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Budget Direct vs AAMI Car Insurance 

Budget Direct vs AAMI: Which car insurer is right for you?

Both Budget Direct and AAMI are among Australia's most trusted car insurance providers, but who comes out on top? Check out our side-by-side comparison to find out which car insurer is the right fit for you.

What's the difference between Budget Direct and AAMI car insurance?

To help you make a decision, check out how each insurer compares with one another when looking at these important factors:

  • Policy options. AAMI offer Third Party Fire and Theft as as an optional extra on top of a Third Party Property policy whereas Budget Direct has one separate policy.
  • Features. Both insurers offer similar features with their comprehensive policies, such as emergency travel and accommodation costs, personal property and new car replacement. Roadside assistance is optional for both. Overall though, AAMI has higher benefit limits.
Budget Direct Comprehensive image
Budget Direct Comprehensive
AAMI Comprehensive Car Insurance image
AAMI Comprehensive Car Insurance
Underwriter Auto & General Insurance Company Ltd AAI Limited
Accidental Damage
Damage to other people's car
Bonuses 15% online discount $50 online discount
Roadside assistance Optional Optional
Agreed or market value Agreed or Market
Agreed or Market
Choice of repairer Optional
Legal liability Yes - $20,000,000 Yes - $20,000,000
Fire and theft
Storm
Flood
Hire car after theft Yes - Up to $1,000 - Up to 14 days Yes - Reasonable costs - Up to 21 days
Hire car after no fault accident
Hire car after at fault accident Optional - Up to $75 per day - Up to 14 days Optional - Up to $90 per day - Until claim is completed
Emergency repairs Yes - $500 Yes - $1,000
Emergency travel and accommodation costs Yes - $1,000 Yes - $1,000
New car replacement 2 year 2 years
Personal effects/property $500 $1,000
Locks and keys replacement Yes - $1,000 No
Emergency repairs
Towing
Trailer cover $1,000 $1,000
Important Limits, exclusions and terms and conditions apply. Read the Product Disclosure Statement. Limits, exclusions and terms and conditions apply. Read the Product Disclosure Statement.
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*Always check the PDS on the provider page before making a decision.

Who offers higher coverage?

Generally, AAMI offers higher benefit limits than Budget Direct. For example, it’ll pay costs for up to up to 21 days for a hire car if your vehicle is stolen; Budget Direct only pays up to 14 days. With personal property, AAMI sets a $1,000 limit while Budget Direct just offers $500. The same limits apply to emergency repairs – AAMI offers up to $500 more again. If benefits like these are important to you, then AAMI may be a better car insurer for you.
When it comes to key replacement coverage, Budget Direct outperforms AAMI. It pays up to $1,000 while AAMI doesn’t offer this benefit at all.

What companies does each underwriter work with?

AAMI is part of the Suncorp Network, which consists of brands like AAMI, Suncorp, GIO, Apia, Shannons and Bingle. Their car insurance is underwritten by AAI Limited, a joint initiative of the Suncorp Group and Good Shepherd Microfinance.

Budget Direct are underwritten Auto & General Insurance Company Limited which is part of the international BHL group. Auto & General has specialised in the sale, management and underwriting of insurance products in Australia since 2000. They provide insurance for brands including Budget Direct, Australia Post, Virgin Money, 1st for Women, Ozicare and ING.

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