Budget Direct vs NRMA Car Insurance
A side by side comparison of Budget Direct and NRMA car insurance including expert analysis of pricing, features, complaints and reviews.
Key takeaways
- Sample quotes suggest Budget Direct is often significantly cheaper than NRMA for comprehensive cover.
- NRMA provides higher limits for emergency repairs and personal effects coverage.
- NRMA maintains physical stores across NSW, potentially appealing for those preferring in-person service.
Budget Direct comes with the same benefits you get with the most comprehensive car insurance providers but for less money, according to our research. NRMA isn't typically as cheap but it's got stores throughout NSW and gives you a little more money for emergency repairs.
Budget Direct vs NRMA — compare key features
We've compared the comprehensive car insurance policies on offer from Budget Direct car insurance and NRMA car insurance. See further below for other types of car insurance offered by these providers.
Budget Direct Comprehensive |
NRMA Comprehensive |
|
|---|---|---|
| Underwriter |
Auto & General Insurance Company Limited |
Insurance Australia Limited |
| Accidental Damage | ||
| Damage to other people's car |
|
|
| Roadside assistance |
Standalone |
Standalone |
| Agreed or market value |
Agreed or Market |
Agreed or Market |
| Choice of repairer |
Optional |
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 |
Up to $75 per day - Up to 21 days |
| Hire car after no fault accident |
Up to $75/day if no hire car is provided |
Reasonable costs |
| Hire car after at fault accident |
Optional Up to $75 per day - Up to 21 days |
Optional Up to $75 per day - Up to 21 days |
| Emergency repairs |
Up to $500 |
Up to $800 |
| 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 in the first 2 years |
| Personal effects/property |
Up to $500 |
Up to $1,000 |
| Locks and keys replacement |
Up to $1,000 |
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 NRMA 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 Comprehensive Low Kilometres
- Third Party Fire & Theft
- Third Party Property Damage
NRMA also offers 4 levels of car insurance:
- NRMA Comprehensive Plus
- NRMA Comprehensive
- NRMA Third Party Fire & Theft
- NRMA Third Party Property Damage
NRMA also offers Compulsory Third Party (CTP)
car insurance.
Budget Direct and NRMA complaints information
Using data from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), we can see how many motor insurance complaints the underwriters for Budget Direct (Auto & General) and NRMA (Insurance Australia Limited) have received and resolved.
| Underwriter | Complaints received | Complaints resolved at registration & referral | Referral resolution rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto & General Services Pty Ltd | 1431 | 723 | 50.56% |
| Insurance Australia Limited | 1413 | 760 | 53.82% |
Finder's verdict
Our expert says
"Budget Direct and NRMA have pretty similar levels of cover but our research shows that Budget Direct is typically cheaper. NRMA has stores throughout NSW which might make it more appealing for some people though."
FAQs
Sources
More resources on Finder
Ask a question
More guides on Finder
-
Cheap car insurance Australia August 2026
Here's a guide to getting affordable car insurance that will still cover the essentials.
-
How to check car insurance
How to stay up to date with your car insurance and avoid any hassle.
-
Seniors car insurance for over 60s
Read our guide to getting car insurance if you are an older driver looking for cover.
-
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.
-
Rideshare and Uber car insurance
Find out what car insurance options are available for rideshare drivers, including Ubers.
-
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.
-
Compare third party car insurance
This article runs through the ins and outs of choosing a good third party property damage car insurance policy.
-
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.
-
Best car insurance Australia August 2026
Explore our analysis and see how you can find the best car insurance for your needs.