Having the right car insurance is essential, no matter where you are in the Northern Territory. Regardless of whether you're living in the vibrant heart of Darwin or further south in Katherine or Alice Springs, every car owner faces a range of risks that could set you back hundreds, if not thousands, if things go pear-shaped. Comparing policies online allows you to find and secure the best, most affordable policy for your needs.
What car insurance options can I choose from in Darwin and the NT?
In the Top End, there are four types of car insurance available to drivers. These are:
Compulsory third party (CTP)
CTP insurance is the only mandatory type of car insurance in Australia. It covers injuries or death caused to others in an accident but not damage to property, other vehicles or the driver’s own injuries or vehicle.
The table below shows some of the general inclusions and exclusions for each type of cover, with specific events and claim limits depending on your policy:
| Claimable event | Comp. | TPFT | TPPD | CTP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Damage to someone else’s property | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| Damage to your car due to fire | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Damage to your car due to theft | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Damage to your car due to weather | ✔* | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Damage to your car due to accident or collision | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Injury or death of someone else in an at-fault accident | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ |
| *Not all weather-related incidents are covered under a comprehensive car insurance policy. Check your PDS to find out what's covered and what isn't. | ||||
Darwin and NT car insurance requirements
The minimum car insurance requirement in Darwin and the NT is CTP insurance, which is included as part of your car registration fee. This means that you’ll be covered by CTP as long as your vehicle is registered.
You’ll also need to get a roadworthy inspection for your vehicle as part of registration. For motor vehicles up to 4,500kg GVM, inspections are required at five years, ten years and annually after ten years.
How much does car insurance cost in Darwin and the NT?
Your car insurance premium is based on a variety of factors. One important one is the model you’re insuring, but your gender also has a minor impact on how much you pay. You can see this in action here:
Comprehensive car insurance quotes based on a 35-year-old driver who obtained their licence at 17, has held comprehensive cover with no claims over the last five years, is employed full-time, is a homeowner and lives in Darwin (0820), uses their car for private purposes and commuting only (business usage included in the Ford Ranger quote) and drives approximately 12,000km per year. All quotes are based on a $1,000 excess. All cars are garaged, have no modifications or non-standard accessories and have an alarm installed. Quotes obtained through Compare the Market on 18 November 2025.2025 Ford Ranger XL 2WD Two-Door Cab Chassis
Gender
Cheapest premium
Average premium
Most expensive premium
Male
$1,387
$1,849
$2,279
Female
$1,416
$1,851
$2,268
2025 Toyota RAV4 GX 2WD
Gender
Cheapest premium
Average premium
Most expensive premium
Male
$1,174
$1,826
$2,315
Female
$1,194
$1,825
$2,304
2022 Hyundai i20 N
Gender
Cheapest premium
Average premium
Most expensive premium
Male
$925
$1,360
$1,665
Female
$965
$1,366
$1,657
2020 Mazda6 Sport
Gender
Cheapest premium
Average premium
Most expensive premium
Male
$1,187
$1,702
$2,036
Female
$1,205
$1,701
$2,026
You can see how your car can have an impact on the cost of your insurance, but another important factor is where you live. We’ve taken out quotes across different parts of the NT to see how much the cheapest TPPD and comprehensive quotes are:
Car insurance quotes based on a 35-year-old male driver who obtained their licence at 17, has held comprehensive cover with no claims over the last five years, is employed full-time, is a homeowner, uses their car for private purposes and commuting only and drives approximately 12,000km per year. All comprehensive quotes are based on a $1,000 excess and TPPD quotes on a $600 excess. All cars are garaged, have no modifications or non-standard accessories and have an alarm installed. Quotes obtained through Compare the Market on 18 November 2025.2020 Toyota RAV4 GX 2WD
Location
Cheapest TPPD premium
Cheapest comprehensive premium
Darwin
$309
$1,090
Alice Springs
$183
$1,340
Katherine
$156
$1,276
Palmerston
$288
$1,069
Nakara
$325
$1,101
How do I compare car insurance in Darwin and the NT?
There’s plenty to keep in mind when comparing car insurance offers online. Here are some of the things to look out for while you’re scrolling through quotes from insurers:
- Premium cost: of course, how much you’re paying for your policy is one of the key points to consider before you buy it. You don’t want to be overpaying for coverage.
- Inclusions and exclusions: you’ll want to buy a policy that includes cover for the key areas you need. In equal measure, though, look for notable exclusions so you can be aware of what isn’t covered.
- Optional extras: these can be added to your policy for an additional fee, like windscreen repair and choice of repairer. Before you buy them, though, make sure they’re worth the extra outlay.
- Discounts: plenty of insurers offer discounts for first-time customers buying online or those who buy multiple policies with them. Make sure the policy is worth it beyond the discount, though.
- Excess: look at how much (or how little) your insurer allows you to choose for your excess. The higher your excess, the cheaper your premium will be.
- How you’re using the car: consider how you’re using your vehicle when deciding on your policy. This is especially the case if you’re using your car for business purposes, which will impact your premium.
