Australia Post Car Insurance Review

Australia Post Car Insurance offers car insurance policies to meet the needs of different types of drivers. You can choose between comprehensive and third-party policies and their cover extends to other drivers who use your car, not just you.

Our Verdict:

• Aus Post's legal liability cover of up to $30,000,000 was the joint highest sum we could find among the 13 partner quotes on our site.
• This provider offers a comparatively generous new car replacement period of up to 3 years (or 60,000km) on brand new vehicles.

• You'll need to sort out your own roadside assistance, as Australia Post doesn't include this as an optional cover.

_{Review by our car insurance senior writer James Martin}

What are the different policy options?

Australia Post Car Insurance offers the following policy options:

Comprehensive car insurance

Comprehensive car insurance is Australia Post's most comprehensive policy. It covers anyone who drives your vehicle and comes with inclusions such as new car replacement if your new car is written off within the first 3 years more info button, hire car cover if you're involved in an accident that wasn't your fault and more. It also comes with the following inclusions:

• Accident, fire and theft damage
• Personal items cover - $1,000
• Car towing and storage costs
• Emergency accommodation more info button
• Replacement car keys
• Weather event damage cover, like storms, hail and floods
• Damage to other people's property

Third party property damage insurance

Aus Post's third party property damage insurance is issued by QBE and covers you and anyone who drives your car for damage to someone else's vehicle or property. You can also pay extra to get fire and theft cover included.

How do the policies compare?

Here's a break down of what you get with their policies.

What factors influence the cost of Australia Post car insurance?

A number of important factors can impact the cost of your Australia Post Car Insurance premiums, including:

• How old are you? Younger drivers are less experienced than older drivers and typically more likely to be involved in an accident.
• What type of car do you drive? Some cars are more expensive and more powerful than others, while certain cars are also more likely to be targeted by thieves.
• Where do you park your car? The postcode where your car is kept can influence the cost of cover, as "safe" suburbs have a lower risk of theft than high-crime areas. Keeping your car garaged overnight instead of parked on the street can also lower your premiums.
• How often do you drive? How often you drive your car and where you drive it will impact the cost of your cover.
• Does your car have an alarm? A car with a state-of-the-art alarm system will be less likely to be stolen than the same model without any protection against thieves.
• How is your driving history? The previous infringements, accidents and claims history of you and any other drivers of your vehicle will be considered by Australia Post Car Insurance when calculating your premiums.

What is the excess and how does it work?

When you make a car insurance claim, you'll need to contribute to the cost of your claim by paying an excess. Under an Australia Post Car Insurance policy, you'll need to pay the basic excess plus any other additional excesses listed on your certificate of insurance. Depending on who is driving, these can include an:

• Age excess
• Additional policy excess
• Additional driver excess

However, if you are involved in a no-fault accident with another vehicle, you will generally not have to pay any excess.

How do I make a claim?

Australia Post Car Insurance aims to make its claims process as easy and straightforward as possible. If you need to make a claim, simply call the claims team on 133 723 or do it online.

If you're in an accident

• The first thing you need to do is ensure that everyone is safe and determine whether the emergency services need to be called.
• Take photos of the accident scene if possible.
• Take down the details of anyone else involved, including:

• name
• contact information
• rego details
• licence number
• insurance information

• If there are any witnesses, ask for their name, address and phone number as well.
• Contact the Australia Post Car Insurance claims team as soon as possible.

Car insurance sold by Australia Post was underwritten by Auto & General Insurance until 31 October 2020. If you purchased car insurance before this time, your policy is still in place and you can make a claim or get in touch anytime.

What are the general exclusions of Australia Post car insurance?

Just like any insurance policy, Australia Post Car Insurance has a set of circumstances in which it will not pay your claim. This includes:

• If the car was being driven by any household member not listed on your certificate of insurance.
• If the car was being driven by any driver excluded from cover.
• If the car was being driven by anyone without your consent, except where you take all steps required by the relevant authorities to prosecute the person(s) responsible.
• If the driver did not hold a valid Australian licence.
• If the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if the driver refused to undergo drug or alcohol testing.
• If the car was used to carry passengers or goods in exchange for payment.
• If the car was used in connection with the motor trade other than for commercial servicing or repairs.
• If the car was being used for racing, trials or rallies.
• If the car was being used for any unlawful purpose.
• If the car was unroadworthy or overloaded.
• If the car was being used to transport toxic, explosive, corrosive or flammable goods.
• If you do not remain with the car when it is being shown for sale and the vehicle is stolen.
• If the driver did not remain at the scene of an accident when required to do so by law.
• If the claim is for any reduction in the value of the car following repairs.
• If the claim is for tyre damage caused by punctures, cuts or bursts.
• If the claim is for consequential loss.
• If the claim is for rust, corrosion or general wear and tear.
• If the claim is for loss, damage or liability caused by an intentional act by you or someone else acting on your behalf.
• If it is caused by the discharge or escape of oil or coolant, except if caused by a collision.
• If it results from the repossession or confiscation of your car by any government authority.
• If the claim arises because of your use of the incorrect fuel.

Am I eligible for Australia Post car insurance?

To be eligible for Coles Car insurance whether it is a comprehensive or third party policy, your vehicle must have a maximum 3,500kg GMV and meet some basic criteria.

• It must be a passenger vehicle
• It must be in good epair and condition and meet registration requirements in your state or territory
• Must not be used as a hire vehicle, taxi, ridesharing, oof delivery or for racing