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Which Car Insurance?

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RateCity
- 3 min read
Which Car Insurance?

If you are looking for car insurance in Australia it's important to get a number of online quotes and compare car insurance to get the best car insurance for your circumstances. This will help you understand which car insurance is right for you. 

At RateCity we can help you better understand this space with our car insurance guide which details the steps involved in getting a quote. Firstly though, if you have splashed out on some new wheels and are shopping around to buy car insurance, it’s worth understanding the difference between ‘compulsory third party’, ‘comprehensive car insurance’ and ‘third party property’. 

Compulsory third party (CTP): CTP, or green slip insurance, is the car insurance you buy when you register your vehicle.  It insures anyone driving your car (you or another driver) against claims brought by another person, or their family, for any injury or death caused by your vehicle, and assuming the driver of your car is responsible.

That said, CTP doesn’t cover damage to property caused by your vehicle. So, if you bump into another car, your insurer won’t reimburse the repair costs. CTP premiums are calculated against your age, the age of the car and where you live, among other factors. CTP is very different state to state around Australia, so make sure you check your state government’s vehicle registration website to understand the system. 

Comprehensive car insurance: This type of car insurance covers damage to your vehicle, and the other vehicle caught up in an accident. As part of the policy, the insurance company will pay costs up to the agreed or market value, which is calculated when you renew the policy. It may also cover registration costs for a replacement car, and some optional extras, such as alloy wheels (depending on provider).

With comprehensive car insurance, you also have the opportunity to select an ‘excess’, which is the amount you’ll pay if you cause an accident. While, it’s possible to trim the excess, this may result in a higher premium. On the flipside, a higher excess may help trim the premium.

A noclaim bonus (NCB) is another feature you’ll need to grasp before you buy car insurance. The NCB is a premium discount relating to your claim history. Generally speaking, the more claim-free years you rack up, the bigger the NCB.

Third party property: If you’re determined to buy car insurance and money is tight, third party property insurance might be worth considering. It’s often a cheaper option than comprehensive car insurance, but only protects you against damage claims to other people’s property caused by your car, assuming it was at fault. It doesn’t cover damage to your vehicle.

Now you have a better understanding you can start comparing car insurance by getting an online car insurance quote now.

Disclaimer

This article is over two years old, last updated on March 6, 2012. While RateCity makes best efforts to update every important article regularly, the information in this piece may not be as relevant as it once was. Alternatively, please consider checking recent car insurance articles.

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Product database updated 29 Mar, 2024

Promoted car insurance

Youi Pty Ltd

Comprehensive

  • New car replacement

  • Roadside assistance

Agreed or market value

Either

Roadside assistance

Standard

AAI Limited T/AS AAMI

Comprehensive

  • New car replacement

  • Roadside assistance

Agreed or market value

Either

Roadside assistance

Optional

AHM Health Insurance

Comprehensive

  • New car replacement

  • Roadside assistance

Agreed or market value

Either

Roadside assistance

Optional

Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd

Comprehensive

  • New car replacement

Agreed or market value

Agreed

Roadside assistance

Not available

product data updated on

Product data updated on 29 Mar 2024