Cheapest Car Insurance Australia 2026 — Best Value Compared
Compare the cheapest car insurance in Australia for 2026. Budget Direct, Bingle, Youi, AAMI and NRMA — premiums, excesses and how to save.
Car insurance in Australia ranges from $795 to over $3,000 per year depending on your state, car, and driving record. We've compared the five insurers consistently rated cheapest across Australia to help you find the best value comprehensive cover.
Cheapest Car Insurers at a Glance
| Insurer | Avg. Premium* | Excess | Standout Feature | Canstar Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Direct | $850–$1,200 | $695 (adjustable) | 15% online discount, multi-award winner | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bingle | $900–$1,300 | $695 | Owned by Suncorp, online-only savings | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Youi | $950–$1,400 | From $400 | Pay-for-what-you-use pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| AAMI | $1,000–$1,500 | $650 | Safe Driver discount, lifetime guarantee on repairs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| NRMA (NSW/ACT) | $1,050–$1,600 | $650 | Roadside assist included, strong in NSW | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
*Average premiums based on 30-year-old driver, Toyota Corolla, metro area. Your quote will vary.
1. Budget Direct — Cheapest Overall
Budget Direct consistently comes out on top in price comparisons. They offer a 15% discount for buying online, and their comprehensive cover includes all the essentials: new car replacement (if under 2 years old), lifetime repair guarantee, and choice of repairer.
They're a Canstar Outstanding Value award winner for 2026 — for the 7th year running. The trade-off? No physical branches. Everything is online or phone-based.
2. Bingle — No-Frills Value
Bingle is Suncorp's budget brand, designed for people who want basic comprehensive cover without extras. No windscreen cover, no hire car. But the premium savings are real — typically 10-15% cheaper than AAMI (which is also Suncorp).
3. Youi — Pay for What You Use
Youi's model is different: they ask detailed questions about how you use your car and price accordingly. Drive less? Garage overnight? You pay less. This makes them genuinely cheap for low-mileage drivers.
Downsides: the quote process is longer, and they will try to call you. Be warned.
4. AAMI — Best Mid-Range
AAMI is one of Australia's most trusted insurance brands. Their Safe Driver Discount rewards claim-free years, and their lifetime repair guarantee on authorised repairs adds peace of mind. Slightly pricier than Budget Direct, but the brand trust and claims experience are excellent.
5. NRMA — Best in NSW/ACT
NRMA includes roadside assistance with comprehensive cover (unique among major insurers). If you're in NSW or ACT, the bundled roadside assist saves $100+/year compared to buying separately.
How to Save on Car Insurance
- Increase your excess: Bumping from $650 to $1,000 can save 15-20% on premiums
- Pay annually: Monthly instalments add 10-15% in fees
- Bundle policies: Home + car with the same insurer often unlocks multi-policy discounts
- Compare every year: Loyalty doesn't pay in insurance. Your renewal price almost always increases.
- Agreed value: Choose agreed value over market value — it locks in your payout and can reduce premiums
Our Pick: Budget Direct
Cheapest premiums, award-winning cover, 15% online discount. Hard to beat for value.