TIO Car Insurance

TIO's car insurance policies are uniquely suited to the challenges of the Northern Territory.

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Sam Baran

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Key takeaways

  • TIO policies cater specifically to the Northern Territory's unique driving challenges and risks.
  • New customers can choose comprehensive or third party property damage; fire and theft is for renewing customers only.
  • Multiple excesses apply including a $2500 unnamed driver excess for comprehensive policies.
Life in the Territory brings a number of risks that the rest of Australia doesn't face. From flash floods to those croc-related accidents your car just can't avoid, TIO understands the issues you're likely to run into up in the north and has crafted its insurance policies accordingly. TIO provides straightforward cover with discounts for claim-free drivers and first-time online applicants.

The following summaries can help you figure out if TIO's right for you.

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What makes TIO different?

  • It knows the Territory. TIO's home is in the Northern Territory, so it's an expert in the conditions and situations you'll face.
  • It has more than 45 years of experience. TIO has been operating since 1979, so it has the knowledge, experience and record of trust to back it up.

What cover options does TIO offer?

TIO has three different policies available. Its comprehensive policy protects you against fire, theft, loss and damage, as well as providing a whole host of added benefits. Its third party fire and theft plan pares this cover back to only fire and theft cover , plus legal liability for damage to other people's property. Finally, TIO's third party property damage policy will only pay for damage or harm to other people or their property, plus associated legal costs.

This is TIO's most complete cover, guarding you against the widest range of disasters and mishaps that might befall your vehicle.

Policy features:

  • Covers damage or loss from accidents, natural disasters, theft, malicious damage and more
  • Emergency accommodation, travel and repairs, including lock rekeying
  • Child seat and personal item replacement
  • Towing and transportation costs
  • Rental car after theft
  • Up to $20,000,000 legal liability
  • Optional excess-free windscreen replacement
  • Optional tools of the trade replacement
  • Optional unnamed driver excess for reduced premiums
  • 14-day cooling off period
  • Flexible premium payment options
  • Optional hire car after an accident

Third Party Fire and Theft cover is now only available to renewing customers with Third Party Fire and Theft cover. This policy provides more cover than the absolute basic, protecting you from fire and theft. Note that Third Party Fire and Theft cover is no longer available for new customers.

Policy features:

  • Covers damage to your car due to fire or a limited amount of damage caused by an uninsured driver
  • Rental car after theft
  • Towing costs
  • Up to $20 million legal liability
  • 14-day cooling off period
  • Flexible premium payment options

This is TIO's most basic car insurance, covering only the damages you might have to pay to others in the event of an accident.

Policy features:

  • Covers a limited amount of damage to your vehicle caused by an uninsured driver
  • Up to $20 million legal liability
  • 14-day cooling off period
  • Flexible premium payment options

What won't be covered?

TIO won't pay your claim if any of the following apply:

  • Unsafe or unqualified driver. If the driver at the time of the incident is unlicensed, improperly licensed or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, your claim will be rejected.
  • Unsafe or neglected vehicle. If your car is being driven with an obvious fault or you have neglected to perform necessary maintenance or upkeep on it, your claim won't be honoured. This includes driving with too many passengers or when overloaded.
  • Commercial passenger use. If you're carrying passengers for reward or payment, your claim is void.
  • Reckless or improper driving. If you're using your car for a motorsport, race or other dangerous activity, don't expect your insurance to protect you.
  • Deliberate damage or criminal acts. When the damage to your car was purposely caused by you or someone you gave permission to, you won't be covered. This extends to any criminal activities your car may have been involved in at the time of an incident.
  • Failure to protect your vehicle. If you fail to take reasonable precautions to safeguard your vehicle, such as by storing it in a secure garage, TIO won't reimburse you for theft or malicious damage.
  • Mechanical or electrical failure. If your vehicle's computer system malfunctions or a part wears out, you aren't covered.
  • Depreciation or natural wear. Cars sustain damage over time, due to mould, rust and plain wear and tear. TIO won't cover any such loss.

What excess will be charged?

Several different excesses may apply at the time of a claim depending on the circumstances. More than one of the following may apply:

  • Basic excess. This is the base amount you must pay in the event of any claim.
  • Age excess. This applies if the driver at the time of the incident is under the age of 25. The age excess comes to $600 if the driver is registered on your policy and $1,800 if not.
  • Theft excess. This is added if you're making a claim for the theft of your vehicle, if specified on your policy.
  • Driver excess. Certain drivers of your vehicle may have an excess associated with them on your policy. This will be added to any other excesses if that person was driving at the time of the incident.
  • Unnamed driver excess. If you nominate particular drivers under a comprehensive policy, this $2,500 excess will apply if anybody not named is driving at the time of the incident. This excess replaces all other excesses.

How can I save on my policy?

As always, there are certain things you can do to drive down the price of your premiums.

  • Drive safely. The longer you go without making claims and the better your driving record, the less you'll have to pay.
  • Drive less. The further you drive your car annually, the more you'll have to pay.
  • Select fewer options. The more add-ons you choose, like excess-free windscreen replacement, the more your premium will cost. Only pick the ones you really need.
  • Raise your excess. You can nominate to pay a higher excess in the event of a claim in order to make your premiums smaller.
  • Pay annually. Like most insurers, TIO will lower the overall price you need to pay for your policy if you pay it in a lump sum annually, rather than monthly or fortnightly.

Making a claim

To make a claim with TIO, you can either lodge it online on its website or call on 131 846. To make sure your claim runs smoothly with the best chance of success, have the following information and documents handy:

  • Police incident or report number
  • Names, addresses, phone numbers, licence numbers, insurers and registration details of anyone else involved in the incident
  • Date and time of the incident
  • Photos of the scene of the accident and any damage to the vehicles
  • Details about any external factors that might have influenced the accident, like road condition or weather
  • Statements by any third-party witnesses who may be able to help in case of a dispute

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Sam Baran is a writer for Finder, covering topics across the tech, telco and utilities sectors. They enjoy decrypting technical jargon and helping people compare complex products easily. When they aren't writing, you'll find Sam's head buried in a book or working on their latest short story. Sam has a Bachelor of Advanced Science from the University of Sydney. See full bio

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