Household Insurance Online :: Articles

8 Steps to Cheaper Car Insurance

How can I save money on car insurance?

8 Steps to Cheaper Car Insurance

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Owning a car comes with considerable ongoing expenses ... and Comprehensive car insurance is one of the most significant ongoing costs. If your car is under finance, insurance is generally a requirement of the loan contract so you probably don't have the choice to opt out. However you do have options when it comes down to where you buy your insurance and there are some BIG savings to be had. Here are some tips on what you can do that could dramatically reduce your premiums.
Here are 8 ways to reduce your car insurance costs that you should be considering.
  1. Shop around and buy online:

    Figures show that many people simply renew their current policies without shopping around. The internet makes it easy to compare prices from different insurers, so why not take advantage of this? Plus, you'll usually get a discount of 10% or more just for buying your policy online.
  2. Policy type:

    Do you really need a comprehensive policy with all the extras? Going for a third party fire & theft policy can reduce your premiums hugely, and is definitely worth considering if your car isn't an expensive model.
  3. No claims discounts:
    Need Money for a Bike?
    Image for Need Money for a Bike?We offer fast, free, easy access to the best Bike Loan rates and options in the Australian market. Simply use our 3-minute Bike Loan enquiry form to see if you qualify … and you'll get instant access to our national specialist Bike Loan broker network for free advice and assistance through the approval process. No charge, no obligation!

    Nearly all policies feature a discount that increases for every year you don't make a claim. The higher the discount available, the more you could save. Also look at insurers offering a 'no claims bonus for life' feature, where your current discount level can be fixed forever, even if you have to make a claim somewhere down the line.
  4. Excess:

    The excess on a policy is the amount of a claim you have to pay before the insurer pays the rest. Choosing to have a higher than standard excess level will usually mean lower premiums.
  5. Security:

    Fitting your vehicle with an alarm, immobiliser, or other security devices can lead to premium reductions. Parking you car off-road, for example on a driveway or in a garage, will also mean a cheaper policy.
  6. Pay annually:

    Many insurers charge you interest for the privilege of paying in monthly installments. Pay annually if you can afford it to avoid this, or look for one of the companies who don't charge extra for monthly payment.
  7. Mileage:

    The more mileage you run up every year, the more your insurance will cost. Even if you can't reduce your mileage, make sure you're not overestimating how much you actually do drive, and give your insurer an accurate figure.
  8. Drivers:

    The more drivers you have on your policy, the more it will cost. Reduce the number of people insured to drive your car to the minimum possible, and try to get the policy in the name of a driver with the lowest risk profile. For example, if a car is driven by both a man and a woman, insuring it in the woman's name will often result in a cheaper quote.

Published: Sunday, 1st Aug 2021
Author: Paige Estritori


Insurance News

Queensland Farmers' Market Threatened with Eviction Over Insurance Dispute
Queensland Farmers' Market Threatened with Eviction Over Insurance Dispute
23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In a developing situation in south-east Queensland, the Three Creeks Farm Stall, a popular farmers' market operating in Eileen Hose Park near Gympie, is facing potential eviction due to a dispute over public liability insurance requirements imposed by the Gympie Regional Council. - read more
Record Surge in Insurance Complaints Due to Claim Processing Delays
Record Surge in Insurance Complaints Due to Claim Processing Delays
23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent data from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) reveals a significant increase in complaints against insurance companies, with an average of 100 complaints per day. This surge is primarily attributed to delays in processing everyday claims, affecting both home-building and motor vehicle insurance sectors. - read more
Climate Change Contributing to Rising Home Insurance Premiums in Australia
Climate Change Contributing to Rising Home Insurance Premiums in Australia
23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has released a report indicating that climate change is increasingly influencing the rise in home insurance premiums across Australia. The report highlights that the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as severe storms and hailstorms, are escalating, particularly in densely populated regions. - read more
Insuret and ATL Unite to Strengthen Truck Fleet Insurance Services
Insuret and ATL Unite to Strengthen Truck Fleet Insurance Services
23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for Australia's transport insurance sector, Insuret and ATL have merged to create a unified platform dedicated to fleet and trucking insurance. This strategic consolidation under the Envest underwriting group aims to provide comprehensive coverage and innovative solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the transport industry. - read more
Broker Held Accountable as Insurer Rejects Truck Damage Claim
Broker Held Accountable as Insurer Rejects Truck Damage Claim
23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled that a broker breached its duty of care, resulting in the denial of a truck damage claim by the insurer. This case underscores the critical importance of brokers thoroughly understanding and communicating policy exclusions to their clients, particularly concerning driver experience requirements. - read more
Household Insurance Articles

How to ensure your home renovation is covered by your insurance policy
How to ensure your home renovation is covered by your insurance policy
Renovating your home can be an exciting time, but it can also be a stressful one. There are so many things to consider and plan for, including financing the renovations, choosing the right contractor, and selecting the materials to be used. One aspect that often gets overlooked during planning is the impact that renovations can have on your insurance coverage. - read more
The Ultimate Checklist for Comparing Home Insurance in Australia
The Ultimate Checklist for Comparing Home Insurance in Australia
Embarking on the journey of homeownership is a landmark event full of anticipation and dreams. As Australians, we cherish the sanctuary of our homes against the backdrop of our incredibly diverse and sometimes unpredictable climate. However, with this excitement comes a significant responsibility—protecting your investment with the right home insurance. - read more
Why Australian Households Can't Afford to Skip Insurance
Why Australian Households Can't Afford to Skip Insurance
Household insurance is a critical safety net for many Australian families. It protects against unexpected events such as natural disasters, theft, and accidents, ensuring that your home and belongings can be repaired or replaced if something goes awry. - read more
The Essential Guide to Comprehensive Household Coverage in Australia
The Essential Guide to Comprehensive Household Coverage in Australia
Comprehensive household coverage, often referred to as home insurance, is a policy designed to protect your home and its contents against a wide array of risks. This type of coverage typically includes protection against natural disasters, theft, vandalism, and various unforeseen events. In simple terms, it's the safety net that ensures peace of mind should the unexpected happen to your property or possessions. - read more
Why Income Protection Insurance Matters for Every Australian Earner
Why Income Protection Insurance Matters for Every Australian Earner
The unpredictable nature of life can often leave us vulnerable to financial uncertainty, especially when it comes to our ability to earn an income. Whether due to illness, injury, or unexpected job loss, the loss of income can have a devastating impact on our financial stability and quality of life. This is where the importance of insurance in financial planning becomes evident. - read more

Knowledgebase
Term Life Insurance:
A life insurance that provides a cover for a specific period of time - usually one to five years or until the insured reaches age 65 or 70.