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Budget Direct vs AAMI Car Insurance
Budget Direct vs AAMI: Which car insurer is right for you?
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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. However, roadside assistance is optional with AAMI and they don't provide a no claims discount. Unlike Budget Direct, they also only provide lock and keys replacement under roadside assistance, which is an optional add-on. Budget Direct, on the other hand, do offer a no claims discount and provide roadside assistance. Overall though, AAMI has higher benefit limits.
 Budget Direct |  AAMI | |
|---|---|---|
| About the provider | Budget Direct has been offering insurance since 2000. They've insured over 3 million Australians since then. They've won several awards, and even took out the 2019 Finder Award for Best Value Car Insurance. | AAMI is part of the Suncorp Network. They claim that this will give you "access to our trusted partner network for claims", and that "you can access simple, great value Suncorp banking products to help you spend and save better". |
| Underwriter | Auto & General Insurance Company Limited | AAI Limited |
| State served | Australia wide | Australia wide |
| Products available | Comprehensive, Third Party Property, Fire and Theft, Third Party Property Only | Comprehensive and Third Party Property Damage (Fire and Theft optional add on) |
| Damage to car | ||
| Fire | ||
| Storm | ||
| Flood | ||
| Theft or attempted theft | ||
| Hire car after theft | $1,000 - Up to 14 days | Reasonable costs - Up to 21 days |
| Emergency repairs | $500 | $1,000 |
| Emergency travel and accommodation costs | $100/day - Up to $850 | $250 travel cost $1,000 accommodation |
| New car replacement | ||
| Personal property | $500 | $1,000 |
| Grocery replacement cover | ||
| Locks and keys replacement | $1,000 | |
| Towing | ||
| Trailer and caravan cover | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Roadside assistance | Optional | Optional |
| No claim discount | Optional | |
| Pay in full discount | ||
| Multicar | ||
| Get quote | More info |
*Always check the PDS on the provider page before making a decision.
Who offers higher coverage?
AAMI generally has higher benefit limits than Budget Direct. For example, they cover up to $1,000 for emergency repairs whereas Budget Direct cover you for up to $500. They also come out on top for emergency travel and accommodation, with up to $1,000 cover compared to Budget Direct with $850. It's the same with personal property. AAMI have a $1,000 limit whereas Budget Direct only offer $500. If you want all these benefits, then AAMI are probably the best insurer for you.
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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