you cause to someone else’s car or property. Your car insurance premiums will vary depending on a variety of factors, including your address, vehicle, how you use your vehicle and where you park.
Third Party Fire and Theft cover can insure you against damage to other people’s cars when you cause a motor accident. You also have limited cover when your vehicle is damaged or destroyed by fire or stolen. While this insurance is better cover than no insurance, it doesn’t protect you for everything found with comprehensive cover.
Third Party Property Damage insurance can cover the damage to another driver’s vehicle or other people’s property if you’re the at-fault driver in an accident. In some cases, this type of car insurance can provide a limited amount of cover for your car’s total loss or damage in an accident. However, you’ll only be covered under certain circumstances (e.g. if the other party is an uninsured driver) and can only claim up to a set limit.
CTP insurance covers your legal liability for the death or injury of another person in an accident involving your vehicle. It’s a legal requirement to have CTP insurance to drive in Australia and is usually included in your vehicle registration. Queensland drivers can nominate their CTP insurer, but since the Queensland Government regulates prices, policies are all around the same cost.
When deciding on which level of car insurance to take out, consider if you would have the means to pay for repairs or to replace your car and someone else’s if you’re involved in a car accident. The price of insurance is often the smarter choice.
The type of insurance you get for your car is down to your choice and circumstances, and you should always read the fine print in the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for specific limitations and conditions of your cover. It’s also important to read through the Target Market Determination (TMD) so you can be sure the product you choose is appropriate for your situation.
This table sums up the cover offered by each to help you decide what suits best.
Insurance type | Damage to your car | Damage to another person’s car or property | Damage or loss caused by fire and theft | Injuries or death to others in an accident |
CTP | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
TPPD | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
TPFT | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
Comprehensive | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
With a wide range of benefits and extras to choose from, you can have your car insurance wrapped up just as you need it. Keep in mind that any added cover is likely to increase your premiums.
Some features and extras that QLD drivers might find handy can include:
Different insurers may have different options available to you. Be sure to check the full details of any car insurance policy when getting a car insurance quote by reading the relevant PDS.
The cost of car insurance can vary greatly, as insurance providers calculate your premiums based on many factors that are unique to you, including your:
Furthermore, any car modifications, add-on cover and additional listed drivers can also increase the cost of your car insurance premiums. So, you can see that there’s no set answer for how much car insurance costs in QLD.
If you want an idea of how much car insurance may cost, read more about factors that impact your premium and how car insurance is calculated.
While your actual insurance coverage doesn’t change in each state, you might find that your premiums will be vary based on where and even how you live. This can include:
There’s no one answer to this question, as the cheapest car insurance for you might not be the cheapest for someone else. However, there are certainly ways you can lower the cost of your car insurance. For instance, you could place a restriction on your policy for drivers of your car to be above a certain age (e.g. no one younger than 25) or choose a higher excess – just make sure you choose an amount that you can still afford to pay when you claim.
If your car was damaged in a car accident and you believe the other driver was at fault, you need to get their contact and vehicle details to pass on to your insurance provider. Your insurer will then manage the case and notify you of any progress.
If the other driver is determined to be at fault for the accident, their insurer will pay for the damages or accidental loss to your vehicle or property.
Car insurance covers your vehicle and not individuals, but it’s still important to list anyone you expect to drive your car as an additional driver on your policy if required by your insurance provider. Generally, learner drivers don’t need to be listed, but check with your insurer.
Be aware that adding additional drivers to your policy may impact the amount you pay. Factors such as each driver’s age and driving history will also affect premiums; for example, you’ll usually be charged more to have an inexperienced or younger driver (e.g. those under 25) listed on your policy. You may incur extra excess fees if an unlisted driver is involved in an accident when driving your car.
Unfortunately, most car insurance policies won’t cover paint damage from wear and tear, deterioration, or exposure to weather (sun, sand, salt, rain or water). As such, Queenslanders, particularly those living next to the beach, may need to protect their cars by parking in the shade and covering them when practical.
For a full list of all the exclusions and additional excesses listed in your car insurance policy, check the PDS.
Car insurance doesn’t generally cover motorcycles or caravans. A range of car insurance companies do offer motorcycle insurance or caravan insurance policies that work in a similar way.
Your car registration will be due either 3, 6 or 12 months after you last paid it, depending on which option you chose at the time. If you’re not sure of your registration status (e.g. if you’ve just bought a second-hand car) or you can’t remember when it’s next due, you can search for it on the Department of Transport and Main Roads website using your registration number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Our Executive General Manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor, is passionate about helping Australians have a better understanding of their insurance products, including car insurance. He strives to ensure consumers have got the facts, no matter what level of cover they have.
Adrian has over 13 years’ experience in the financial services industry. He helps review general insurance content on Compare the Market to ensure it accurately breaks down complex insurance topics.
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