Written by Whether you're cruising along the scenic roads of Margaret River, navigating the lively streets of Perth or venturing into the vast landscapes of Broome, having the right car insurance is essential for residents of Western Australia. With its diverse terrain and unique driving conditions, it's crucial to find the right coverage to protect your vehicle no matter where your adventures take you.
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What are my car insurance options in Western Australia?
When it comes to car insurance options in Western Australia, there are several coverage types available to protect your vehicle and provide financial security in the event of a covered accident or other circumstances included in your policy’s coverage. The four main car insurance options in Western Australia are:
- Compulsory third party (CTP) insurance: CTP insurance is mandatory in Western Australia and can cover the liability for personal injury or death caused by your vehicle to other people, including passengers, pedestrians and other road users. It doesn’t cover any form of damage to your vehicle or other people’s property. Premiums for this type of insurance are included in your registration, so you won’t need to search for it separately.
- Third party property damage (TPPD) insurance: this insurance can cover damage caused by your vehicle to someone else's property. It doesn’t cover damage to your own vehicle and it’s typically a more affordable option compared to higher levels of insurance as a result.
- Third party fire and theft (TPFT) insurance: the next step up in terms of coverage, TPFT insurance can offer protection for damage caused by your vehicle to someone else's property, as well as protection against fire and theft damage sustained by your vehicle.
- Comprehensive car insurance: the highest level of coverage available, comprehensive car insurance can protect against a wide range of risks, including damage to your vehicle in an accident or due to fire, theft, vandalism or certain extreme weather events, as well as for damage caused to third party property. Because this insurance is the most comprehensive, it’s also typically the most expensive.
| 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.
What factors affect car insurance premium rates in Western Australia?
Several factors influence car insurance premium rates in Western Australia. Insurance providers consider these factors to assess the level of risk associated with insuring a particular vehicle and driver. Some of the key factors that affect car insurance premium rates in Western Australia include:
- Location: the area where the vehicle is primarily parked and driven affects insurance rates. Areas with higher rates of accidents or vehicle theft may result in higher premiums. For instance, someone living in central Perth may not pay the same for car insurance as someone living in rural Western Australia.
- Vehicle type and value: the make, model, age and value of the vehicle are crucial factors. Luxury vehicles typically have higher insurance premiums due to the increased repair costs and higher risk of theft, for example.
- Driving record: a driver's history of accidents, claims, and traffic violations significantly impacts insurance premiums. Drivers with a clean driving record without accidents or claims will typically qualify for lower rates, while those with a history of driving offences and prior claims are likely to face higher premiums.
- How old you are: younger and inexperienced drivers are seen to be more likely to be involved in accidents, so they generally face higher insurance premiums. Older drivers, such as those over 50, with a long history of safe driving may be eligible for lower premiums.
- Usage: the purpose of the vehicle, such as personal use, business use, or commuting, can influence insurance premiums. Vehicles used for business purposes or long commutes may have higher premiums due to increased exposure to risks.
- Policy excess: the excess chosen by the policyholder can affect the premium. A higher excess amount can lead to lower premiums, but it means the policyholder will have to pay a higher amount in the event of a claim.
- Type of insurance purchased: whether you choose comprehensive, TPFT or TPPD will obviously have a clear impact on the cost of your premiums, with greater coverage coming with greater overall cost in most cases.
- Parking situation: if you’re parking your car in a garage, you may qualify for lower premiums than someone who parks on the road, as your vehicle will be less exposed to risks such as vandalism, theft or weather damage.
It's important to note that each insurance provider may have their specific criteria and rating factors, so it's beneficial to compare quotes from multiple providers to help you choose the most affordable policy which offers the coverage you need.
What are the car insurance requirements in Western Australia?
In Western Australia, it is a legal requirement for all registered vehicles to have CTP insurance. As mentioned, CTP insurance can provide coverage for personal injury caused by your vehicle to other people, including passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.
Outside of CTP insurance, there are no specific legal requirements for drivers to have comprehensive or third party insurance. However, having one of these optional policies can provide greater peace of mind and financial security in the event your vehicle or someone else’s property is damaged (if it qualifies for coverage under your insurance).
It's crucial to assess your needs, budget and the value of your vehicle to determine the most suitable coverage option for you. In doing so, you’ll give yourself the best chance of securing a policy which is suited to your needs as a driver.
How to compare car insurance offers in Western Australia
Types of car insurance you can choose from
How to buy car insurance
Common questions about car insurance in Western Australia
You may be able to transfer your current car insurance when moving to Western Australia. Contact your insurance provider to inform them about the relocation and provide the necessary details. They’ll guide you through the process and update your policy accordingly to meet the requirements of Western Australia (if your insurer offers coverage for vehicles in WA).
If you need to make a car insurance claim in Western Australia, follow these general steps:
- Contact your insurer and report the incident as soon as possible, providing all relevant details.
- Follow any instructions provided by your insurer, such as obtaining repair quotes or completing claim forms.
- Provide any requested documentation, such as photographs, police reports or medical records.
- Cooperate with the insurer's assessment process, which may involve an inspection of your vehicle or further investigation.
- If the claim is approved, your insurer will guide you through the settlement process, which may include repairs, reimbursement or replacement depending on your coverage and the nature of the claim.
Yes – many car insurance policies in Western Australia allow you to add additional drivers to your policy. However, the specific terms and conditions may vary depending on the insurer. Inform your insurer about the additional driver and provide their details, including their driving history. They may assess the additional driver's risk profile and adjust the premium accordingly.
There generally aren’t any products specifically designed for young people in Australia, with the same types of insurance available for all registered vehicle owners and drivers.
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Savvy’s comparison service includes selected products from a panel of trusted insurers and does not compare all products in the market. Any advice presented above or on other pages is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an insurance policy. We always recommend readers to consult the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) of different policies before purchasing your car insurance.
