Comprehensive Car Insurance Australia: Costs, Cover & Tips

Comprehensive car insurance is the highest level of protection you can buy for a car in Australia. In plain terms, it helps pay to repair or replace your own vehicle if it’s damaged or stolen, and covers the cost of damage you cause to other people’s cars or property — even when you’re at fault. It usually includes events like storms, hail, fire, vandalism and theft. It doesn’t replace CTP (which covers injuries), but it fills the gap on repair and replacement costs.

In this guide, you’ll see how comprehensive cover compares with CTP and other policy types, what’s typically included and excluded, and the optional extras worth a look. We break down costs, how premiums are calculated, ways to save without losing key protection, and how excesses work. You’ll also learn about agreed vs market value, no claim discounts, business and rideshare needs, reading the PDS with confidence, and what to do at claim time. Practical, Australian-specific tips throughout will help you choose with clarity.

How comprehensive cover compares to CTP and other car insurance types

Choosing the right level of protection starts with understanding how policies stack up. Compulsory Third Party (CTP) is mandatory in Australia and only covers injuries to people — not damage to cars or property. Comprehensive car insurance covers your vehicle and damage you cause to others, plus events like theft, fire and weather. In between sit third party options that protect others’ property but offer limited or no cover for your own car.

Insurance type	Your car’s collision damage	Damage to others’ property	Theft & fire	Injuries to people
CTP (Green Slip in NSW)	✗	✗	✗	✓
Third Party Property Damage (TPPD)	✗	✓	✗	✗
Third Party Fire & Theft (TPFT)	✗*	✓	✓	✗
Comprehensive	✓	✓	✓	✗

*Some TPFT/TPPD policies include limited cover if you’re hit by an uninsured driver. Always check the PDS.

Bottom line: CTP covers people, not property. If you want your own car protected — whether you’re at fault or it’s a stormy night — comprehensive is the only type that consistently covers repair or replacement, making it the broadest option in Australia.

What comprehensive policies typically cover in Australia

When you buy comprehensive car insurance in Australia, you’re paying for broad protection for your own car as well as the damage you might cause to other people’s property. While each insurer’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) sets the rules, most comprehensive policies include cover for common “insured events” and the costs that follow an accident, theft or weather hit.

• Accidental damage to your car: Repairs or total loss payout (market or agreed value) whether you’re at fault or not.
• Damage to others’ property: Legal liability if your car damages another vehicle, building, fence or similar.
• Weather events: Storm, hail and flood damage are typically covered on comprehensive policies.
• Theft and vandalism: Cover for theft, attempted theft and malicious damage after a police report.
• Fire: Loss or damage caused by fire is generally included.
• Glass and windscreens: Cover for window and windscreen damage, often with a separate or reduced excess.
• Uninsured driver damage: Protection if your car is hit by an uninsured driver (conditions apply).
• Towing and emergency costs: Reasonable towing, plus emergency transport and accommodation after an insured event.
• Hire car after theft: Often included; accident hire car is usually an optional extra.
• New car replacement: If a near-new car is written off, many policies offer new-for-old replacement (commonly up to two years — check the PDS).
• Personal effects and keys: Limited cover for stolen/damaged personal items and key/remote replacement.

Always read the PDS to confirm limits, sub-limits, excesses and any conditions attached to these benefits.

What’s usually excluded from comprehensive car insurance

Comprehensive car insurance is broad, but it isn’t a blank cheque. Most Australian policies share a core set of exclusions that apply regardless of brand. Knowing these upfront helps you avoid nasty surprises at claim time and choose the right cover for how you actually drive.

• Driving under the influence: Damage while you’re over the limit or affected by drugs is typically not covered.
• Unlicensed or improper driving: Claims are usually declined if the driver is unlicensed, or the car is unroadworthy or unregistered at the time of the incident.
• Intentional damage: Deliberate acts (by you or someone acting for you) are excluded.
• Overloading your vehicle: If extra weight contributes to an accident, insurers can refuse the claim.
• Wrong use of cover: Using a car insured for private use for business activities (e.g. rideshare, carrying paying passengers, courier work) is generally excluded unless you have the right cover.
• Injuries to people: Comprehensive doesn’t cover injuries or death — that’s what CTP is for.
• Driving other cars: Your policy insures your vehicle, not you; other cars need their own cover.

Always check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for the fine print, including any limits, sub‑limits and excesses that may apply to your situation.

Common features and optional extras to consider

The real difference between “okay” and “great” comprehensive car insurance in Australia often comes down to features and add‑ons. Start with what’s included by default, then decide which optional extras match how you drive, where you park and how quickly you need to get back on the road after a claim.

• Accident hire car: Often optional; keeps you mobile while your car is repaired after a crash.
• Windscreen/glass excess waiver: Reduces or removes excess for chip and crack repairs or replacement.
• Roadside assistance: Help for flat batteries, lockouts and no‑fuel moments; limits vary.
• Choice of repairer: Flexibility to use your trusted repairer rather than an insurer‑selected one.
• New‑for‑old replacement window: Check age/kilometre limits if your near‑new car is written off.
• Personal effects and keys: Confirm sub‑limits for stolen items and key/remote replacement.
• Towing, emergency transport and accommodation: Compare caps for longer trips and rural incidents.
• Uninsured driver cover: Understand conditions for recovering your excess when the other party isn’t insured.

Always confirm inclusions, limits, sub‑limits and excesses in the Product Disclosure Statement before you buy.

How much comprehensive car insurance costs in Australia

There isn’t a single “average price” for comprehensive car insurance in Australia because premiums are tailored to your car, where it lives, who drives it and the level of cover you choose. Optional extras, your chosen excess and whether the car is used privately or for business/rideshare also move the needle. Expect quotes to differ between brands, so comparing like‑for‑like cover is essential before you decide.

Many insurers reduce first‑year costs with online deals — for example, “save up to 10%” or flat “$50 off” offers, and some brands advertise up to 15% online savings. Paying annually can be cheaper than monthly instalments (which can include fees), and trimming non‑essential add‑ons helps keep the premium down without cutting the core protection comprehensive cover provides.

• Compare like‑for‑like: Same excess, extras and value basis (market vs agreed) to see true price differences.
• Mind the extras: Accident hire car, roadside and glass waivers add convenience — and cost.
• Set a smart excess: A higher excess generally lowers your premium; make sure you could afford it at claim time.
• Use‑type matters: Rideshare, taxi or courier use needs the correct policy category; premiums reflect higher risk.

How premiums are calculated (and what makes them go up or down)

Insurers price comprehensive car insurance by assessing risk. They look at your car (year, make and model), who drives it, how and where it’s used, your driving and claims history, where it’s garaged, and the cover options you choose. Your selected excess, whether you insure for market or agreed value, and any optional extras all influence the final number. Commercial uses like rideshare, taxi or courier work are rated differently to private use, and details like modifications or existing hail damage can also affect the price.

• Driver age and experience: Younger or less experienced drivers usually pay more.
• Vehicle type and value: High‑value or costly‑to‑repair models increase premiums.
• Use and kilometres: Business/rideshare use and higher annual driving can cost more.
• Address and parking: Postcode risk and street parking often raise the price; secure garaging can help.
• Claims and driving history: Fewer incidents typically mean lower premiums (and NCD eligibility).
• Excess selection: A higher basic excess generally reduces the premium.
• Cover choices and extras: Agreed value, accident hire car, roadside and glass waivers add convenience and cost.
• Modifications/condition: Declared mods or pre‑existing hail damage can increase the premium.

Ways to lower your premium without cutting essential cover

You don’t have to strip out the protection that makes comprehensive car insurance worthwhile to bring the price down. Focus on levers that don’t touch your core benefits: how you pay, who’s covered, how the car’s used and where it’s kept. Then compare like‑for‑like quotes to make sure the savings are real, not just fewer inclusions.

• Lift your basic excess (sensibly): Higher excess, lower premium — choose an amount you could comfortably pay at claim time.
• Pay annually, not monthly: Avoid instalment fees and often pay less overall.
• Garage the car: Secure off‑street parking can rate lower than street parking in many postcodes.
• Restrict driver ages: Excluding under‑25s (if appropriate) can trim premiums.
• Choose market value (where suitable): It’s often cheaper than agreed value; weigh savings against payout certainty.
• Pick only the extras you need: Accident hire car, roadside and glass waivers are handy but add cost.
• Consider a low‑kilometre policy: If you drive less, you may pay less.
• Protect your NCD: Think twice before claiming for very minor damage to preserve your no claim discount.
• Use preferred repairers when it helps: Some insurers reduce excess when you choose their network.
• Leverage online discounts and compare at renewal: Intro offers can expire after 12 months — shop around on the same excess and features.

Understanding excesses and how they affect claims and price

An excess is the amount you agree to contribute when you make a claim. You choose your basic excess when you buy the policy; a higher basic excess generally lowers your premium, while a lower excess raises it. Insurers may require the basic excess on at‑fault or unrecoverable claims, and in some situations you might need to pay more than one excess on the same claim if multiple conditions apply.

• Basic excess: Your chosen amount, usually payable on at‑fault or unrecoverable claims.
• Age/inexperienced driver excess: Extra amount if a younger or less experienced driver is responsible for the damage.
• Unlisted driver excess: Applies when the driver isn’t named on the policy.
• Kilometres exceeded excess: May apply if you go over a declared low‑kilometre limit.
• Glass/windscreen excess (or waiver): Some policies use a separate or reduced excess for window glass, or offer a waiver add‑on.

Tip: pick the highest basic excess you could comfortably afford at claim time, and check your PDS for when additional excesses stack.

Agreed value vs market value, write-offs and new-for-old

When you buy comprehensive car insurance in Australia, you’ll usually choose to insure your car for market value or agreed value. Market value is what your car would reasonably sell for at the time of a total loss, reflecting age and depreciation. Agreed value is a set amount you and the insurer lock in at policy start. Agreed value gives payout certainty (often for a higher premium), while market value can be cheaper but fluctuates.

If your car is a write‑off (total loss) after an accident, theft (unrecovered), fire or severe weather, the insurer will typically pay the market or agreed value, minus any applicable excesses, and the car usually becomes the insurer’s property. Many comprehensive policies also offer new‑for‑old replacement when a near‑new car is written off — commonly if the car is under about two years old — but eligibility can depend on conditions like first ownership, kilometre limits and local availability. Always check the PDS for the fine print.

• Choose agreed value if you want payout certainty or drive a higher‑value/newer model.
• Choose market value for potential premium savings on everyday or older cars.
• New‑for‑old replacement: Confirm age/odometer limits and whether a current‑model replacement is available in Australia.
• Declare accessories/mods: Ensure factory options and approved modifications are listed so they’re reflected in your insured value.

No claim bonus and other discounts explained

A no claim bonus (NCD) rewards claim‑free driving with a discount that usually steps up each year you don’t claim, to a maximum level (commonly around five years). It’s applied to your premium rather than being a separate cash benefit, and making a claim can reduce or remove the discount depending on your insurer’s rules, so always check the PDS and renewal notice.

• No claim bonus (NCD): Builds with each claim‑free year up to a cap (e.g. five years); claims may affect it.
• Online sign‑up savings: Many brands offer first‑year online discounts (e.g. “up to 10%” or “$50 off”); they often expire after 12 months.
• Pay annually: Can avoid monthly instalment fees and lower your overall cost.
• Restricted driver discount: Limiting cover to older or named drivers can reduce premiums.
• Low‑kilometre pricing: If you drive less, some policies price you lower.
• Garage and security: Secure off‑street parking can be rated cheaper than street parking.

Tip: At renewal, insurers must show last year’s price versus this year’s, making it easy to spot if an introductory discount has dropped off — a smart time to compare like‑for‑like cover.

Is comprehensive cover right for your car? New, used and older vehicles

The right level of protection depends on what losing the car would mean to you, not just its age. Think about replacement cost, how often you drive, where the car sleeps (street vs garage), local weather risks (hail, flood), theft rates and who’s behind the wheel. Newer cars cost more to repair and may qualify for new‑for‑old replacement under comprehensive cover, while older cars can sometimes be cheaper to self‑insure — unless they’re classics or costly to fix.

• New or near‑new: Comprehensive is usually a smart default; check for new‑for‑old replacement and consider glass and accident hire car extras.
• Everyday used car: Weigh comprehensive against Third Party Fire & Theft by comparing the premium to the car’s value and your risk (parking and weather).
• Older low‑value runabout: Third Party Property or TPFT can be enough; choose comprehensive if the premium difference is small or risks are high.
• Classic/vintage or high‑value mods: Go comprehensive with agreed value or a specialist classic policy to lock in payout certainty.

Cover for accessories, modifications and personal items

From roof racks and tow bars to dash cams and upgraded wheels, many Aussie cars carry extras. Comprehensive car insurance can cover accessories and modifications, but only if your insurer knows about them. Factory‑fitted options are often treated as part of the car, while non‑standard accessories and performance or suspension mods usually need to be listed. Personal effects inside the car may also be covered, typically with sub‑limits. The key is disclosure and documentation — and checking the PDS for caps and conditions.

• List every non‑standard item: Declare accessories/mods at quote time so they’re included in your insured value and claim.
• Include factory options: Note them on your policy for clarity, especially with market value cover.
• Match your value type: Ensure your agreed or market value reflects accessories you want covered.
• Keep proof of ownership: Receipts, serial numbers and photos make claims faster and simpler.
• Know the limits: Personal effects and key/remote replacement usually have sub‑limits — confirm amounts in the PDS.
• Expect pricing impact: Mods can change risk and premium; undeclared changes can jeopardise a claim.

Comprehensive cover for rideshare, taxis, couriers and business vehicles

If you carry passengers or parcels for a fee, you’ll need the policy set up for that use — a private‑use comprehensive policy often excludes rideshare, taxi or courier work. When pricing comprehensive car insurance in Australia for commercial use, insurers consider the platform you drive for, your hours and kilometres, garaging, and who drives the car. Declare any signage, cameras, partitions, roof racks or delivery accessories, and make sure optional extras like accident hire car, roadside and windscreen cover match the cost of downtime. If multiple people drive the vehicle, check listed/unlisted driver excesses and any age restrictions in the PDS.

• Rideshare: Disclose the platform and peak/night driving; confirm property damage cover and driver listing.
• Taxi: Choose commercial comprehensive; list meters, cameras and fittings; 24/7 claims support helps.
• Courier/delivery: Declare high kilometres and stop‑start use; consider separate goods‑in‑transit insurance.
• Business/fleet: Align cover with drivers, parking and routes; standardise excesses and repair arrangements.

How to compare policies and read the PDS with confidence

Comparing comprehensive car insurance in Australia is easier when you standardise the variables and let the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) do the heavy lifting. Shortlist two to three policies, set the same excess and extras on each, then scan their PDS to confirm what you’re really buying before you hit “purchase”.

• Match cover to use: Ensure the policy is rated for how you drive (private vs rideshare/taxi/courier/business) — private‑use policies often exclude paid work.
• Compare like‑for‑like: Same excess, optional extras and value basis (market vs agreed) for a true price comparison.
• Check inclusions (insured events): Accidental damage, legal liability to others, theft, fire, storm, hail, flood; confirm towing and emergency transport/accommodation.
• Spot the exclusions: DUI, unlicensed driving, unroadworthy or overloaded vehicles, business use on a private policy, and injuries (that’s CTP).
• Understand excesses: Basic plus any age/inexperienced, unlisted‑driver and glass/windscreen excesses — and when they stack.
• Know the limits: Sub‑limits for personal effects, key replacement, towing and hire‑car duration; many include hire car after theft, accident hire car is often an extra.
• New‑for‑old rules: Replacement applies only to near‑new cars and under specific conditions — check age/odometer/ownership criteria.
• Discounts and renewals: See how no claim bonus is treated, note online sign‑up discounts often last 12 months, and use the renewal notice’s “price change vs last year” to reassess.
• Repair choices: Confirm choice‑of‑repairer availability and any excess savings for preferred repairers.

How claims work: what to do after an accident, theft or storm

When something goes wrong, clear steps and quick action make comprehensive car insurance work harder for you. Your policy will expect you to take reasonable care, gather basic evidence and notify the insurer promptly. Most brands let you lodge claims by phone or online, and the more detail you provide up‑front, the faster assessments, repairs and payouts happen.

1. Make it safe: Stop, assist and call 000 for injuries. Move to safety if you can.
2. Swap details (no admissions): Exchange names, addresses, licence/rego and insurer details. Don’t admit fault at the scene.
3. Capture evidence: Photos/video of damage and location, dash cam clips, time/date, weather, and witness contacts.
4. Report to police: Do so as required in your state; always report theft and get an event/report number.
5. Contact your insurer early: Call or lodge online for instructions; if safe, get guidance before towing. Keep receipts for emergency towing, transport or accommodation.
6. Scenario tips:
   • Theft/vandalism: Don’t touch a recovered vehicle; provide all keys, list stolen items and any CCTV.
   • Storm/flood/hail: Wait until it’s safe; don’t start a flooded engine; photograph waterlines and damage.
7. Lodge your claim: Provide policy and rego details, other parties’ info and your evidence. Your insurer will arrange assessment and repairs or a total‑loss payout; applicable excesses may apply. If your insurer follows the General Insurance Code of Practice, you should receive an outcome within about 10 business days.

Repair rights, choice of repairer and warranties

After a comprehensive claim, repairs are either managed by your insurer’s network or by a repairer you nominate (if your policy includes choice of repairer). Network repairs can be quicker and may come with a repair guarantee, while choosing your own repairer often means quotes and approvals, and the insurer can cap costs to a “reasonable market rate”. Parts policies (OEM vs aftermarket/recycled) and warranty terms are set out in the PDS — read them before you book in.

• Choice of repairer: Some policies include it by default, others sell it as an extra; conditions and approval steps apply.
• Assessment and quotes: Insurers can require one or more quotes and choose repair vs total loss.
• Parts policy: Check when OEM parts are used, and when aftermarket/recycled parts are permitted.
• Repair guarantees: Many brands back authorised repairs with a warranty — confirm scope and duration in the PDS.
• Preferred shops perks: Some insurers offer faster turnaround or an excess discount when you use their network.
• Disputes: Ask for a re‑assessment, escalate via Internal Dispute Resolution, and request an independent assessor if needed.

Switching insurers: timing, cooling-off and avoiding gaps in cover

Switching comprehensive car insurance can cut costs, but the win is only real if you switch cleanly. Aim to time the change at renewal (when your notice shows the price change versus last year) or mid‑term if you’ve found better value. Use cooling‑off rights on new cover if you change your mind, and be clear on any cancellation fees or pro‑rata refunds from the old policy. Above all, avoid even a minute without cover.

• Start new cover first: Set the new policy start time before you cancel.
• Confirm proof of cover: Get your certificate/policy number and exact start time.
• Use cooling‑off if needed: Cancel the new policy within its cooling‑off period if unsuitable.
• Ask about refunds/fees: Outside cooling‑off, expect pro‑rata refunds and possible fees (no claims).
• Match usage details: Private vs rideshare/taxi/courier must be correctly declared on the new policy.
• Align excess/extras: Replicate key extras (hire car, glass) and your preferred excess.
• Stop old instalments: Only after written confirmation of cancellation to prevent double payments.

Key questions to ask before you buy

A quick pre‑purchase checklist can save you money and headaches later. Read the PDS with these questions in mind, compare like‑for‑like (same excess, extras and value basis), and be honest about how the car is used. Clarity now means fewer surprises at claim time.

• Cover scope: Are accidental damage, theft, fire, storm, hail and flood included?
• Exclusions: What’s excluded (DUI, unlicensed, unroadworthy, overloading, wrong use)?
• Usage declaration: Is the policy set for private, rideshare, taxi, courier or business?
• Excesses: What basic, age/unlisted and glass excesses apply — and when do they stack?
• Value basis: Market vs agreed value — how is it set and reviewed?
• Extras: Is accident hire car optional? Is there a windscreen excess waiver?
• New‑for‑old: What are the age/odometer/ownership rules for replacement on write‑off?
• Repairer & parts: Do you have choice of repairer? What parts policy and warranty apply?
• Limits & sub‑limits: Caps for towing, emergency travel/accommodation, personal effects and keys?
• Discounts & NCD: How is your no claim bonus treated, and do online discounts expire?
• Disclosure: Are all drivers, accessories and modifications listed on the policy?

Why choose National Cover for comprehensive car insurance

If you’re comparing comprehensive car insurance in Australia, National Cover blends sharp pricing with strong protection. Our ASIC‑licensed pricing research and price‑beat guarantee help keep costs down, while specialist cover for private and commercial drivers, transparent advice and 365‑day claims support make protecting your car straightforward.

• Price‑beat value: We’ll beat existing quotes to help you save.
• Data‑backed pricing: ASIC‑licensed analysts underpin competitive premiums.
• Specialist cover: Rideshare, taxi, courier, fleet and business vehicles.
• Claims made easy: Email lodgement, guided support and 365‑day assistance.
• Quality repairs: Lifetime warranty and excess discounts with preferred repairers.
• Keep moving: Replacement car for not‑at‑fault claims and 24×7 towing.

Final thoughts

You’ve now got the essentials: how comprehensive stacks up against CTP and other options, what’s covered (and not), the extras that matter, how pricing works, smart ways to save, and what to do at claim time. The right policy should match how you use your car, where it’s kept, and what a total loss would mean for your budget. Always compare like‑for‑like and read the PDS before you buy.

Ready to lock in confidence on the road? Get sharp pricing, clear advice and claims support that actually helps. If you want strong cover without paying over the odds, National Cover pairs a price‑beat promise with specialist private and commercial options, lifetime repair warranties and 365‑day assistance. Start with a quick, tailored quote and drive away knowing your bases are covered.