Budget Direct vs AAMI Car InsuranceÂ
A side by side comparison of Budget Direct and AAMI car insurance including expert analysis of pricing, features, complaints and reviews.
Key takeaways
- Budget Direct typically offers lower average prices compared to AAMI based on our sample quotes.
- Budget Direct provides an optional choice of repairer a feature not available with AAMI comprehensive cover.
- AAMI's underwriter AAI resolves a higher percentage of complaints at 61.43% than Budget Direct's 50.56%.
Budget Direct vs AAMI — compare key features
We've compared the comprehensive car insurance policies on offer from Budget Direct and AAMI car insurance. See the key differences between the two.
Budget Direct Comprehensive |
AAMI Comprehensive Car Insurance |
|
|---|---|---|
| Underwriter |
Auto & General Insurance Company Limited |
AAI Limited |
| Accidental Damage | ||
| Damage to other people's car |
|
|
| Roadside assistance |
Standalone |
Optional |
| Agreed or market value |
Agreed or Market |
Agreed or Market |
| Choice of repairer |
Optional |
 |
| Legal liability |
$20,000,000 |
$20,000,000 |
| Fire and theft |
 |
|
| Storm |
|
|
| Flood | ||
| Hire car after theft |
Up to $1,500 - Up to 21 days |
Reasonable costs - Up to 21 days |
| Hire car after no fault accident |
Up to $75 per day |
Reasonable Cost |
| Hire car after at fault accident |
Optional Up to $75 per day - Up to 21 days |
Optional Up to $90 per day |
| Emergency repairs |
Up to $500 |
Up to $1,000 |
| Emergency travel and accommodation costs |
Up to $1,000 - Up to $200 per day |
Up to $1,000 |
| New car replacement |
If your car is written off in the first 2 years or is under 40,000kms |
If your car is written off or stolen in the first 2 years |
| Personal effects/property |
Up to $500 |
Up to $1,000 |
| Locks and keys replacement |
Up to $1,000 |
|
| Towing |
|
|
| Trailer cover |
Up to $1,000 |
Up to $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. |
Budget Direct vs AAMI car insurance prices compared
2 of 2 results
Compare other products
We currently don't have that product, but here are others to consider:
How we picked theseCar insurance policies on offer
Budget Direct offers 4 types of car insurance:
- Gold Comprehensive
- Gold Low Kilometres Comprehensive
- Third Party Fire & theft
- Third Party Property Damage
AAMI offers 2 types of car insurance:
- AAMI Comprehensive
- AAMI Third party property damage
AAMI's third party property damage policy can have fire & theft car insurance added to it.
AAMI and Budget Direct complaints information
Using data from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), we can see how many motor insurance complaints the underwriters from AAMI (AAI) and Budget Direct (Auto & General) have received and resolved.
While AAI has received more complaints, it's important to note that it has a larger market share and seems to have resolved those complaints at a higher rate than Auto & General.
| Underwriter | Complaints received | Complaints resolved at registration & referral | Referral resolution rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAI | 2231 | 1370 | 61.43% |
| Auto & General | 1431 | 723 | 50.56% |
The claims process
You can claim online, over the phone or via chat with Budget Direct.
With AAMI, claims can be made via the AAMI My Account. Once you've filled out the form, an AAMI claims consultant should get in touch with you.
Both insurers offer agreed or market value options when you take out cover. Market value pays you the market value of your car at the time it's written off. Agreed value pays you the amount you agree with your insurer when you take out a policy.
Finder's verdict
Our expert says
"Budget Direct is typically a little cheaper than AAMI and has more positive customer reviews online. They're pretty similar in terms of their level of cover, though AAMI gives you a little more for your money with some benefits such as a hire car after theft and a no fault accident. It's also a very popular insurer with a good network of repairers. In general though, these products are very similar so it's really worth getting your own quote to see who comes in cheaper."
FAQs
Sources
More resources on Finder
Ask a question
More guides on Finder
-
ALDI car insurance review
ALDI car insurance offers comprehensive car insurance with really solid benefit limits.
-
ahm car insurance review
ahm offers a decent level of coverage but might not suit drivers on a tighter budget.
-
RACQ Roadside Assistance Review
RACQ offers strong benefits and service, but drivers can expect to pay higher premiums and a joining fee.
-
Australian Seniors car insurance review
With 5% off for seniors, budget-friendly policies, and some uncommon benefits, Australian Seniors is worth considering.
-
ANZ car insurance review
ANZ car insurance is typically more expensive than average, but it does have some generous benefits.
-
Australian Unity Car Insurance
Australian Unity car insurance, underwritten by Allianz, offers two levels of cover, the freedom to choose your own repairer and an easy 24-hour claims service.
-
APIA car insurance
APIA car insurance is issued by AAI Limited and offers 3 levels of cover, a range of discounts and a lifetime guarantee on repairs.
-
Coles Car Insurance review
Coles car insurance is a budget-friendly option for young people, but older drivers may be able to find cheaper cover elsewhere.
-
Allianz car insurance review
With a higher-than-average price but no particularly impressive benefits, Allianz was outperformed by many other car insurers in the 2024 Finder Insurance Awards.
-
AAMI car insurance review
With strong cover and reasonably-priced policies, AAMI performed well in the 2024 Finder Awards. However, some popular benefits are missing and cheaper options are available.