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Five million Aussie drivers left with bill for damages they didn’t cause

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News

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Almost a third of drivers have had their car damaged by another vehicle but the culprit fled the scene.

Millions of Aussie drivers have reported being left with an unfair repair bill after another vehicle hit their car but didn't stick around to exchange details.

A Finder survey of 1,007 people found that 28% had suffered mystery damage to their cars. That figure rose to 31% when only car-owners were asked.

The research also revealed that baby boomers are most likely to suffer damage to their vehicles (34%), while drivers in regional areas are also at a higher risk (32%).

South Australian residents should also be particularly careful, as 37% of drivers in the state reported that their car had previously been hit by someone else who didn't own up - the highest percentage of any region in the country.

Unfortunately, many of the drivers will have no help in covering the unexpected cost. According to Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker, a nationally representative survey of more than 15,000 respondents, almost 1 in 4 (24%) Australians don't have comprehensive car insurance.

Comprehensive car insurance is the only type of cover which will pay out if you sustain mysterious damage to your car - and it might not be as expensive as you think.

In our 2021 Finder Awards, we found that on an average, a 30-year old man paid anything between $612 and $2,385 annually, while a 30-year old woman paid between $426 and $2,969 for a comprehensive policy.

That means you could save a huge $2,643 a year, just by comparing car insurance online.

Get a quote for comprehensive car insurance

Car insurance quotes have to be tailored to your vehicle, driving history, and risk factors. Click 'Get Quote' to see how much it might cost to fully protect your car.

1 - 10 of 10
Name Product Roadside assistance Accidental damage Storm Choice of repairer Agreed or Market Value
Youi Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: The 2023 winner of our Best Features Car Insurance award. Plus, it's one of the only insurers to automatically include roadside assistance.

Who it might be good for: Those who want good customer service with lots of inclusions.
Budget Direct Comprehensive
Optional
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: The 2024 winner of our Best Value Car Insurance award. It's cheaper than most, plus you can lower costs by adding age restrictions.

⭐ Current offer: 15% off your first year's premium when you take out a policy online. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: Anyone who wants a good value policy.
Australia Post Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Covers a little more than other insurers. You don’t need to pay an excess for windscreen repairs and cover applies to anyone who uses your car.

⭐ Current offer: Get $75 off your first year's comprehensive car insurance premium when you buy online. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: Multiple people using one car.
Bingle Comprehensive
Market
Finder's summary: Our data shows it’s the cheapest comprehensive policy. It just covers the basics such as damage to your car, theft and storms – it doesn’t go in for add-ons and extras.

Who it might be good for: Those wanting a low-cost, no-frills policy.
Qantas Comprehensive
Optional
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: You need car insurance so why not get one that lets you earn Qantas Points? It's good value too (it's underwritten by the same insurer as Budget Direct).

⭐ Current offer: Earn up to 30,000 Qantas Points with every car insured by 30 September. Plus save 15% on your 1st year’s premium when you purchase online. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: People who want more bang for their buck with Qantas Points.
ROLLiN' Comprehensive
Agreed
Finder's summary: One of the most cost-effective insurers for under 25s, according to Finder research, with no aged-based excess.

Who it might be good for: Young drivers looking to keep costs down and anyone who’d like to get more flexibility from their car insurance.
QBE Comprehensive
Green Company
QBE Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Our best-rated Car Insurer for Customer Satisfaction in 2021/2022 and Green Insurer for the last 3 years.

⭐ Current offer: Save $75 when you purchase a new comprehensive policy online. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: Those who want a trustworthy insurer and more cover than other brands, such as 3-year new car replacement (e.g. they'll give you money for a new car for up to 3 years if yours is written off).
Kogan Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Kogan comes with all the perks that most comprehensive car insurance policies include, but you'll also be entitled to some benefits from its online store. This usually comes in the form of a gift voucher or discount if you buy online.

⭐ Current offer: Get $80 off first year premiums when you purchase Kogan Comprehensive Car Insurance online + $10 monthly kogan.com credit. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: Kogan shoppers and those after a good range of policy options.
ahm Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Its "pay as you drive" cover can save you up to 30% compared to its standard comprehensive cover. There's also no excess to pay if you hit a Kanga or other animal.

⭐ Current offer: Get 12 months of roadside assistance included when you take out a new comprehensive car insurance policy. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: Rural drivers and those who drive less than 15,000 km a year.
Huddle Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Huddle's comprehensive policy will cover you if your vehicle is damaged or lost as a result of a collision, a natural event, a malicious act, theft or fire. It also includes up to $500 for essential repairs.

Who it might be good for: Someone who drives less than 15,000 km a year can opt for Pay As You Drive cover.
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