Compare Comprehensive Car Insurance

A comprehensive policy can cover the reasonable cost of vehicle repairs regardless of which party is responsible for the damage.

The table below is an overview of general inclusions and exclusions in comprehensive car insurance policies.

Always read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for full details on what insured events are covered and excluded, as well as other terms and conditions (T&Cs).

Typical exclusions in comprehensive car insurance policies are:

• Intentional damage to your vehicle
• Driving a car that isn’t roadworthy (e.g. defective brakes/lights, worn tyres)
• Damage caused by an unlicensed driver
• Damage caused when you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

If you’re unsure about any specific details of your car insurance policy, check your PDS or contact your insurer.

A comprehensive car insurance policy insures your vehicle – not you. Any other vehicle you’re driving will need its own comprehensive car insurance policy.

Yes, comprehensive car insurance can cover learner drivers. Just keep in mind that if you’re supervising an L-plater, some insurers may ask you to list them as a driver of your car on your policy.

Depending on your insurer, there could be a range of extras you could include in your policy for additional peace of mind. Some optional cover may include:

• Accident hire car provides a vehicle while yours is being fixed or replaced.
• Roadside assistance can help during car breakdowns, lockouts, flat tyres and – in some cases – emergency fuel.
• Windscreen excess waiver can save you from paying this excess when getting your window glass repaired or replaced.
• Choice of repairer allows you to select who repairs your car.

Your insurer may offer a no claim bonus or discount on your comprehensive car insurance if you don’t make a claim over a certain amount of time. Your no claims discount (NCD) generally increases every year you don’t claim, up until a maximum number of years (e.g. five years).

Some insurers provide the option for car owners to insure their car for an agreed value. So, if your car is written off, you’ll receive up to the agreed value minus any applicable excess payments.

The cost of your comprehensive car insurance policy will depend on several factors, including:

• Age.Younger drivers tend to pay higher premiums, as they’re statistically more likely to be involved in road accidents than other age demographics.
• The amount you drive. Low kilometre drivers (e.g. retirees or public transport users) are less likely to make a claim than those who are always on the road. Driving your car for business purposes could also impact your premiums.
• Your driving and claims history. If you haven’t made a claim on your policy for a certain amount of time, you could qualify for an NCD.
• The vehicle you drive. Comprehensive insurance premiums vary depending on the year, make and model of car you drive.
• Where you park. Your address and postcode impact the cost of your premium. Insurance companies also consider if you park in a secure location or on the street.
• Your excess. Generally, the higher your excess payment, the lower your premium will be, and vice versa.

There could be several ways to get cheaper comprehensive car insurance in Australia, including:

• Getting an online discount for the first year of your cover
• Paying annual premiums instead of monthly instalments
• Parking your car in a garage instead of on the street
• Restricting the age of drivers on your policy (e.g. no one under 25)
• Only selecting the optional extras you need.

Opting for a higher policy excess is another way you could lower your premiums. However, before adjusting your excess, it’s worth considering if it’s an amount you can afford if you need to make a claim.

Your insurer may ask you to pay an excess when you claim on your comprehensive car insurance. Some common types of insurance excess are:

• Basic excess. An amount you may need to pay in the event of an at-fault or unrecoverable claim. This is the amount you select when you purchase your policy.
• Age/inexperienced driver excess. An additional excess that may apply when younger and less experienced drivers are responsible for the damage to the insured car.
• Undeclared or unlisted driver excess. This additional excess applies when the person claiming is not listed on your comprehensive car insurance policy.

Your insurer will advise you if an excess needs to be paid when you make a claim.

You can usually choose the basic excess amount for your policy, and it may have a direct impact on your premiums. A higher excess will generally result in lower premiums, and a lower excess could lead to higher premiums.

You can usually make a claim on your comprehensive car insurance by contacting your insurer by phone or through their online portal. You may also submit a claim form via mail or email. It’s recommended to provide the following information to help your insurer process your claim:

• Contact details of other parties involved in the accident and witnesses
• Car insurance policy details from the other drivers
• Registration details of other vehicles involved
• Witness statements
• Photos and dash cam footage (if possible).

You can typically cancel your policy at any time by calling your insurer directly.

If you cancel within the cooling-off period, you may get a full refund on any premiums you’ve paid, as long as you haven’t made a claim. Otherwise, you may have to pay a cancellation fee if you cancel your policy outside of the cooling-off period.

You can find the full details of how to cancel your policy in the relevant PDS.