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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.
*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.
Why you can trust Finder's car insurance experts
We're free
You pay the same as buying directly from the car insurer. Better still, we regularly run exclusive deals that you won't find on any other site – plus, our tables make it easy to compare policies.
We're experts
Our team of car insurance experts have researched and rated dozens of policies as part of our Finder Awards and published 330+ guides to make it easier for you to compare.
We're independent
Unlike other comparison sites, we're not owned by an insurer. That means our opinions are our own and we work with lots of car insurance brands, making it easier for you to find a good deal.
We're here to help
Since 2014, we've helped 300,000+ people find car insurance by explaining your cover options, simply and clearly. We'll never ask for your number or email. We're here to help you make a decision.
Gary Ross Hunter is an editor at Finder, specialising in insurance. He’s been writing about life, travel, home, car, pet and health insurance for over 6 years and regularly appears as an insurance expert in publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, news.com.au, The Telegraph, Explore Travel and Escape. Gary holds a Kaplan Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification and a Kaplan Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146).
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