How To Get New Car Insurance Quotes Online And Save Big

Motorists across Australia have felt the sting of soaring car insurance premiums, with average costs climbing by more than 40% since 2019. Whether you’re renewing your policy or insuring a new vehicle for the first time, the prospect of paying over $1,000 a year—just to stay protected—has become the new reality for many. Yet, there’s a silver lining: with a smarter approach to securing new car insurance quotes online, you can sidestep unnecessary expenses and ensure you’re not paying a cent more than you should.

The days of blindly accepting your renewal notice are gone. Savvy drivers are now switching providers and comparing tailored quotes online—often discovering hundreds in potential savings without compromising on cover. The process is far easier than most expect: by following a clear, step-by-step strategy, you can quickly navigate the maze of policies, pricing, and fine print.

This guide lays out a practical 10-step roadmap to help you compare, assess, and confidently choose the best-value policy for your needs. Along the way, you’ll learn how to sidestep common pitfalls, understand the hidden drivers of premium hikes, and unlock extra discounts—while enjoying a transparent, hassle-free experience from quote to claim. Let’s get started on making your next car insurance decision the simplest (and smartest) one yet.

Step 1: Recognise Why Now Is The Best Time To Compare Quotes

Before you start gathering quotes, it pays to understand why motor insurance premiums have spiked and what that means for your budget. With average comprehensive cover now sitting around $1,052 a year—a climb of roughly 42% since 2019—it’s clear that doing nothing could cost you dearly. By pausing to see the forces at play and making regular comparisons part of your routine, you’ll be well placed to spot genuinely better value policies rather than simply rolling over an ever-higher bill.

Understand Recent Premium Increases

A mix of factors has driven premiums upwards in recent years. Repair costs for modern vehicles—packed with sensors and cameras—have soared, while claims frequencies (and the size of those claims) have also risen. On top of that, rental car fees and replacement-vehicle costs have surged, and insurers report a steady uptick in opportunistic fraud. You can read more about these trends in the Insurance Council’s motor insurance roadmap for a detailed breakdown.

See What It Means For Your Wallet

Industry data tells us premiums are higher—but what does that feel like in everyday terms? If your average policy was around $740 in 2019, you’re now looking at just over $1,050. That’s an extra $300 a year—enough to cover a tank of petrol each month or a weekend away. Framed like that, investing a few minutes to compare quotes could easily repay itself several times over.

Appreciate The Benefits Of Regular Comparison

Checking your policy before each renewal isn’t just about saving hundreds this year; it’s about avoiding a slow, creeping premium creep. Insurers often raise renewal prices incrementally, banking on inertia. By making a habit of comparing quotes—even if you stay with your current provider—you force the market to prove its value. Every year you invest in that comparison, you build a stronger case for the best possible rate and coverage.

Step 2: Gather All Necessary Information Before You Start

Before you even type in your postcode, you’ll want all the facts at your fingertips. Having complete and accurate information on hand not only speeds up the quoting process, it also ensures the premiums and cover levels you see are tailored to your circumstances. Missing or incorrect details can lead to unexpected exclusions, higher excesses or, worse, a declined claim down the track.

By assembling your vehicle, driving and usage data in advance, you’ll breeze through online forms and compare apples with apples. Plus, when it’s time to submit any price-beat or cashback requests, the paperwork is ready to go.

Compile Your Vehicle Details

Your car’s particulars form the backbone of any quote. Gather:

Registration number (or VIN) – this often pre-fills make, model and year
Manufacturer, model name and variant (e.g. Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport)
Year of manufacture and current odometer reading
Estimated value: market or agreed sum insured
Any dealer extras or modifications (bull bars, tow-bars, upgraded stereo)

Having these details close to hand will ensure the insurer can give you an accurate premium without chasing you for missing data.

Prepare Your Driving History And Personal Data

Your profile as a driver is just as important as the car itself. Insurers look closely at:

Licence class and the date you first obtained full or probationary licence
Past claims, accidents or losses – including any excesses you’ve paid
Preferred excess levels (basic and any voluntary increase)
Address history (especially where the car sleeps overnight)

Transparency here is crucial. Under-declaring a youthful licence or omitting a past claim might cut your quote short, but it could invalidate a claim later on.

Define Your Vehicle Usage

How and why you use your car dramatically affects the risk profile – and the premium:

Private or domestic use (home-to-work, errands, social)
Business use (visiting clients, carrying tools or stock)
Rideshare or taxi driving (including apps like Uber, DiDi)
Courier and delivery services
A mix of the above

Many insurers require you to select the correct usage category before quoting. Getting this wrong can mean policy disputes if you need to claim, so be precise about how your vehicle earns its keep.

Step 3: Understand Key Insurance Terms To Make Informed Choices

Before you dive into quotes, it’s essential to get comfortable with the jargon insurers use. Grasping a few key terms means you’ll be able to compare policies on an even footing and avoid surprises if you ever need to claim. In this section, we explain how excess levels, vehicle valuation methods and no-claim bonuses each feed into the overall cost of your policy—and how you can use them to your advantage.

Excess: Types And Their Effect On Your Premium

Your excess is the portion you agree to contribute towards a claim. Insurers typically break it down into:

Basic excess: the standard amount applied if you make an at-fault claim.
Additional excess: extra charges that apply in certain situations, such as when a young or inexperienced driver is behind the wheel.
Voluntary (or agreed) excess: an extra amount you choose to take on in exchange for a lower premium.

Raising your voluntary excess by, say, $500 might shave 10–15% off your annual premium. On the flip side, that higher excess becomes your responsibility before the insurer steps in—so make sure you can cover it if you have an accident. Choosing the right excess is about striking a balance between upfront savings and manageable out-of-pocket costs when you claim.

Agreed Value Versus Market Value

The sum insured is the amount your insurer will pay if your car is damaged beyond repair or stolen. You’ll usually be asked to pick between:

Market value: what the car is worth on the day you claim, based on depreciation, age and local sales data.
Agreed value: a fixed sum you and the insurer set when you buy or renew your policy.

Market value can drop faster than you expect—particularly on new cars—so you may receive a lower payout than you anticipated. Agreed value gives you certainty, but premiums are typically higher because the insurer assumes greater risk. Weigh up the cost of a slightly bigger premium against the peace of mind of a guaranteed payout if your car is written off.

No-Claim Bonus: Reward For Safe Driving

Insurers often reward claim-free years with a discount on your premium, known as a no-claim bonus (NCB) or no-claim discount. Typically:

You start on a flat rate in year one and can build up to discounts of 20%, 30%, 40% or even 60% after several claim-free renewals.
Making a claim usually reduces your bonus by one or more levels, depending on the insurer’s rules.
Some insurers offer a protected NCB once you’ve reached a certain level, which means you won’t lose your full discount after one claim.

Keeping your NCB intact can save you hundreds of dollars over the life of your policy. For more on how no-claim bonuses work and tips on protecting them, see the ASIC MoneySmart car insurance guide.

Step 4: Decide On The Right Level Of Cover For Your Needs

Choosing the right cover level is about matching your protection to your priorities and budget. Whether you need full protection for your own vehicle, a safety net against fire and theft, or basic third-party liability, each option carries a different cost and set of benefits. Spending a little time weighing up what you actually drive through — and what you’d want refunded if the worst happened — can prevent paying for cover you don’t need, or leaving gaps where you’re exposed.

Compare Comprehensive, Third Party Fire & Theft And Third Party Property

Comprehensive cover is the most complete option. It protects your own car against accidental damage, fire, theft, storms, vandalism and third-party liability. Extras like new-for-old replacement on a brand-new vehicle, and hire-car cover after an incident, are usually bundled in.
Third Party Fire & Theft protects you financially if your car is stolen or damaged by fire, and covers damage you cause to other people’s vehicles or property. It won’t pay for your own collision damage, storm damage or windscreen claims.
Third Party Property (often the cheapest) only covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property. It won’t pay for any damage to your own car, even if you’re hit by an uninsured driver.

By understanding these differences, you can decide whether paying a higher premium for collision cover makes sense, or if you’d be comfortable with more limited protection.

Consider Optional Extras

Most insurers offer a menu of add-ons to customise your policy further:

Roadside assistance: call-out fees, battery boosts, tyre changes and towing.
Hire car after an accident: a temporary replacement vehicle while yours is being repaired.
Windscreen cover: repair or replacement without—or with a reduced—excess.
Personal belongings cover: protects items inside your car, from laptops to luggage.
Excess waiver: reduces your out-of-pocket cost if you need to claim.

Select only the extras you’re likely to use, and check any eligibility conditions (for instance, towing limits or maximum rental days).

Balance Premium Cost With Coverage

Finding the sweet spot hinges on clear priorities. A higher voluntary excess can cut your annual premium, but leaves you with a bigger bill before your insurer steps in. If your car is older, you might choose Third Party Fire & Theft to save on premiums, accepting that you’d cover collision repairs yourself. Conversely, if you drive a late-model vehicle or rely heavily on your car, the peace of mind from comprehensive cover could outweigh the extra cost. Think of insurance as a risk-management tool: match your policy’s inclusions, limits and excesses to your circumstances and wallet, and you’ll avoid both over- and under-insuring.

Step 5: Use Comparison Websites To Collect Multiple Quotes Quickly

Rather than visiting dozens of insurer sites one by one, you can harness online comparison platforms to gather a wide range of quotes in just minutes. These aggregators ask for your vehicle and profile details once, then return instant estimates from multiple providers—saving you time and uncovering options you might not have found otherwise.

Choose Reputable Aggregator Platforms

Not all comparison sites are created equal. Look for platforms that are:

Free to use: genuine aggregators won’t charge you a fee—insurers pay a commission if you buy through them.
Unbiased and transparent: check that the site clearly discloses how it is remunerated and whether it compares all major insurers.
Secure: ensure the platform uses SSL encryption and has a clear privacy policy so your personal data is protected.

Well-known Australian comparison sites include Compare the Market, iSelect and Budget Direct’s quote engine. These platforms usually cover comprehensive, third-party fire & theft and third-party property policies, and often allow you to toggle optional extras on the spot.

Filter Quotes By Location To Get Accurate Rates

Your postcode, state or suburb can have a surprising impact on your premium, since insurers factor in local risk (think theft hot-spots, flood zones or crash statistics). Always:

Enter your exact postcode or suburb.
Confirm where the vehicle is garaged overnight—different streets or estates can carry different risk ratings.
Re-run the search if you move house or park elsewhere for work, to see how your premium might adjust.

By matching quotes to your true location, you’ll avoid under-quoting and ensure the comparison reflects real-world rates.

Evaluate Quote Accuracy And Features

Once you have a shortlist of quotes, dig into the numbers side-by-side:

Premium vs excess: a lower premium might hide a higher basic or young-driver excess.
Inclusions and exclusions: check whether your chosen cover level scope truly matches (for example, windscreen cover, trailer damage or personal belongings).
Optional extras: some platforms let you add roadside assistance, hire-car cover or windscreen cover in a couple of clicks—compare the cost increments.
Policy period and renewal terms: confirm any fees for mid-term changes or cancellations, and whether the renewal premium is guaranteed.

Building a simple comparison table—either on paper or in a spreadsheet—will help you spot the best blend of cost and cover. Once you’ve zeroed in on your favourite candidates, you’re ready to move on to direct insurer websites and price-beat guarantees in the next steps.

Step 6: Check Direct Insurer Websites For Special Deals

While comparison sites are great for casting a wide net, they don’t always surface every promotion insurers run on their own portals. By visiting insurer websites directly, you can uncover exclusive offers, bundle packages and loyalty rewards that aren’t always listed through third-party platforms. A quick browse of the major players—Allianz, QBE, NRMA, Budget Direct and others—could reveal discounts or perks worth tens or even hundreds of dollars.

Visit Official Insurer Portals For Exclusive Offers

Insurers often reserve their best deals for customers who head straight to their websites. For example, Allianz regularly runs limited-time promotions—such as its $25,000 road-trip competition for new and renewing policyholders—while QBE may feature a generous multi-driver or multi-vehicle discount. NRMA members enjoy preferential rates on comprehensive cover, and Budget Direct sometimes offers extra discount codes for motorists who insure online. Bookmark the “Offers”, “Promotions” or “News” sections on each insurer’s site and visit them before you buy.

Compare Direct Deals With Aggregated Quotes

Once you’ve collected quotes from comparison platforms, cross-check them against the deals listed on insurer portals. It’s not unusual to find a discrepancy—perhaps a lower premium when you add a second car under the one policy or a rebate for paying annually. If you spot an offer that beats your aggregator quote, simply note the details (promo code, eligibility period, minimum cover requirements) and factor it into your final decision. This double-check ensures you won’t miss a direct discount that comparison engines haven’t captured.

Look For Bundled Packages And Loyalty Perks

Many insurers sweeten the deal when you stack policies. Common bundles might include:

Home and contents plus car insurance: often attracts 10–15% off each policy.
Caravans, trailers or motorbike cover: add-on rates are lower when grouped under one insurer.
Commercial and private car policies: multi-vehicle or fleet packages can reduce premiums per vehicle.

On top of bundles, keep an eye out for loyalty perks—such as a protected no-claim bonus, a small renewal gift (think petrol vouchers or e-gift cards) and complimentary roadside assistance for returning customers. These extras won’t always show up in a straight premium comparison but can tip the balance in favour of one insurer over another.

By taking a few extra minutes to explore direct-to-insurer portals, you may unlock offers that deliver genuine savings or bonus cover you wouldn’t find on an aggregator. Once you’ve scouted out these specials, you’re ready to pit them against price-beat guarantees and cashback schemes in the next steps.

Step 7: Leverage Price-Beat Guarantees To Save Even More

If you’ve spotted a cheaper, like-for-like quote from another insurer, many providers will match and then undercut that price. This promise—known as a price-beat guarantee—lets you harness competition to your advantage. By presenting a genuine written quote, you can effectively turn your market research into instant savings, without compromising on the cover you’ve carefully chosen.

Understand How Price-Beat Guarantees Work

A price-beat guarantee means an insurer pledges to offer you a lower premium than any comparable quote you bring to them. To qualify, the competing quote must usually be:

For the same vehicle make, model and year
Identical cover level (comprehensive, third party fire & theft, etc.)
Inclusive of the same optional extras, excess levels and renewal date

Once you submit that quote—typically in writing, via email or a secure upload link—the insurer will verify the details. If everything lines up, they’ll beat the competitor’s premium by a stated amount or percentage, locking in your new, lower rate.

Gather Competitor Quotes To Submit

Preparation is key. When you request a quote from a rival insurer, save the full policy summary or Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), along with:

The total annual premium and breakdown of any instalment fees
Excess amounts (basic, voluntary or additional)
A clear list of policy inclusions, exclusions and optional add-ons
The name of the insurer, the quote date and reference number

Screenshots or PDF exports often work best, as they capture all the fine print. Having this documentation ready ensures a swift validation process and helps you steer clear of any unwelcome surprises.

Consider National Cover’s Price-Beat Guarantee

At National Cover, we’re confident our research-backed pricing consistently delivers market-leading value. That’s why we’ll not only match a genuine competitor quote, but beat it—guaranteed. Simply submit your qualifying quote via our online form or email, and we’ll provide a revised premium that undercuts the competition. Ready to see how low your new car insurance can go? Head over to our Price-Beat Guarantee page to get started.

Step 8: Take Advantage Of Additional Discounts And Cashback Programs

Once you’ve locked in a competitive premium, there are still ways to further reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Many insurers and repair networks now offer excess cashback programs or discounts that can chip away at your voluntary or basic excess. By understanding how these work and combining them with other perks, you’ll make your insurance go even further.

Excess Cashback Programs Explained

Excess cashback schemes work by refunding part (or all) of the excess you pay when you lodge a claim, provided you meet certain conditions. Typically, you must:

Use a repairer in the insurer’s approved network
Have the claim assessed and approved by the insurer in advance
Pay the excess upfront at the repairer, then lodge a request for cashback

For example, if your excess is $750 and the insurer offers a 50% cashback once repairs are completed, you’ll get $375 back—effectively reducing your real excess to $375. National Cover, for instance, provides an excess discount when you use one of its preferred repairers, so you’re rewarded for choosing a trusted workshop.

Check Eligibility Criteria For Discounts

Each program has its own rules, so always read the fine print before assuming you’ll qualify. Common requirements include:

Repairing your vehicle at an approved workshop—some insurers require prior authorisation before you proceed
Lodging your claim and booking the repair within the policy period
Retaining all invoices and completing any insurer-requested documentation
Ensuring the damage type is covered (e.g. collision repairs versus non-insured extras)

Missing a step—such as using an unlisted repairer or filing late—can void your cashback entitlement. If in doubt, call the insurer’s claims or customer service team to confirm eligibility.

Combine Multiple Offers For Maximum Savings

Smart shoppers stack discounts. Here are two simple examples:

Higher voluntary excess plus cashback
Increase your voluntary excess by $500 to reduce your annual premium by 10%. Then, arrange repairs through the insurer’s network to get 50% of that increased excess back after your claim.
Loyalty bonus and excess discount
If you’ve built up a no-claim bonus, you might already enjoy 30% off your base premium. Layer on an approved-repairer excess cashback program, and you’ll not only save year-to-year, but also recoup a portion of your excess should you need to claim.

By carefully combining a few of these programs—price-beat guarantees, loyalty discounts, voluntary excess adjustments and cashback schemes—you’ll ensure you’re not just paying less for cover, but actually reducing your worst-case claim costs too.

Step 9: Evaluate And Compare Your Final Quotes Thoroughly

By now you’ve collected a handful of tailored quotes from both aggregator sites and direct insurers. The final step is to scrutinise each option to ensure you’re making a fully informed decision. A superficial glance at the headline price can be misleading—extras, excesses and hidden fees can vary widely between policies. Before you commit, take the time to break down the true cost and scope of cover, and present everything side-by-side for a clear comparison.

Compare Total Cost: Premiums, Excess, Fees And Charges

It’s tempting to focus on the lowest annual premium, but that figure only tells part of the story. To arrive at the true first-year cost, add:

The quoted premium (including any instalment surcharges)
Basic and voluntary excess amounts you’d be required to pay
Application fees, stamp duty and any government charges
Costs for optional extras (roadside assistance, windscreen cover, hire car)

Once you’ve totalled these figures, you’ll see which policy genuinely delivers the best up-front value—and which might leave you out-of-pocket in the event of a claim. Run the numbers in a realistic claim scenario (for example, a $1,000 repair) to reveal how much you’d ultimately pay.

Review Policy Terms, Exclusions And Conditions

A headline premium can’t tell you everything. Dig into each insurer’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to identify:

Specific exclusions (for instance, towing limits, age-based excess or usage restrictions)
Waiting periods or consent requirements for any add-ons
Claim submission deadlines and required documentation
Renewal, mid-term change or cancellation fees

Reading the PDS may feel tedious, but it’s the only way to spot clauses that could catch you out—especially when you need to make a claim. Make a checklist of non-negotiable features and red-flag exclusions to speed up your review.

Use A Comparison Table For Clarity

Organising your findings in a simple table turns complexity into clarity. Set up columns for:

Insurer	Cover Type	Annual Premium	Basic Excess	Voluntary Excess	Key Inclusions	Discounts
Example Co.	Comprehensive	$1,050	$600	$500	Roadside assistance, hire car	10% multi-policy
Another Ins.	Third Party Fire & Theft	$820	$700	$0	Fire, theft, third-party cover	5% NCB protected

Populate each cell with the data you’ve gathered, then sort the rows by overall cost or coverage adequacy. A side-by-side view makes it easy to spot the best balance of price and protection—so you can choose your new policy with confidence.

Step 10: Finalise Your Purchase And Set Reminders For Renewals

Once you’ve settled on the policy that matches your needs and budget, it’s time to seal the deal. The final sign-up process is usually quick, but a few last-minute checks will ensure you don’t miss any critical details. By confirming your information, choosing the right payment plan and setting up renewal alerts, you’ll head off surprises and keep your protection uninterrupted.

Confirm Your Chosen Policy And Cover Details

Before you submit payment, review every line of your quote:

Re-verify vehicle details: registration number, make, model, year and the agreed or market value.
Check named drivers and usage class: ensure family members, business drivers or rideshare users are listed correctly.
Inspect cover inclusions and limits: make sure optional extras—such as roadside assistance, hire-car cover and windscreen protection—are exactly as you want them.
Skim the summary PDS: a quick glance at exclusions and conditions will give you peace of mind that nothing important has been overlooked.

Set Payment Options And Instalment Preferences

Most insurers offer two main payment structures:

Annual payment: a single premium due each year, often without extra fees and sometimes with an additional discount.
Instalment plan: monthly or fortnightly payments that spread your cost, but may attract a small finance or direct-debit fee.

Choose the method that aligns with your cash flow. If you can afford the lump sum, you’ll typically pay less overall. If you prefer budget-friendly instalments, just be sure to factor in any service charges.

Schedule Renewal Reminders And Annual Reviews

Car insurance isn’t “set and forget.” Treat each policy anniversary as a new opportunity to save:

Set a calendar alert one month before expiry—on your phone, e-mail or paper diary.
Use that window to compare fresh quotes, check market shifts and gather competitor offers.
Revisit life changes: new drivers in your household, modifications to your car or shifts in how you use it.
If you stick with your insurer, leverage loyalty perks or price-beat guarantees by submitting updated quotes or proof of long-term cover.

By making renewal checks part of your routine, you’ll stay ahead of creeping premium increases and secure the best deal year after year.

Secure Your Savings Today

You’ve now got the blueprint to tackle rising premiums, compare apples with apples and exploit every discount or guarantee on offer. Armed with accurate vehicle and driving details, a clear understanding of cover levels and a shortlist of competitive quotes, you’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to choosing the right policy. Taking a little time now to compare, cross-check and submit price-beat requests can translate into real dollars back in your pocket.

When you’re ready to put this plan into action, head straight to National Cover for a streamlined online quote. It only takes a few minutes to enter your details, pick your cover level and see how much you could save. And with our Price-Beat Guarantee, you can be confident you’re securing the lowest rate on the market—every single time.

Don’t let another renewal notice catch you off guard. Start your comparison today, lock in a policy tailored to your needs and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve got the best deal possible. Visit National Cover now and take the first step towards smarter, more affordable car insurance.