Comprehensive car insurance is a type of policy which can provide coverage for your vehicle in case of accidental damage or loss. It’s the most extensive type of car insurance policy available in Australia, as the name suggests. While the specifics may vary depending on your insurer and the policy you buy, the following can be covered under your car insurance:
- Damage to your car due to an accident or collision
- Damage to another person’s car or property due to an accident or collision for which you’re at fault
- Damage to your car due to theft or the theft of your car
- Damage to your car due to fire
- Damage to your car due to a weather event (such as storm, flood and hail)
- New car replacement costs in the event of a write-off or theft
As a result of its wide coverage, comprehensive car insurance is typically the most expensive cover on the market, so the premiums you’ll pay on a monthly or annual basis are likely to be considerably more than other types of car insurance.
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How much does comprehensive car insurance cost?
There are many factors which go into determining the cost of your car insurance, including the following:
- Your age and experience: the younger you are and the less driving experience you have, the more you may have to pay for coverage.
- Your vehicle: more powerful or classic cars often cost more to insure due to the fact that replacement parts may be harder to come by or simply more expensive than common models.
- Where you live: some areas may be deemed a greater risk to insure, whether it be your state or territory, city or town or suburb, due to a higher incidence of crime or extreme weather. The cost of cover in Western Australia won’t be the same as in Queensland, for instance.
- Your car parking situation: cars parked on the road are costlier to insure than those in a garage or driveway.
- How often you drive: those who are on the road more often are likely to pay more for cover, so if you drive around often for work, you may pay more than someone who catches the bus throughout the week.
- Your driving history: if you have a patchy track record when it comes to accidents and driving offences, your insurer will likely charge you more for coverage.
- Your excess: the lower your excess, the more you’re likely to pay for your car insurance premiums.
- Your optional extras: if you decide to add optional extras to your policy, such as an excess reduction or roadside assistance, these may increase the cost of your insurance.
- Any applicable discounts: if you haven’t made a claim for several years, you may be eligible for a no-claim bonus. Alternatively, some insurers may offer a discount as a sign-up incentive.
What optional extras can I add onto my comprehensive car insurance?
While comprehensive car insurance in Australia generally provides a high level of cover, most insurers also offer optional extras which you can add onto your policy for additional coverage. These may include:
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Roadside assistance
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This extra can provide assistance in case your vehicle breaks down or you experience a flat battery, flat tyre or other roadside emergencies.
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Hire car cover
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This optional extra can provide access to a hire car while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced.
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Windscreen and window glass cover
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This can cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle's windscreen or windows in case of damage. You may also be able to opt for a reduced or no excess for glass-related claims.
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No-claim bonus protection
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With this added cover, you can maintain your no-claim bonus even if you have to make a claim. It’s important to check whether the cost of this cover is greater than your bonus.
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Personal effects cover
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This can cover the loss of or damage to personal items inside your car, such as your phone, laptop, or other valuables.
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Replacement keys cover
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With this cover, you may be able to be reimbursed for the cost of either replacing your key or recoding your car’s locks if your current keys are stolen.
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You should carefully consider which extras you need and whether they're worth the additional cost. It's also a good idea to compare quotes from different insurers to ensure you're getting the best value cover for your money.
How is comprehensive car insurance different from other types of cover?
Comprehensive car insurance in Australia is different from other types of cover, such as third party property damage (TPPD) or third party fire and theft insurance (TPFT), because it offers the most extensive protection for your vehicle. While TPPD insurance only covers damage caused to other vehicles or property and third-party fire and theft insurance covers those as well as damage from fire or theft, comprehensive car insurance covers all of these damages, as well as damage to your own vehicle.
Comprehensive car insurance may also provide additional benefits, which are outlined above. However, comprehensive car insurance usually comes with a higher premium compared to other types of cover due to the increased level of protection it offers.
Compulsory third party (CTP) insurance is also different from comprehensive cover because it’s mandatory to hold if you have a driver’s licence and vehicle in Australia. This type of insurance can cover compensation for the injury or death of another person for which you’re at fault, which isn’t covered by any other type of insurance.
Top tips for comparing comprehensive car insurance
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Look at the cost of premiums
Comparing premiums can help you to find a policy which not only fits your budget but also provides the level of coverage you need.
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Analyse the inclusions and exclusions
Understanding the inclusions and exclusions of each policy can help you choose one that meets your specific needs and doesn't leave you caught short.
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Consider the optional extras available
When comparing policies, consider which optional extras you may need or want and whether they’re included in the policy or available as an add-on.
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Think about the payment schedule
While annual premiums will generally result in the most savings, some insurers may allow you to pay monthly at no extra cost to give you more flexibility.
The pros and cons of comprehensive car insurance
Pros
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Greatest overall cover
Comprehensive car insurance can provide the highest level of protection for your vehicle, covering eligible damages caused by accidents, collisions, theft, fire, extreme weather and more.
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Freedom to add optional extras
There’s a wide range of optional extras which can be added to your comprehensive car insurance policy, so you can consider which of these is most suitable for your needs.
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Peace of mind
Comprehensive car insurance can give you peace of mind while driving, knowing that you can be protected against a range of events included under your policy’s coverage.
Cons
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More expensive premiums
Comprehensive car insurance is generally the most expensive type of car insurance due to the higher level of protection it offers.
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Exclusions remain in place
Even with the most extensive policy, exclusions will still apply, meaning you won’t be covered for all accidents which may take place.
Types of car insurance
How to buy car insurance
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Fill out an online quote form
To generate relevant quotes, you’ll need to provide information about yourself, your car and the cover you’re after. This quote form is simple and should only take minutes to complete.
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Compare offers
Once you’ve done this, you’ll be able to compare personalised quotes based on premiums, inclusions, exclusions, claims process, excess, optional extras and more in minutes.
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Pick one you like and buy it
If you find a policy you’re happy with, you can complete your car insurance purchase through our partner's website. Once bought, your cover can kick in as soon as today.
