Budget Direct

If you’re in Australia, I’d shortlist 6–8 brands and get quotes from each rather than assuming one insurer is always “best”. Car insurance pricing is highly personalised, and the same driver/car can get very different prices from major insurers.

My recommended shortlist — brands people actually use

If you want the simplest “top picks”

• Best first quote: AAMI Comprehensive
• Best value/cheap benchmark: Budget Direct Comprehensive
• Best features/service shortlist: Youi Comprehensive
• Best big-brand alternative: NRMA Insurance Comprehensive
• Best state-based option: RACQ / RAA / RAC / RACV, depending on your state
• Best cheap online/no-frills options: Bingle and ROLLiN’

What I’d do before buying

Get quotes from AAMI, Budget Direct, Youi, NRMA, your state club, Bingle/ROLLiN’, and Allianz or QBE with the same excess, same agreed/market value, same listed drivers, and same optional extras. Finder notes that similar policies can still vary meaningfully in price, and CHOICE found only 18% of customers rated their insurer “excellent” for value for money — so shopping around is genuinely worth it. (finder.com.au)

Also check the PDS for: choice of repairer, hire car after accident, windscreen cover, new-for-old replacement, storm/hail/flood cover, young-driver excesses, and monthly-payment fees. For many Australians, the “best” insurer ends up being the one that is competitive for your postcode, car, age, claims history and annual kilometres — not necessarily the one with the best ads.

Best Car Insurance Companies in Australia (2026)

Based on the latest comparison data, awards, and customer satisfaction surveys, here's a rundown of the insurers Australians actually use and rate highly — broken down by what you're looking for:

🏆 Overall Top Picks

Budget Direct – The go-to for cheap comprehensive cover. Budget Direct has maintained its position as the most price-competitive major insurer since 2019 by operating direct-to-consumer, avoiding agent commissions. It's also the 2026 Finder Award winner, offering 15% off your first year's premium when purchased online. However, worth noting: RACV, AAMI, Budget Direct and Allianz are rated below average for customer satisfaction in Choice's latest survey — so it's great on price, less so on service.

AAMI – A strong all-rounder. AAMI secured a National Award this year, with its comprehensive policy pairing competitive premiums across a range of driver types, car types, and locations with strong features that come standard.

Youi – Best for customer service. Youi took out the title for Most Recommended Car Insurer in the 2026 Customer Satisfaction Awards, receiving multiple national 2026 Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards across Top Value, Customer Service, Easiest Claims and Most Recommended categories. It has an Australia-based customer service team, which is great for those who value a local presence.

👨‍👩‍👧 State-Based Motoring Clubs (Very Popular Choice)

If you're already a member of your state's motoring club, their insurance is worth a serious look: South Australian car insurer RAA is the best rated insurer in Australia for customer satisfaction, with 91% of customers rating their experience as above average or excellent — followed by RACQ, Youi and RAC.

These clubs (RAA in SA, RACQ in Queensland, RAC in WA, RACV in Victoria, NRMA in NSW) consistently outperform the big brands on claims satisfaction and trust, largely because of their member-first reputation.

💰 Budget/Digital Options

Bingle – Bingle has retained its National Award this year as a digital-only provider focusing on essential protections at a competitive price, with options including new car replacement for cars under three years old, a hire car for any covered incident, and unlimited no-excess windscreen cover.

ROLLiN' Insurance – ROLLiN' Insurance has retained its National Award and State Awards in NSW, QLD, and TAS, while picking up a State Award in the NT.

✈️ Niche/Bonus-Driven Options

Qantas Insurance – Good if you're chasing points: you can earn up to 30,000 Qantas Points per policy, plus 15% off your first year when purchased online.

Coles Comprehensive – Rated highly for features/extras bundled with the policy.

Woolworths Everyday Insurance – Rated best value for money by 32% of surveyed customers — a good option if you're already an Everyday Rewards member.

⚠️ A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• Premiums are rising fast. Australia's comprehensive car insurance market is competitive but premiums have risen significantly, up approximately 14% in 2025-26, driven by higher repair costs, parts shortages and increased weather events.
• Loyalty doesn't pay. ASIC found a loyalty tax of $312/year, where existing customers pay more than new customers for the same policy — so always compare at renewal.
• Average cost: The average national comprehensive premium sits between $1,490 and $1,680

If you’re looking for car insurance in Australia, the market has changed quite a bit recently. With repair costs and inflation driving premiums up across the country, blindly auto-renewing your policy is a quick way to get hit with a "loyalty tax".

Several major direct-to-consumer brands (like CGU, Australia Post, and Virgin Money) have exited the market, leaving a few standout brands that Aussies actually use and trust.

The best car insurance companies in Australia are categorised below by what they do best, based on industry awards, customer satisfaction, and real-world value.

1. The Undisputed Value Champion: Budget Direct

If you want solid comprehensive coverage without paying an arm and a leg, Budget Direct is usually the first port of call.

• The Reputation: They are an absolute powerhouse when it comes to awards. Budget Direct has secured Canstar's "Insurer of the Year", Money Magazine’s "Insurer of the Year", and the Finder "Insurer of the Year".
• Why people actually use them: They consistently offer some of the most competitive premiums in Australia for standard drivers. Their comprehensive policy doesn't skimp on the basics, and they make it incredibly easy to complete everything online.
• Best for: Budget-conscious drivers with clean driving histories who want dependable, award-winning coverage.

2. The Best All-Rounder: AAMI

You’ve definitely heard the slogan "Lucky you’re with AAMI" on telly. Part of the massive Suncorp Group, they are one of the most widely used insurers in the country.

• The Reputation: Winner of Canstar’s National "Outstanding Value" Award.
• Why people actually use them: AAMI strikes a great balance between cost and premium features. Their comprehensive policy comes standard with great inclusions, such as a hire car for up to 21 days if your car is stolen, new-for-old replacement (if your car is written off within the first two years), and up to $1,000 cover for personal items damaged in the car.
• Best for: Everyday drivers who want a trusted, big-name insurer with excellent standard features and hassle-free claims.

3. Best for Young Drivers & Tech-Savvy Aussies: ROLLiN’ Insurance

ROLLiN’ (backed by IAG, Australia’s largest insurance group) is a relatively new player that has completely disrupted the market.

• The Reputation: A consecutive winner of Canstar's National Outstanding Value Award and highly commended by Finder.
• Why people actually use them: Traditionally, if you're under 25, you get absolutely slugged with massive age-based excesses. ROLLiN’ does away with this—they charge no additional age excess for young drivers. They operate on a flexible monthly subscription model, offer a flat excess for listed drivers, and have great standard coverage for electric vehicles (including EV batteries and wall chargers).
• Best for: Under-25s, renters, and anyone who wants a flexible, app-based insurance policy without being locked into a 12-month contract.

4. The Most Trusted Big Brand: NRMA Insurance

Mainly dominating NSW, ACT, Queensland, and Tasmania, NRMA is a household name.

• The Reputation: Rated Australia's "Most Trusted Insurance Brand" by Roy Morgan for several years running, and winner of Finder's "Most Loved" and "Most Trusted" national awards.
• Why people actually use them: NRMA isn't always the absolute cheapest, but people stick with them because of their reputation for hassle-free claims and incredible customer service. They also offer an excellent "years of membership" loyalty discount and allow you to easily bundle home, contents, and car insurance for big savings.
• Best for: Drivers who value customer service, easy claims, and the peace of mind that comes with a premium, highly-trusted brand.

5. Best for Tailored Cover: Youi

Youi is famous for its highly detailed questionnaire because they price your premium strictly on how you use your car.

• The Reputation: Consistently wins Finder's awards for "Legendary Service" and "Most Loved Brand".
• Why people actually use them: If you don't drive to work, park in a secure garage, or only drive on weekends, Youi will tailor a policy that can be significantly cheaper than a flat-rate insurer. Their customer service team is highly rated, and they are quick to process claims.
• Best for: Low-kilometre drivers, work-from-home employees, and those with very specific parking/driving habits.

6. Best for No-Frills, Cheap Cover: Bingle

Also part of the Suncorp family, Bingle is a digital-only insurer.

• The Reputation: Multi-year winner of Canstar's Outstanding Value award.
• Why people actually use them: By stripping out call centres and managing everything via their online portal or app, Bingle passes the savings directly to you. It is incredibly cheap, simple comprehensive insurance.
• Best for: Tech-literate drivers who want the lowest possible price and are perfectly happy managing their policy and claims entirely online without talking to a human.

Don't Forget Your Local State Auto Clubs!

In Australia, the state-based motoring clubs are massive insurers and incredibly popular because you can bundle roadside assistance with your car insurance for steep discounts.

• Victoria: RACV (Swept the 2026 Finder awards for Victoria for "Most Trusted", "Easiest to Claim", and "Most Loved").
• Queensland: RACQ
• Western Australia: RAC
• South Australia: RAA

If you already have roadside assistance with one of these clubs, getting a car insurance quote from them is a must, as the member discounts are usually highly competitive.

Quick Tips for Buying Car Insurance in Australia:

1. Agreed Value vs. Market Value: "Agreed Value" lets you set a fixed payout figure if the car is written off (great if you have a car loan to pay off). "Market Value" is cheaper but means the insurer determines what the car was worth at the time of the crash.
2. Watch the Excess: Most insurers let you raise your basic excess (the out-of-pocket fee you pay when you make a claim) to lower your ongoing premium. Just make sure you can actually afford to pay that excess if you have a bingle.
3. Beat the "Loyalty Tax": Before you click 'renew' on your current policy, go to their website as a "new customer" and get a fresh quote. Often, the new customer price will be hundreds of dollars cheaper than your renewal notice. If it is, call them up and ask them to match it—or simply switch!

If you want the best-known car insurance brands Australians actually use, the most consistently strong names across recent comparison awards and customer research are NRMA, AAMI, Allianz, Budget Direct, Youi, Suncorp, and QBE.

A practical shortlist for Australia would be:

• NRMA Insurance — repeatedly scores highly in major award and customer-satisfaction comparisons, and is one of the most widely used national brands.
• AAMI — often appears near the top in Canstar and CHOICE-based comparisons, and is a major mainstream option.
• Allianz — a large, established insurer that performs well in broad comparison reviews.
• Budget Direct — frequently rated strongly for value and quality, especially in Mozo comparisons.
• Youi — often scores well for customer experience and overall comprehensive cover.
• Suncorp — a major brand that commonly appears in Australian car insurance shortlists and comparisons.
• QBE — another large national insurer that is widely used and regularly included in comparison guides.

If you want the best value rather than just the biggest names, recent award rounds and comparison sites often highlight Budget Direct and NRMA among the top performers for quality/value balance. For cheaper options, CHOICE and Mozo both point to brands such as AAMI, Budget Direct, bingle, Australia Post, and RoLLiN’ as frequently competitive on price.

For a more customer-service-focused choice, CHOICE’s survey found NRMA, RACQ, RAA, and Youi among the insurers whose customers were most likely to rate their experience as above average or excellent.

A simple way to choose:

• Best overall mainstream pick: NRMA or AAMI.
• Best value: Budget Direct.
• Best for customer experience: NRMA or Youi.
• Best if you want a big established insurer: Allianz, Suncorp, or QBE.

One important note: Australian insurers can differ a lot by state, vehicle, driver age, and excess, so the “best” brand can change once you get a live quote. If you want, I can also give you a top 5 for comprehensive cover, cheap insurance, or best insurers by state.

Since you’re in Australia, there’s no single “best” car insurer — premiums and service vary a lot by postcode, car, age, driving history and excess. But these are the brands Australians actually use and generally rate well.

Top shortlist by what they’re best for

The brands people actually use most
The biggest players are IAG (NRMA, ROLLiN’, CGU, SGIO, SGIC) and Suncorp (AAMI, GIO, Bingle, Shannons). Add Allianz, Budget Direct, Youi, RACV, RACQ and RACWA — those are the names you’ll see most on Australian roads.

If I had to give you a practical shortlist
Get quotes from:

1. Your state motoring club — NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RACWA, RAA, RACT or AANT
2. Allianz
3. AAMI
4. Budget Direct
5. Bingle
6. Youi

Use the same excess, agreed vs market value, hire car, windscreen and choice-of-repairer options so you’re comparing like-for-like.

Quick Australian tips

• CTP / green slip is separate — it covers injuries to other people, not your car. It comes with rego in most states.
• Comprehensive covers your car and other people’s property.
• Third party property is the minimum useful cover if your car is old/cheap.
• Check excess, no-claim bonus protection, hire car, windscreen cover and whether you can choose your own repairer.
• Loyalty rarely pays — quote around every renewal. Insurers often give big discounts to new customers.

Bottom line: For service, NRMA / RACV / RACQ / RACWA and Allianz are safe picks. For price, look at Budget Direct and Bingle. For modified or classic cars, go Shannons. But always get at least 5 quotes — the “best” insurer for you is usually the one with the right cover at the right price for your specific car and postcode.

Top car insurance recommendations in Australia for 2026 focus on providers that consistently win awards for value, features, customer satisfaction, and claims experience from sites like Finder, Canstar, Mozo, and CHOICE surveys.

The “best” option depends on your location, driving habits, vehicle, claims history, and priorities (e.g., lowest premium vs strong roadside assistance or personalised service). Premiums vary widely by postcode and profile—always get multiple quotes. Note the “loyalty tax” issue: existing customers often pay more than new ones for the same policy (ASIC data shows an average ~$312 extra per year), so compare at renewal.

Top Brands and Products People Actually Use

Here are the standout performers based on recent 2026 awards, customer satisfaction data, and market feedback:

• Budget Direct Comprehensive — Frequently tops “best value” and “cheapest” lists. It wins Finder Awards for value/low cost and has strong Canstar Outstanding Value recognition nationally. It offers competitive premiums (often with a 15% online discount for the first year), flexible excesses, and solid features like agreed or market value options. Popular for everyday drivers seeking affordability without major sacrifices.

• Youi Comprehensive — Stands out for features and customer satisfaction. It earns Finder Awards for best features and multiple customer satisfaction categories (e.g., service, claims ease, most recommended). It provides personalised quoting (often via phone after an online start), included roadside assistance in many policies, and good cover limits. Highly rated by users for service and claims handling; suits those who want tailored pricing, especially lower-kilometre drivers.

• Bingle Comprehensive — One of the cheapest options in many comparisons and a repeated Canstar Outstanding Value winner. It’s a digital-only, no-frills provider focused on essential cover at low premiums (sometimes the lowest averages in reviews). Good for budget-conscious drivers who don’t need extras; options like new car replacement or hire car can be added.

• AAMI Comprehensive — Strong all-rounder with Canstar Outstanding Value awards (national and in states like SA, VIC, WA). It performs well for safe drivers (rewards/discounts) and offers competitive pricing plus decent features. Part of the larger Suncorp group; popular for reliability and multi-policy discounts.

• NRMA Comprehensive (strong in NSW/ACT; similar brands like RACQ in QLD or RAC in WA) — Often praised for quality cover, claims service, and customer satisfaction in CHOICE and Mozo surveys. It includes strong no-claims protections and is favoured by those prioritising established brands and support, especially in its home regions.

Other notable mentions include Coles (for unique features like grocery replacement in some policies), Qantas (for points bonuses), and regional favourites like RAA (SA) or RACQ (QLD) that rate highly in local satisfaction surveys.

Quick Tips for Choosing and Buying

• Compare personally — Use comparison sites like Finder, Canstar, or Mozo, then get direct quotes. Prices can differ by hundreds of dollars for the same driver.
• Key features to check — Agreed vs market value, roadside assistance (included or optional), excess options, hire car cover, and new-for-old replacement for newer cars.
• State differences — NSW/VIC often have higher averages; regional insurers or state-specific awards (e.g., AAMI or ROLLiN’ in some Canstar state wins) can matter.
• Save money — Opt for higher excess, pay annually, restrict drivers, or choose pay-as-you-drive/low-km options if eligible. Bundle with home/contents for discounts.
• Read the PDS — Understand exclusions, limits, and claims processes before buying.

Budget Direct and Youi appear most often as top picks across value and satisfaction metrics in 2026 reviews, making them safe starting points for many Aussies. Get quotes tailored to your situation today—circumstances like your age, postcode, and car make a huge difference.

The strongest all‑round picks in Australia are AAMI, Bingle, and ROLLiN’ Insurance, which all won national awards for outstanding value and are widely used across the country.

If you’re in Australia, these are the brands most consistently recognised for value, features, and customer uptake.

🇦🇺 National Award Winners (Most Reliable Overall)

These insurers were named Australia‑wide winners in Canstar’s 2026 Car Insurance Awards Canstar+1:

AAMI — National Award + state wins in SA, VIC, WA. Strong features like new‑for‑old replacement, hire car after theft, and personal property cover. Bingle — National Award. Digital‑only, low‑cost, with optional extras like unlimited no‑excess windscreen cover and hire car for any covered incident. ROLLiN’ Insurance — National Award + state wins in NSW, QLD, TAS, NT. Monthly rolling cover, no extra excess for under‑25s, and explicit EV battery/charger coverage.

These three are the closest thing to “best overall” because they perform consistently across states and driver types.

⭐ Popular & Highly Rated Providers (Forbes Top Picks)

Forbes Advisor’s 2026 list highlights widely used, feature‑rich comprehensive insurers Forbes:

Allianz — Strong after‑accident care and repairer choice. Youi — Includes roadside assistance as standard; strong customer service. NRMA — One of Australia’s most trusted brands; flexible payment options. Budget Direct — High review scores, strong discounts, and 24/7 claims. RACV (VIC) — Popular in Victoria with strong member benefits. QBE — Flexible cover and online discounts. Apia — Tailored for over‑50s, strong customer satisfaction. Bupa / Huddle — Hollard‑underwritten brands with competitive features (though EV coverage varies by model).

These brands are among the most commonly chosen by Australian drivers, according to Forbes’ popularity data Forbes.

🥇 Quick Comparison: Which One Fits You?

Driver Type / Priority | Best Options | Why Best overall value | AAMI, Bingle, ROLLiN’ | National award winners 2 Cheapest / digital-first | Bingle, Budget Direct | Low-cost, online-first models 1 Young drivers | ROLLiN’ | No under‑25 excess; flexible monthly cover 1 EV owners | ROLLiN’, AAMI, NRMA | ROLLiN’ explicitly covers EV batteries/chargers 1 Premium service & support | NRMA, Allianz, Youi | Strong after‑accident care and roadside assistance 2

🧭 What Australians Should Keep in Mind

Premiums vary heavily by state, age, and vehicle type. Monthly payments cost ~8% more than annual on average. EV coverage varies by brand, even under the same underwriter. Shopping around saves money—insurers often match competitor quotes.

✅ If you want a simple recommendation

For most drivers in Australia, start by comparing AAMI, Bingle, and ROLLiN’, then add NRMA or Budget Direct depending on your state and budget.

Would you like recommendations tailored to your state (NSW, VIC, QLD, etc.) or your driver profile (age, car type, EV, young driver)?

✅ Top Car Insurance Companies in Australia

Australia's car insurance market is dominated by major groups like Insurance Australia Group (IAG) and Suncorp, alongside competitive challenger brands.

Budget Direct — Award-winning comprehensive cover with low-kilometer and low-claim discounts. NRMA Insurance — Major traditional insurer known for strong local claims handling. AAMI — Popular nationwide brand featuring easy app claims and lifetime repair guarantees. Youi — Challenger brand rated highly for customizable policies and value. Shannons — Specialized provider tailored for enthusiasts, classics, and modified cars. RAA / RACQ / RACV — State-based auto clubs leading in regional customer satisfaction.

📊 Comparative Overview of Popular Brands

💡 Tips for Choosing a Policy

Check the Underwriter: Many smaller digital labels are underwritten by larger corporations like QBE or IAG. Agreed vs. Market Value: Confirm whether your payout reflects an agreed fixed price or current market value at claim time. Compare Annually: Premiums often spike at renewal, making annual quotes essential.

To help narrow down the best choice for you, tell me:

What is your car's make, model, and year? Are you looking for comprehensive or third-party cover? Which state or territory are you located in?

When looking for the best car insurance in Australia, "the best" usually comes down to a balance between premium cost, features (like hire car inclusions or windscreen repair), and claims satisfaction.

The top-performing and most widely used car insurance brands in Australia fall into a few distinct categories based on industry awards and consumer choice:

NRMA Insurance: Highly popular and deeply trusted, particularly across NSW, ACT, and Queensland. Known for high customer loyalty, comprehensive coverage options, and robust local repair networks, it consistently scores well for ease of claims. AAMI: A heavyweight national winner in value and customer satisfaction. AAMI’s comprehensive car insurance is widely used because it features practical add-ons like optional hire car extensions, sensible online management, and abundant safe-driver discounts. Budget Direct: A go-to option for Australians looking to cut down on costs without sacrificing core protection. Their Gold Comprehensive policy frequently wins industry awards for providing high-value coverage at a more affordable price point compared to legacy brands. Youi: Known for high customer satisfaction and recommendation scores. Youi takes a more human-centric, conversational quoting approach and frequently wins accolades for the strength and flexibility of its policy features. ROLLiN’ Insurance: A newer, highly rated digital-first favorite specifically targeted at younger drivers or everyday commuters. They stand out with monthly rolling subscription-style renewals, no under-25 excess options on certain profiles, and simplified EV coverage. Shannons: The undisputed leader for motoring enthusiasts. If you drive classic, vintage, modified, or high-value collectible cars, Shannons is tailored specifically to your needs (offering agreed-value policies and enthusiast club perks), though they also insure daily-drive vehicles. State-Based Clubs (RACV in Victoria, RACQ in Queensland, RAA in South Australia, RAC in WA): Membership-based mutuals that dominate local markets. Drivers in these states frequently use them because they bundle comprehensive vehicle cover seamlessly with trusted local roadside assistance.

To help narrow down which of these is the best fit for your specific driveway, let me know:

Is your car a standard daily driver, a EV, or a classic/modified car? Are you looking strictly for the lowest price or maximum feature inclusions (like a replacement hire car)?