Compare Car Insurance

Car Insurance

If you are looking for car insurance, it is well worth spending some time looking around for the best option. Insurers and insurance policies can vary widely, and the difference between what is offered and what you will pay can be substantial. You may save yourself hundreds of dollars simply by shopping around and finding the right insurance for your car. 

So why is there such a big difference between policies and pricing? The price you will be quoted for your car insurance will depend on a number of things, from where you live to what kind of car you drive. Here are some of the factors each insurer will compare before offering you a quote:

• Your age, or the age of the youngest person on the policy;
• The make and model of the car, how much it's worth, and whether it has been modified;
• Your driving history, whether you have made any recent car insurance claims, and whether you have committed any driving offences;
• Where you live, whether it is a risky neighbourhood, and whether you keep the car garaged at night;
• How often you drive the car, and whether you use it for work;
• The nominated excess on the car, where a higher excess usually means lower premiums.

Different Types of Car Insurance

Each state has different minimum requirements for car insurance, but there are four main categories to choose from.

Compulsory Third Party:

This is the minimum level of insurance, and you will need it to register your car. This will only cover the cost of personal injury to others involved, if you are at fault in an accident. 

Third Party Insurance:

After CTP, this is usually the cheapest option when choosing car insurance. It covers other cars if you are involved in an accident and you are at fault. Although this only covers damage to other cars and not your own, this can be a good choice if your car is not valuable enough to warrant the expense of comprehensive cover.

Third Party, Fire & Theft:

This works in the same way as third party car insurance, but it also covers your car if it is stolen or burnt.

Comprehensive Car Insurance:

This offers the most comprehensive cover, and is usually more expensive than the other options. It will usually offer cover for accidental damage or theft to your own car, as well as damage to other cars and property, no matter who is at fault.

Money Saving Tips on Car Insurance

As previously mentioned, the difference in cost and what is included on each policy can be huge, so it's important to look around to find the best deal. Here are some tips to help you save money and choose the right policy for you. 

• Think about the type of cover that's right for you. Comprehensive cover is not always the best option, especially if your car is not worth that much.
   
• Read the terms and conditions. Find out exactly what is included and if there are any exclusions that may affect you.
   
• Always tell the truth. If you are found to have given false information, it can nullify your policy, leaving you with no cover.
   
• Choose an appropriate excess. A higher excess will usually mean lower premiums, but it may mean you won't want to make smaller claims if they should happen.
   
• Don't renew automatically. Many people just renew their car insurance automatically, but shopping around could save you a substantial amount of money.

Most importantly, remember that you can volunteer information when looking for car insurance. While many insurers ask the same types of questions, you can also tell them about any extra driving training you've had, and any extra security features on your car or garage. Anything that may make you seem like a safer driver, could help to reduce the amount you pay. 

A no claims bonus can also save you a great deal of money. Check out what is on offer if you have not claimed on your car insurance recently.

Bundling insurance products can also help to save money. If your insurer offers home contents insurance or other types of insurance, they may offer discounts for multiple policies.