Key takeaways
- Budget Direct consistently offers low-cost comprehensive cover; always compare options for your best deal.
- Age significantly impacts premiums; Gen Y often pays $201 monthly versus Baby Boomers at $105.
- Increase your excess, restrict young drivers or pay annually to reduce your car insurance premium.
Finding the cheapest car insurance for you will depend on your personal circumstances and the level of cover you're after. Our experts have chosen a bunch of picks that will be great for a range of people, but these should only be used as a guide. You should always read the product disclosure statement (PDS) to know which car insurance is a good fit for you and your budget.
Cheap car insurance in May 2026
- Cheapest car insurance: Budget Direct Comprehensive
- Cheap car insurance with great customer service: Youi Comprehensive
- Cheap car insurance for young drivers: ROLLiN' Comprehensive
- Baby boomers: $134
- Gen X: $124
- Gen Y: $175
- Gen Z: $183
While traditional insurers like NRMA and Suncorp maintain large repair networks, low cost challengers such as Bingle, ROLLiN' and ALDI Insurance often provide lower premiums by operating primarily online and offering fewer automatic inclusions. Bingle, for instance, focuses on "no frills" cover for safe drivers, whereas ALDI Insurance leverages its retail brand to offer competitive pricing for standard vehicles. Youi distinguishes itself by providing tailored premiums based on specific driving habits, which can lead to lower costs for low mileage drivers compared to traditional flat rate providers. (Source: Choice and Canstar 2026)
Cheap car insurance
Comprehensive car insurance is the only level of cover that protects your car as well as others. Prices start from around $1,116 per year, according to Finder research. Below is a list of the top 5 cheapest car insurance policies, per that research.
Compare other products
We currently don't have that product, but here are others to consider:
How we picked theseCheap car insurance in your state
In this table we've listed the 5 cheapest comprehensive plans we received quotes for across three states. Remember your own cost will vary depending on your personal circumstances and it's always best to compare a range of providers.
| Brand | State | Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Bingle | NSW | $1,074.39 |
| Qantas | NSW | $1,212.97 |
| Budget Direct | NSW | $1,273.62 |
| Coles | NSW | $1,305.87 |
| ING | NSW | $1,411.89 |
| Youi | VIC | $1,126.51 |
| Bingle | VIC | $1,487.74 |
| Budget Direct | VIC | $1,562.13 |
| Coles | VIC | $1,607.82 |
| ING | VIC | $1,665.09 |
| Bingle | QLD | $947.21 |
| ING | QLD | $1,041.2 |
| Budget Direct | QLD | $1,093.26 |
| Coles | QLD | $1,129.69 |
| Allianz | QLD | $1,206.44 |
Tips for finding cheap car insurance
- Compare online. Loyalty doesn't pay with car insurance – the best value policy today might be more expensive when it renews next year. Shop around and you could save hundreds of dollars.
- Restrict drivers. Choosing not to let drivers under 25 drive your car can lead to a premium saving.
- Choose a higher excess. You'll have to pay more upfront to make a claim, but taking a higher excess will lower your regular premiums.
- Pay annually. Some car insurers offer discounts if you're able to pay your annual premium upfront rather than in monthly instalments.
"When I got my renewal notice, my car insurance premium was due to increase by 21%. I got quotes from 5 other providers and then called my existing provider to let them know I was thinking of switching. They immediately knocked about $200 off the renewal cost and became the cheapest provider of those I'd researched. Not only did I get a cheaper deal, I got to stay with the insurer of my preference and didn't have to compromise on any features."
Guide to insurance types
Choosing the right level of cover is essential for balancing cost and protection. The following hierarchy outlines the three main types of voluntary car insurance available in Australia:
1. Comprehensive Insurance: This is the highest level of cover. It protects your car against accidental damage, theft, fire, and weather events, while also covering your legal liability for damage you cause to other people's property (usually up to $20 million).
2. Third Party Fire and Theft: This mid level option provides the same legal liability protection as the basic tier but adds cover for your own vehicle if it is stolen or damaged by fire.
3. Third Party Property Damage: This is generally the most affordable option. It only covers the damage you cause to other people's cars or property. It does not cover repairs to your own car if you are at fault in an accident (Source: Moneysmart 2026).
Technical terminology guide
Understanding industry terms can help you avoid unexpected costs at claim time:
Market Value vs Agreed Value: Market value is what your car is worth on the open market at the time of the claim, whereas agreed value is a fixed sum you and the insurer set when the policy starts. Agreed value offers more certainty but usually requires a higher premium.
Voluntary Excess: This is an additional amount you agree to pay on top of your basic excess in exchange for a lower monthly or annual premium. It is a useful tool for safe drivers to reduce their ongoing costs.
No Claim Bonus Protection: Some insurers allow you to pay an extra fee to protect your rating. This ensures that one at fault accident does not automatically reduce your hard earned discount. (Source: iSelect and Allianz 2026).
Frequently asked questions about cheap car insurance
Sources
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.
