Which car insurance is right for me?
Insurance policies vary in a number of features and it is up to you to decide which features you value most when considering your own needs, use for the vehicle and budget. Ideally you are looking for a policy that combines the best coverage, with a good price, good service and a speedy claims process. Some insurers position their policies as piece of mind packages. Others position on their competitive price while some are special need insurers who cater for specific needs, uses and purposes of drivers. At the end of the day, the right car insurance is one that strikes the right balance between your needs and budget.
How is the premium calculated?
Premiums are calculated according to the perceived risk of insuring you and your vehicle. This will depend on certain ‘risk factors’, applicable government charges (stamp duty, GST etc) the cost of policy options, less any discounts you are entitled to. Risk factors include your residential address and where your car is parked at night, the age and gender of listed drivers, whether your car is financed, your driving history (number of accidents you have been involved in and whether you were at fault), the model, make, value and use of your vehicle, and your policy coverage.
What after accident care is available?
When a claim has been accepted some insurers pay to get the vehicle towed to a safe place, or the destination, or to a repairer. Some insurers cover accommodation if an accident occurs while the car was being used to travel at a distance away from home.
What sort of coverage should I expect in a policy?
There are some standard features included across all comprehensive car insurance policies. They include: general loss and damages cover including theft, fire, storm, hire car cover, liability cover for damage to other people’s property, towing cover, and personal belongings cover.
Who should I list in my policy?
All drivers who you reasonably expect to be driving your car should be listed. If the person who was driving the vehicle or responsible for the vehicle at the time a claim arises was not listed under the policy you may have to pay additional excesses.
How are claims made?
Depending upon the insurer and facilities they have available, policy-holders can make claims over the phone or online. After being in contact with your insurer they will give you directions as to what must be done, and request relevant information to process your claim. Once your claim is accepted the insurer will make any payments they are liable to pay less any excess you must pay.
How does a safety rating work?
A safety rating depends upon your driving history and the number and type of accidents you have been involved in. Some insurers use their system of safety rating to determine whether you are eligible for discounts.
How do I reduce the costs of my car insurance?
Some insurers give policy holders an option to decrease their premium amount by opting to increase their excess. Effectively your premium is reduced but in the event that you make a claim, you will have to pay the higher excess chosen.
Disclaimer
Nothing in this car insurance comparison service should be taken as constituting personal advice. It has been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before you buy a car insurance policy you should consider whether it is right for you. Whilst policy features are listed here, it is only a summary and does not describe all policy details. Be sure to read the insurer's Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement before deciding to buy. Quotes are estimates of premiums of our participating providers. As with all insurance premiums, these are subject to underwriting and may change. See InfoChoice's Financial Service Guide. InfoChoice Pty Ltd ABN 93 061 105 735 AFSL No. 349445
