Comprehensive Car Insurance
Comprehensive car insurance covers the cost of damage to your own car, as well as to the property of others.
In Australia, all car owners must take out Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance with the renewal of the car's registration. While this would cover the cost of any injuries in an accident, it won't meet the cost of repair to the vehicles involved.
Although comprehensive car insurance is typically more expensive than third party, fire and theft, or third party property policies, it does protect you from potentially losing thousands of dollars in the event of a crash.
If you can't afford to lose your car, you need a comprehensive motor insurance policy.
Fortunately for Australian drivers, you can buy cheap comprehensive car insurance online quickly and easily. But before buying or renewing your policy, there are a few things to take into consideration.
Car insurance benefits
How do you use your car? If you need it every day you should consider a policy that provides a hire car if your car is being repaired or has been stolen.
On the other hand, if you are fortunate enough to have been driving for several years without ever making a claim, you may want a policy that will protect your no claim discount.
Some insurers also offer roadside assistance as part of their comprehensive car insurance package.
Legal cover is another option that is sometimes offered and covers your costs if you are involved in a legal dispute.
Comprehensive policies should offer cover for the items inside your car, as well as the car itself, and this amount will vary between insurers.
Check whether the insurer lets you choose your own repairer in the event of an accident. Some insurers prefer to use their own repairers, which may not be convenient for you.
If you are intending to let other people use your car, you should find out how much your insurer will charge to add another driver, especially if they are young.
Cheap car insurance
Comprehensive car insurance doesn't have to be expensive. There are several ways you can bring the price down.
Choose a higher excess – if you are prepared to pay more on your excess when you claim, your monthly premiums will be lower.
Keep your car in a garage, or at least off road, as the risk of damage or theft is higher for cars parked on the road.
If you are a man, add a woman to your policy and if you are young, add someone older (preferably a woman).
Decide which features you really need on your policy – then strip the rest out.
Compare car insurance quotes
The best way of saving yourself money when it comes to renewing your insurance is to compare quotes online.
Insurers asses risk differently, so a car insurance quote from one company could be much cheaper than another.
It's easy to find exactly what you want and you can compare a larger number of insurers than you could if you phoned each one up individually.
You may find there are specialist insurers that will give you a better quote, or companies who don't advertise who can pass on their savings to you.
Not only is it easier, insurers often offer a discount to motorists buying online car insurance.