Car Insurance South Australia

Whether you're residing in the vibrant heart of Adelaide or further south in Mount Gambier or Victor Harbor, having the right car insurance is essential, no matter where you are in South Australia. With various risks on the roads and beyond, it's crucial to compare your insurance options to help you find the right cover for your vehicle.

Providers you can compare

What coverage options are available for car insurance in South Australia?

It’s important to be across the different types of car insurance available in South Australia before you buy. These include:

• Comprehensive: this type of cover can include protection for damage to your vehicle caused by accidents, collision, theft, vandalism, fire and extreme weather (in some cases), as well as damage to third-party vehicles and property. This is the highest level of cover you can take out and is generally the most expensive as a result.
• Third party fire and theft (TPFT): this option can provide coverage for theft and fire damage to your vehicle, as well as damage caused to other people's vehicles or property.
• Third party property damage (TPPD): this is the most basic optional coverage available, which can protect you against damage caused to other people's vehicles or property but not to your own vehicle.
• Compulsory third party (CTP): CTP insurance is mandatory in South Australia and can cover personal injury or death caused to others in an accident where you’re at fault. It doesn’t offer any cover for damage to vehicles or property. CTP insurance is regulated by the CTP Insurance Regulator and is available through approved insurers.

*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 the cost of car insurance in South Australia?

The cost of car insurance in South Australia can be influenced by several factors, including:

• Your age and driving experience: younger and less experienced drivers generally face higher premiums due to their higher risk profile in contrast to older drivers, such as those over 50 with a long-standing licence.
• Your gender: car insurance for women typically costs less than it does for men, as they’re considered less likely to be involved in an accident on the road.
• Your driving record: your history on the road, including past accidents and driving offences, can impact your insurance premium. A clean driving record typically results in lower premiums. This also extends to claims, with insurers generally rewarding those with fewer claims with lower premiums.
• Your vehicle's model, age and condition: expensive or high-performance vehicles may have higher insurance costs due to the greater cost of repairs or replacement. Additionally, older vehicles or those in poor condition may also attract higher premiums if they’re deemed a greater risk of attracting a claim.
• Vehicle usage: The distance you drive annually and whether you use your car for personal or business purposes can affect premiums. More frequent usage and utilising it for your business may result in higher costs than for someone who catches public transport to and from work every day.
• Your city, town, and suburb: the location where you live can influence premiums. Areas with higher rates of accidents or vehicle theft may have higher insurance costs. This means you may not pay the same if you live in the Adelaide CBD as someone out in Coober Pedy.
• Parking arrangements: how you park your car, such as whether it's in a secure garage or on the street, can impact premiums. Cars parked in secure locations may attract lower premiums than those parked on the street.
• Policy excess: the excess amount you choose can affect your premium. A higher excess may result in lower premiums, but you'll need to pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim.

Additionally, whether you choose comprehensive or third party insurance will have a clear impact on the cost of your premium, with comprehensive being the most expensive and TPPD the cheapest. Keep in mind that insurance providers may weigh these factors differently, so it's important to compare quotes to find the best coverage and premiums that suit your specific situation.

What are the car insurance requirements in South Australia?

The requirement for car insurance in South Australia is:

• All registered vehicles in South Australia must have CTP insurance. As mentioned, this insurance can provide coverage for personal injury or death caused by your vehicle to other people, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or cyclists.

Comprehensive and third-party car insurance aren’t legally required in South Australia. However, you may decide that having one of these optional policies is worthwhile due to the additional protection and financial security it can provide you, knowing you won’t have to pay 100% out of pocket in the event of an accident which is included in your policy’s coverage (such as if your vehicle is written off).

When deciding on the most suitable coverage for you, it's important to consider your individual needs, budget and the value of your vehicle. This assessment will help you boost your chances of choosing a policy that meets your requirements and provides adequate coverage.

Types of car insurance

Third party property damage (TPPD)

The most basic type of optional cover available, TPPD insurance can offer protection for damage caused by your vehicle to other people's property. However, no damage to your vehicle will be covered.

Third party fire and theft (TPFT)

A step up from TPPD, TPFT insurance can also cover damage to your vehicle sustained due to a fire or theft (or attempted theft) in addition to third-party property damage if you're in an at-fault accident.

Comprehensive

The most extensive (and expensive) form of cover, comprehensive car insurance can also offer cover for damage to your vehicle in an accident, collision and certain weather events on top of the areas TPFT covers.