Insurance Savings 101: How to Trim Costs Without Sacrificing Coverage

For many of us, our cars are one of our biggest assets, so we want to make sure we’re covered if the worst should happen. That’s where comprehensive insurance comes in. Unlike Compulsory Third Party (CTP) and third-party insurance, comprehensive insurance covers repairs to your car (even if the accident is your fault), as well as if your car is stolen or damaged by fire or flood. Whether you’re taking out a comprehensive insurance policy for the first time or looking to reduce your premium at renewal time, spending an hour or so researching options could save you hundreds of dollars.

How to reduce car insurance premiums

The simplest ways to keep your premiums low are to always drive safely (as at-fault accidents and traffic infringements are likely to increase your premium) and keep your car secure in off-street parking. But there are other ways to save that won’t reduce your coverage.

1. Shop around It’s a well-known tactic that insurers often increase the premiums of existing customers while offering lower rates to new policyholders (it’s called a ‘loyalty penalty’ or ‘loyalty tax
   ’ and applies to home and contents insurance also). It means that at renewal time, you can often get a better deal by comparing insurers online and taking advantage of new-customer offers.
2. Purchase your policy online Many providers will offer a discount if you buy online, rather than in person or over the phone. This could be a fixed discount or a percentage of your premium. Purchase directly through the insurer’s website to ensure you’re not paying extra fees to a third party.
3. Pay annually While monthly payments can be easier to budget for, you often end up paying more than the annual premium amount. Check with your insurer to see if you could save by paying in one lump sum.
4. Bundle your policies You may be eligible for a ‘multi-policy discount’ if you insure your car with the same provider as, say, your home and contents insurance or your health insurance. This requires a bit of research but could save you as much as 25% off your premium.
5. Opt for a higher excess Generally, choosing a higher excess (the amount you pay in the event of an insurable accident) will mean a lower premium
   . For example, increasing your excess from $500 to $2000 could wipe $200 off your premium. Of course, this carries some risk, and you will want to ensure you can reasonably pay the excess amount if an accident should occur.

How to compare car insurance quotes

Aim to compare quotes from at least five different insurers to weigh up your options. Online comparison websites

are useful for assessing a broad range of insurers quickly, but it’s worth noting that these websites will often promote certain products over others, won’t show you all available options, and will usually lead to a whole lot of unwanted cold calls. Your best bet is to use these as a starting point (without entering your personal details) and then go directly via the individual insurers’ websites.

As well as comparing premiums, you’ll want to check the exclusions on each policy. Exclusions could include things such as storm damage, intentional damage (vandalism), damage caused by an unlicensed driver, or rust and wear and tear. Also, consider the options and extras that make the most sense for your needs. Are you likely to need roadside assistance, free towing, or car hire? Do you need windscreen cover, or replacement of damaged child seats? Assessing these extras will ensure you’re not paying for anything you don’t need – and that you’re covered for those you do.

_{Disclaimer
Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}