Budget Direct vs AAMI Car InsuranceÂ
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 |
![]() 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. |
Get quote | More info |
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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