Cover information and limits in the table below verified as correct at 8 September 2024. Other information correct at the time of writing.
Advertiser disclosure.
Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limits
| Product | Monthly premiums available | Maximum no claim discount | Online discount | Choice of repairer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Comprehensive Car Insurance |
Yes costs extra |
Not Published |
up to 15% |
Optional Extra |
Go to site |
While ‘budget’ is in its name, Budget Direct doesn’t skimp on quality. The provider simply aims to provide comprehensive cover at an accessible price point. Alongside its award-winning car insurance, Budget Direct also offers home & contents cover, travel, life and pet insurance.
The organisation insures drivers across Australia and also has outposts in the UK, South Africa and Singapore.
Budget Direct offers cheap car insurance for motorists who want third party property cover (plus fire and theft) as well as wallet-friendly comprehensive options.
If you’re taking out a comprehensive car insurance policy with Budget Direct, there’s a wide range of standard features. This includes cover for:
Most car insurance premiums are calculated on the likelihood of you making a claim. The more likely you are to claim, the higher your premium will be.
But how does an insurance company know if you are likely to make a claim? They base it mostly on details about your past as a driver, what kind of car you're insuring and other demographic factors. Details that might affect your Budget Direct insurance premium include:
Discounts can make a huge difference in what you’re paying for your car insurance policy. With Budget Direct, you can access a 15% discount on the first yearly premium when you buy online, and you can also build up a no claims discount. How much your no claims discount is worth will depend on which state you live in and how long you’re insured through Budget Direct without making a claim.
There’s also the option to choose a low kilometre policy with Budget Direct. This means you could score a premium reduction if you drive less than 12,000km a year.
Your Budget Direct car insurance policy includes cover for alternate transport and accommodation in case of an emergency, plus towing of the vehicle. There are dollar limits for this coverage, so check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
Also remember roadside assistance is an extra you would have to opt into, and your cover does not extend to any emergency repairs you have done without an assessment. So if your car is damaged, make sure you contact Budget Direct before going ahead with any repairs to be sure costs will be covered by your insurance.
To make a claim on your Budget Direct car insurance, you can either call or go online and lodge a claims form. To make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible, try to have a few key details on hand, including:
If you’re a little frazzled after the accident, here’s a checklist of the information you should ask for from other drivers involved in the incident and any witnesses:
As mentioned, roadside assistance is an optional extra you can choose to add to your Budget Direct insurance policy. Others include cover for the cost of a rental car after you have an accident where you are at-fault, and any special modifications on your car.
Just remember: optional cover will usually mean you pay a higher premium.
When you take out most kinds of insurance, you often have the option to choose a low or high excess, which can impact how much you pay for your premium.
The excess is the amount you need to pay before you can get any money from your insurance cover, when making a claim. For example, if your excess is $200, and you’re claiming damages worth $600, you’ll pay the first $200 and your insurance company will pay the remaining $400.
With a Budget Direct policy, you can choose the level of your excess. If you go for a low excess, you’ll likely pay a higher premium, and vice versa.
Top tip: You won’t have to pay excess when claiming on a not-at-fault accident with another car.
Yes, Budget Direct gives customers the option to insure their vehicles at a value which they elect, or at the market value.
Choosing between agreed or market value for your car can impact your premium and how much your insurance provider will pay to cover or replace your vehicle should you write it off. The market value (what the car would sell for if it was advertised at the time of the crash) generally scores you a lower premium, but could mean you don’t get as substantial a payout if your car is totalled or stolen.
There are a number of ways to pay for your Budget Direct car insurance. You can choose to pay your premium annually, monthly or fortnightly, and payment methods include by direct debit, credit card or PayPal when you buy online.
Mozo users have rated Budget Direct car insurance on price, features, convenience, trust and customer service so you can see what real Aussies have to say about their experiences.
Wish I could give ZERO stars! My car that was stationery at a giveway sign, was hit by another vehicle. Budget Direct claimed I was at fault ... when I WAS NOT moving. They did not ask me for any additional information besides what I put in my claim. Their reasoning was because I needed to be 100% in the right for them to not take fault, I could not be even 1% in the wrong. However in my case, Budget Direct does not understand basic road rules including how to turn a corner correctly WITHOUT HITTING ANOTHER CAR. The person who hit me got away with it, and ME who had INSURANCE and PAYS BUDGET DIRECT TO BE MY INSURANCE COMPANY, didn't have to pay a cent.
Read full reviewWish I could give ZERO stars! My car that was stationery at a giveway sign, was hit by another vehicle. Budget Direct claimed I was at fault ... when I WAS NOT moving. They did not ask me for any additional information besides what I put in my claim. Their reasoning was because I needed to be 100% in the right for them to not take fault, I could not be even 1% in the wrong. However in my case, Budget Direct does not understand basic road rules including how to turn a corner correctly WITHOUT HITTING ANOTHER CAR. The person who hit me got away with it, and ME who had INSURANCE and PAYS BUDGET DIRECT TO BE MY INSURANCE COMPANY, didn't have to pay a cent.
Always come up with best price. Not needed to claim as yet so unable to advise on that part.
Read full reviewAlways come up with best price. Not needed to claim as yet so unable to advise on that part.
I was stuck on GIO for years but when I compared Budget Direct, I haven't saved a thousand of dollars but $60 savings will do under the current hardships me n my family r having, evey dollar counts atm
Read full reviewI was stuck on GIO for years but when I compared Budget Direct, I haven't saved a thousand of dollars but $60 savings will do under the current hardships me n my family r having, evey dollar counts atm
Good customer service and price not to bad against other insurance companies.
Read full reviewGood customer service and price not to bad against other insurance companies.