Car Insurance in Queensland (QLD)

Which features should Queensland drivers look for in a car insurance policy?

With a wide range of benefits and extras to choose from, you can have your car insurance wrapped up just as you need it. Keep in mind that any added cover is likely to increase your premiums.

Some features and extras that QLD drivers might find handy can include:

• No claims discount. Also known as a ‘no claim bonus’ or ‘safe driver reward/discount’, insurers can reward careful, experienced drivers with lower premiums if they don’t make an insurance claim in a set period.
• Restricted drivers. You can reduce your premiums by excluding drivers of a certain age (e.g. under 25 years old) from driving your vehicle.
• Flexible payments. Your insurer might offer you the option to pay for your car insurance monthly or annually. However, some insurers may impose a fee on monthly payments.
• Excess-free windscreen repair. Some insurers charge an excess for windscreen replacement or repair. If your windscreen is damaged, (e.g., an errant cricket ball by the neighbours’ kids impacts the windscreen as the car is parked) having excess-free windscreen cover can help with getting your vehicle back in a drivable shape at a lower out-of-pocket cost to you.
• Hire car following an incident. If your car is damaged in an accident or other event, you may be able to get a hire car through your insurer while yours is being repaired or replaced.
• Choice of agreed value and market value. You may have the option of choosing to insure your car for an agreed value (an amount your insurer would agree to pay up to depending on the level of damage or if it’s written off) or the market value (calculated by the insurer at the time of the incident based on the vehicle’s value prior to it).
• Roadside assistance. Getting covered for roadside assistance (whether added to your car insurance or as a standalone product) can mean help is always at hand if you break down.

Different insurers may have different options available to you. Be sure to check the full details of any car insurance policy when getting a car insurance quote by reading the relevant PDS.

Car insurance in QLD

How much is car insurance in QLD?

The cost of car insurance can vary greatly, as insurance providers calculate your premiums based on many factors that are unique to you, including your:

• Premiums are usually higher for drivers under 25.
• Some models will cost more to insure because of their value or the availability of replacement parts.
• Policy excess. The amount you pay when you make a claim. The lower your excess, the higher your premium is likely to be – and vice versa.
• Insurance history. If you’ve made claims in the past, it could increase your present and future premiums.

Furthermore, any car modifications, add-on cover and additional listed drivers can also increase the cost of your car insurance premiums. So, you can see that there’s no set answer for how much car insurance costs in QLD.

If you want an idea of how much car insurance may cost, read more about factors that impact your premium and how car insurance is calculated.

How does living in Queensland affect my car insurance?

While your actual insurance coverage doesn’t change in each state, you might find that your premiums will be vary based on where and even how you live. This can include:

• Where you park your car. If your car is parked safely in a garage, your premiums will usually reflect this lower risk to your car. On the other hand, parking it outside where it’s vulnerable can have the opposite effect.
• Where you live. Living in an area that has higher theft rates or busy roads, or is prone to natural disasters (e.g. bushfires and floods), can increase your chances of making a claim – as well as the cost of your car insurance.
• How much you drive your vehicle. If you’re on the road often and do lots of driving throughout the year, this can increase your chances of having an accident and thus your premiums.
• Your type of car. For example, more common makes and models may be cheaper to insure because they’re easier to repair and source replacement parts for.
• Your age. How old you are can affect the amount of insurance you pay, as younger drivers generally have a higher risk of being in car accidents.
• Optional covers. If you add optional or extra cover to your policy (e.g. windscreen cover, new car replacement), you might find that your premiums will be slightly higher to account for the extra cover you’ve purchased.
• Level of cover. If you choose a lower level of cover (e.g. Third Party Property Damage), you won’t pay as much for your policy as you would if you had comprehensive insurance, which covers a much wider range of incidents and scenarios.

What’s the cheapest car insurance in QLD?

There’s no one answer to this question, as the cheapest car insurance for you might not be the cheapest for someone else. However, there are certainly ways you can lower the cost of your car insurance. For instance, you could place a restriction on your policy for drivers of your car to be above a certain age (e.g. no one younger than 25) or choose a higher excess – just make sure you choose an amount that you can still afford to pay when you claim.

Important to know

How can I claim against someone’s car insurance in QLD?

If your car was damaged in a car accident and you believe the other driver was at fault, you need to get their contact and vehicle details to pass on to your insurance provider. Your insurer will then manage the case and notify you of any progress.

If the other driver is determined to be at fault for the accident, their insurer will pay for the damages or accidental loss to your vehicle or property.

Can one car insurance policy cover my family members as drivers?

Car insurance covers your vehicle and not individuals, but it’s still important to list anyone you expect to drive your car as an additional driver on your policy if required by your insurance provider. Generally, learner drivers don’t need to be listed, but check with your insurer.

Be aware that adding additional drivers to your policy may impact the amount you pay. Factors such as each driver’s age and driving history will also affect premiums; for example, you’ll usually be charged more to have an inexperienced or younger driver (e.g. those under 25) listed on your policy. You may incur extra excess fees if an unlisted driver is involved in an accident when driving your car.

Is my car paint covered if it’s peeling from the Queensland sun?

Unfortunately, most car insurance policies won’t cover paint damage from wear and tear, deterioration, or exposure to weather (sun, sand, salt, rain or water). As such, Queenslanders, particularly those living next to the beach, may need to protect their cars by parking in the shade and covering them when practical.

For a full list of all the exclusions and additional excesses listed in your car insurance policy, check the PDS.

Does car insurance in QLD cover motorcycles or caravans?

Car insurance doesn’t generally cover motorcycles or caravans. A range of car insurance companies do offer motorcycle insurance or caravan insurance policies that work in a similar way.

When is my car registration due in Queensland?

Your car registration will be due either 3, 6 or 12 months after you last paid it, depending on which option you chose at the time. If you’re not sure of your registration status (e.g. if you’ve just bought a second-hand car) or you can’t remember when it’s next due, you can search for it on the Department of Transport and Main Roads website using your registration number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).