Car insurance premium increases Australia
Car insurance premiums rose by an average of nearly 20% between 2020 and 2023, according to Finder research.
Key takeaways
- Car insurance premiums increased by 19.8% between 2020 and 2023, averaging $1,551 in 2023.
- Compare at least four policies annually; Finder research found a $1,871 difference between providers.
- Consider increasing your excess, restricting drivers or lowering kilometres to reduce your premium.
Car insurance hasn't been immune to the impact of high inflation. In fact, Finder research found that car insurance premiums increased by an average of 10.6% between 2022 and 2023 and 19.8% between 2020 and 2023, rising faster than the overall rate of inflation.
While the official inflation rate hit a 30-year high of 7.8% in the December 2022 quarter, it eased to 5.4% over the 12 months to the September 2023 quarter.
The same can't generally be said for insurance though. Insurance and financial service costs were up a whopping 8.6% over the same 12 months, according to the September 2023 quarter ABS inflation report.
Key statistics
- Car insurance premiums increased by an average of 10.6% between 2022 and 2023 and 19.8% between 2020 and 2023.
- Car insurance premiums in Queensland went up the most – 25% between 2020 and 2023.
- Between 2022 and 2023 though, the biggest increase was in Victoria (16.8%).
Our research is based on Finder Awards data going back to 2020. We got quotes from 26 comprehensive car insurance policy providers based on 36 driver profiles across all major states. Keep in mind, while our research was extensive, prices may differ based on various circumstances such as your age, gender and the car you drive.
Car insurance premium increases over time
Car insurance premiums increased by an average of 10.6% between 2022 and 2023, and by nearly 20% between 2020 and 2023.
State breakdown of premium increases
Queensland has seen the biggest increase in car insurance premiums overall. This is largely due to the fact it has been heavily impacted by severe weather, including the South East Queensland floods, over the last few years. However, between 2022 and 2023, car insurance costs in Victoria went up the most.
| State | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | % increase (22–23) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WA | $1,262 | $1,300 | $1,364 | 4.95% |
| SA | $1,148 | $1,191 | $1,369 | 14.91% |
| QLD | $1,215 | $1,280 | $1,437 | 12.23% |
| NSW | $1,734 | $1,807 | $1,903 | 5.33% |
| VIC | $1,702 | $1,692 | $1,976 | 16.77% |
| TAS | $1,136 | $1,124 | $1,251 | 11.29% |
Why have car insurance premiums increased?
Like many other goods and services, the cost of car insurance has been increasing due to very high inflation.
However, higher premiums are also being impacted by the increase in natural disasters such as bushfires, cyclones and floods. Australians are paying more "even if the area hasn't been specifically affected by recent disasters," AFCA says.
In 2022, the Insurance Council of Australia reported that there were more than 302,000 disaster-related claims lodged from 4 declared insurance events across the country. It cost $7.28 billion in insured losses.
The majority of these losses ($6 billion) were from the Northern New South Wales and South East Queensland floods. This was the costliest insured event ever recorded in Australia and the second costliest in the world in 2022.
Global events, such as Hurricane Ian in Florida, have also contributed to rising reinsurance costs which reached a 20-year high in the 2022–23 financial period. The impact on Australian insurers has been cost increases of up to 20–30%.
Inflation has compounded the recovery costs. CoreLogic's Cordell Construction Cost Index (CCCI) found prices increased by 11.9% over the 2022 calendar year, the largest annual increase on record.
Thankfully, cost increases have slowed in 2023. The September 2023 quarterly growth rate was 0.5%, the smallest lift since the 3 months to June 2019.
As a result of all this, insurers increased their prices, and the average premium in our research rose every year from 2020 to 2023. There currently is no cap on how much insurers can increase their prices. Insurers are generally able to charge what they want. Premium increases are typically not open to review by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).
How to save on your car insurance
Don't just settle for the insurer you know
In our research of 26 comprehensive car insurance policies, we found a $1,871 difference between the cheapest and most expensive providers. Make sure you compare quotes from at least 4 brands to find a better deal.
Choose a higher excess
In return, your insurer will offer you a lower premium. Just make sure you can afford to pay the excess.
Restrict drivers
This is a good option if you're over 25. Many policies lower your premiums by restricting your policy to drivers over a certain age.
Low kilometre benefits
Many insurers, including Budget Direct, AAMI and Everyday, will lower your premiums if you drive less.
Discounts
Discounts can lower costs but insurers will often increase prices after 12 months – so don't automatically renew until you've shopped around.
Review annually
When car insurance costs rise, it's the renewing customers that tend to get hit hardest. Make sure you review your policy every year to find the best car insurance for your needs and avoid big price increases.
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