Car Insurance Victoria

Explore a variety of online car insurance quotes tailored to your needs in Victoria today, from Melbourne to Moe.

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, updated on February 15th, 2024       

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Car Insurance Banner

Whether you're living in and driving through the vibrant streets of Melbourne or residing further out in Bendigo, the Grampians or Mildura, having the right car insurance is crucial for residents of Victoria. Because of this, comparing your car insurance options is a crucial step to take in the process of finding your ideal policy.

What are my car insurance options in Victoria?

When it comes to car insurance options in Victoria, there are several coverage types available to protect your vehicle and provide financial security in the event of a covered accident or other circumstances included in your policy's coverage. Here are the main car insurance options in Victoria:

  1. Comprehensive car insurance: comprehensive car insurance offers the highest level of coverage available. It can protect against a wide range of risks, including damage to your vehicle in an accident, fire, theft, vandalism and certain weather events. It can also cover damage to third-party property which you’re responsible for.
  2. Third party fire and theft (TPFT) insurance: TPFT insurance can provide coverage for damage to your car caused by fire or theft, on top of damage caused by your vehicle to someone else's property. It offers more coverage compared to TPPD insurance.
  3. Third party property damage (TPPD) insurance: this insurance can cover the damage caused by your vehicle to someone else's property. It doesn’t cover damage to your vehicle, typically making it a cheaper type of car insurance than TPFT and comprehensive cover.
  4. Compulsory third party (CTP) insurance: CTP insurance is mandatory in Victoria and can cover your liability for personal injury or death caused by your vehicle to other people, including passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. It does not cover damage to your vehicle or other people's property. The premium for CTP insurance is included in your vehicle registration and is known as the transport accident charge.
Claimable event Comp. TPFT TPPD CTP
Damage to someone else’s property
✓
✓
✓
✖
Damage to your car due to fire
✓
✓
✖
✖
Damage to your car due to theft
✓
✓
✖
✖
Damage to your car due to weather
✓*
✖
✖
✖
Damage to your car due to accident or collision
✓
✖
✖
✖
Injury or death of someone else in an at-fault accident
✖
✖
✖
✓

*Not all weather-related incidents are covered under a comprehensive car insurance policy. Check your PDS to find out what's covered and what isn't.

How do I compare car insurance offers in Victoria?

There are many factors to consider when comparing car insurance deals as a Victorian driver. Some of the key ones to think about are the following:

Cost of the policy

When comparing car insurance offers, it's crucial to consider the premium rates offered by different insurers. While affordability is a key factor, it's also crucial to ensure that the coverage provided meets your needs. Because of this, it’s worth looking for a balance between cost and coverage when selecting your car insurance.

Policy coverage

Carefully review the inclusions and exclusions of each car insurance offer. It's important to understand the limitations and exclusions that may affect your coverage. Look for any specific driver restrictions or limitations on coverage for certain types of vehicles, as well as any potential inclusions (if you want to cover a trailer, see whether you can do so with a standard policy). Being aware of these details ensures you’ll have a clearer understanding of what your policy does and doesn't cover.

Excess options

Another important aspect to compare is the excess amount charged by insurers. The excess is the amount you need to pay out of pocket when making a claim. While a higher excess may result in lower premiums, it's essential to assess whether the excess amount is affordable for you in case of a claim. Consider your financial situation and weigh up the potential premium savings against the potential out-of-pocket expenses if you make a claim.

Optional extras available

Assess the availability of optional extras offered by insurers. These extras may include additional coverage for roadside assistance (which can help with engine failure where car insurance won’t), coverage for windscreen repair or replacement without any excess or hire car coverage and emergency accommodation expenses. Evaluate the cost-effectiveness and relevance of these extras based on your individual needs and preferences. Consider whether they provide value for money and enhance the overall coverage of your policy.

Payment options

Consider the flexibility of payment options provided by insurers. Determine whether you have the option to pay your premiums monthly or annually, as some insurers may offer discounts for annual payments, while others could potentially offer monthly payments at no extra cost. Choose the payment option that suits your financial situation and preferences, ensuring that it aligns with your budgeting needs.

Discounts and bonuses

Inquire about available discounts and bonuses which could help you save. Common deals include multi-policy or multi-car discounts and promotional discounts for signing up within a certain timeframe or online. Explore the eligibility criteria for each discount and determine if you qualify for any of them. You should also assess whether the discounts and bonuses are worth it in the long run, as short-term savings don’t automatically mean you’ll save money in the long term.

What are the requirements for car insurance in Victoria?

In Victoria, the legal requirement for all registered vehicles is to have CTP insurance. As mentioned, this type of insurance provides coverage for personal injury or death caused by your vehicle to other people. It’s mandatory and included in your vehicle's registration fees.

While comprehensive or third party car insurance isn’t legally required in Melbourne or wider Victoria, having one of these optional policies can offer greater peace of mind and financial protection in case your vehicle or someone else's property is damaged, provided it falls within the coverage specified in your insurance policy.

Assessing your needs, budget, and the value of your vehicle is crucial in determining the most suitable coverage option for you. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and select a policy which aligns with your requirements as a driver. It's always important to compare quotes from different insurers to find the best coverage options and premiums that suit your needs and budget.

Types of car insurance you can choose from

Top tips for saving on your car insurance in Victoria

Compare quotes from multiple insurers

Obtain quotes from different insurance providers to compare coverage options and premiums. This may help you choose a policy offering the coverage you’re looking for at the lowest available price with more confidence. 

Consider increasing your excess

Opting for a higher excess amount can lower your premiums. Evaluate your financial situation and assess the potential savings versus the out-of-pocket expense in the event of a claim.

Maintain a good driving record

Maintaining a clean driving record can help you qualify for lower premiums. Avoid speeding tickets, accidents and repeated insurance claims that can negatively impact your policy wherever possible.

Drive less

If you have low annual usage, you may qualify for cheaper premiums. By driving less, you reduce the likelihood of accidents and potential claims, which insurers take into account when determining premiums.

Frequently asked questions about car insurance in Victoria

Can I transfer my car insurance when moving to Victoria?

Depending on whether your insurer can offer cover in Victoria, you may be able to transfer your car insurance when moving there. Contact your insurance provider and inform them about your move to find out if they can offer the coverage you’re looking for or if you’ll need to take out a new policy.

Can I get car insurance if I have a Victorian provisional or learner's licence?

Many companies offer car insurance to drivers with a Victorian provisional or learner's licence. However, insurers may have certain restrictions or requirements for drivers with these licenses, such as additional excesses in the event of a claim while they’re at the wheel. It's important to disclose your license type when applying for insurance, as premium rates may vary based on your license status and driving experience.

Will I be able to add additional drivers to my car insurance policy?

Yes – you can usually add additional drivers to your car insurance policy. Additional drivers may affect your premium rates, so it's important to disclose accurate information (such as their ages and claims histories). Ensure that all drivers listed on your policy have the necessary licences and meet the insurer's criteria.

Can I choose my preferred repairer for car repairs in Victoria?

In many cases, you have the freedom to choose your preferred repairer for car repairs in Victoria. However, your repairer will need to get your insurer’s tick of approval before you’re able to book your car in. It's important to review your policy terms and conditions to understand any requirements or limitations related to your choice of repairer.

Are there car insurance options available for a temporary visit or short-term stay in Victoria?

You may be able to take advantage of one of the following options if you’re only looking for short-term car insurance in Victoria:

  • Hire a vehicle and use your rental company’s insurance
  • Take out car insurance with monthly premiums and cancel your policy whenever you need to (fees may apply)
  • Take out a pay as you drive policy and only insure yourself for a short distance (if available)

There aren’t any specific short-term products available in Australia, so it’s important to be aware of the choices available to you, which will in turn help you avoid making the wrong call or ending up with a car insurance scam.

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Savvy’s comparison service includes selected products from a panel of trusted insurers and does not compare all products in the market. Any advice presented above or on other pages is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an insurance policy. We always recommend readers to consult the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) of different policies before purchasing your car insurance.