Youi and Budget Direct offer relatively similar levels of comprehensive car insurance. If you're looking for a slightly cheaper option, Budget Direct usually edges it, according to our awards research. For award winning customer service though, Youi is a very safe bet. Aside from this, there's a few other reasons that you might consider one over the other.
Youi vs Budget Direct car insurance — compare key features
We've compared the comprehensive car insurance policies on offer from Youi car insurance and Budget Direct car insurance. See further below for other types of car insurance offered by these providers.
Youi Comprehensive |
Budget Direct Comprehensive |
|
|---|---|---|
| Underwriter |
Youi Pty Ltd |
Auto & General Insurance Company Limited |
| Accidental Damage | ||
| Damage to other people's car |
|
|
| Bonuses |
No |
15% online discount. T&C's apply. |
| Roadside assistance |
Yes |
Optional |
| 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 |
Limit not disclosed - Up to 21 days |
Up to $1,500 - Up to 21 days |
| Hire car after no fault accident |
Limit not disclosed |
Up to $75 per day |
| Hire car after at fault accident |
Optional Limit not disclosed - Up to 21 days |
Optional Up to $75 per day - Up to 21 days |
| Emergency repairs |
Up to $1,000 |
Up to $500 |
| Emergency travel and accommodation costs |
Up to $1,000 |
Up to $1,000 - Up to $200 per day |
| New car replacement |
If your car is written off or stolen in the first 2 years |
If your car is written off in the first 2 years or is under 40,000kms |
| Personal effects/property |
Up to $750 |
Up to $500 |
| Locks and keys replacement |
Up to $1,000 |
Up to $1,000 |
| Towing |
|
|
| Trailer cover |
Up to $1,500 |
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. |
Youi vs Budget Direct car insurance prices compared
As part of our 2025 Finder car insurance awards, our experts and insights team analysed policies from 40 providers across Australia using a range of driver profiles across different states, ages and genders.
On average, Budget Direct typically offers cheaper car insurance than Youi. However, it's important to keep in mind that price may not be the only factor in your search for the best car insurance.
| Provider | NSW | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA | Aus average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youi | $2,417 | $1,963 | $1,734 | $1,827 | $2,406 | $2,134 | $2,080 |
| Budget Direct | $2,209 | $1,768 | $1,687 | $1,672 | $2,363 | $1,759 | $1,910 |
These quotes are formed based on a fictional driver profile and your own quote will differ based on your personal circumstances. This should be used as a guide only.
About our car insurance methodology
"My car insurance was due for renewal so I was comparing my options. I'm with Youi and happy with their service but didn't like the premium increase I received. I got a quote from Budget Direct only to find it was on par yet didn't include roadside assistance (like Youi does). I ended up calling Youi and told them I was looking at leaving; they offered me a discount on the spot and I saved over $100. "
Car insurance policies on offer
Youi offers 3 levels of car insurance cover:
- Youi Comprehensive
- Youi Third Party Fire & Theft
- Youi Third Party Property Damage
Budget Direct offers 4 levels of car insurance cover:
- Budget Direct Gold Comprehensive
- Budget Direct Gold Comprehensive Low Kilometres
- Budget Direct Third Party Property Fire & Theft
- Budget Direct Third Party Property Damage
Youi and Budget Direct car insurance complaints information
Using data from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), we can see how many motor insurance complaints the underwriters from Youi and Budget Direct (Auto & General) have received and resolved.
| Underwriter | Complaints received | Complaints resolved at registration & referral | Referral resolution rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto & General Services Pty Ltd | 1431 | 723 | 50.56% |
| Youi | 208 | 80 | 38.46% |
Finder's verdict
"Budget Direct does what it says on the tin. It's cheap and offers a really decent level of cover compared to other big brands. Youi is also a solid comprehensive policy. It's also the only comprehensive policy to automatically include roadside assistance. If you're looking for good customer service, Youi outperforms most insurers (not just Budget Direct). Regardless of who you prefer, it's worth getting quotes from both to see who is cheaper for you."
FAQs
Sources
More guides on Finder
-
High risk car insurance
Learn the factors that may cause you to be considered a high-risk driver and whether you might be eligible for cover.
-
NRMA roadside assistance options compared
NRMA offers 3 levels of roadside assistance. We’ve compared the pricing and features of them all in this article.
-
Blue Slip NSW
Your guide to Blue Slips.
-
Car Insurance ACT
Living in the ACT? Here’s all you need to know about car insurance.
-
Rideshare car insurance
Find out what car insurance options are available for rideshare drivers, including Ubers.
-
Can DUI offenders get car insurance?
Your guide to car insurance when you've been convicted of drink driving.
-
Learner driver insurance
Complete guide to getting car insurance for learner drivers in Australia.
-
Car insurance deals and discounts December 2025
Compare the latest car insurance discounts and deals to save further on your policy or access bonus offers. Discounts up to 25% for purchasing online
-
Switching car insurance
Is it time to make the switch? If you're not happy with your current car insurance provider then the answer might be yes.
-
Compare third party car insurance
This article runs through the ins and outs of choosing a good third party property damage car insurance policy.