Mozo guides

Is comprehensive car insurance worth it?

Is comprehensive car insurance worth it? Our answer is a firm 'yes' for the vast majority of drivers. The key is to understand how that value applies to your specific situation.

We'll help you do just that by asking four simple questions. So let’s dig in!

Young man with great mustache inspecting scratches on his car after a minor accident.

Understanding comprehensive car insurance coverage

Before we get into our four questions, let’s do a quick refresher on what comprehensive car insurance covers:

  • Damage to someone else’s car or property
  • Damage to your own car
  • Theft
  • Fires
  • Floods
  • Storms
  • Earthquakes
  • and more.  

For all intents and purposes, it’s the only level of cover that protects your car from weather-related events and accidents you cause. Third-party fire and theft will cover you for fire and theft, but that’s barely a blip on the damage radar.

So if you’re still not convinced about the value of your comprehensive policy, we strongly suggest you ask yourself the following questions before you decide to downgrade:

Question 1: What’s the value of your car?

A woman's hand touches a dent in the side of her car door.

If replacing your car out of your own pocket would be a huge financial hit, opting for comprehensive insurance is typically wise.

This becomes less necessary the lower your car is worth. On average, Australians pay around $1,400 for car insurance. So if your car is worth, say, $3000 or less, you may be safe going with a lower insurance option.

But for cars valued above that, especially if replacing it would strain your finances, comprehensive coverage is often the best choice.

These are just examples and your situation may be different. At the end of the day, whether comprehensive car insurance is worth it or not depends on your unique circumstances and comfort level.

Question 2: Can you afford to replace your car or live without it?

A man and woman exchange insurance details from behind the scene of a minor car accident, where one car rear-ended another

If you can't afford to replace your car, or live without one, then comprehensive car insurance is probably worth it. 

If it's possible for you to arrange other modes of transport to get to work, or if your car's more of a luxury transportation device for you, then you might consider dropping your comprehensive policy.

However, if you don’t have a sizable sum of cash lying around or if you absolutely need your car for family or work purposes, this probably isn’t an option.

If you go with a lower form of cover and then get in an accident, you could be without your car until the necessary funds become available to fix or replace it.

Question 3: Do you owe money on your car?

Two toy cars in front of a loan manager calculating the cost of a car loan

Did you have to externally finance the purchase of your car? You might not be able to drop your comprehensive car insurance without voiding the conditions of your loan. So, check with your car loan provider before taking steps to cancel your comprehensive policy.

Even if that’s not the case, dropping comprehensive car insurance with a pricey car loan hanging over your head might not be the smartest move.

If you find yourself in an at-fault car accident, then you could be left with the bill to repair or replace your car as well as the outstanding loan.

So if you have loan repayments to keep up with, it’s probably worth getting comprehensive car insurance.

Question 4: What are your car insurance alternatives?

A happy man hugs his car

If you’ve gotten this far and are still considering making the switch to a more budget-friendly car insurance option, then you’ll want to know exactly what your options are.

If you’re not wanting to insure your car comprehensively anymore, you generally have two options: third party property and third party fire and theft.

  • Third party property. Consider third-party property as the entry-level car insurance option. It covers you for any damages you make to someone else's car or other property. But it doesn’t cover your car at all.
  • Third party fire and theft. Third-party fire and theft is basically third-party property with a couple of token protections for your car, namely against fire (fire damages your car) and theft (your car is stolen). It’s useful if you don’t want comprehensive cover, but live in a bushfire-prone or high-crime area.

And don't forget you'll also need to take out compulsory third party (CTP) insurance to legally drive in Australia. 

This essential level of car insurance covers you for costs related to injuries and deaths caused by road accidents.

If after reading this you’re feeling a little uneasy at the thought of going without your comprehensive car insurance, it is probably best to stick with a higher level of cover. But remember to shop around using Mozo’s car insurance comparison page.

Bonus question: Which comprehensive car insurance is really worth it?

Woman leaning against her car looking into the distance. On top of the image, there's an awards badge that reads 'Mozo Experts Choice Award 2024, Exceptional Value Car Insurance'

So, how do you spot a policy that’s truly worth the price? We believe the experts are your best guide. With that in mind, consider this standout provider who was recognised for Australia's Best Value Car Insurer in the 2024 Mozo Expert Choice Awards for Car Insurance.

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. Mozo does not compare the entire market, but you can see more products by clicking on the ‘See more’ button under the table. Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limits.
Last updated 5 December 2025 Important disclosures

Car insurance comparisons on Mozo

  • Promoted

    Comprehensive Car Insurance

    QBE’s Comprehensive Car Insurance covers you for things like accident damage, fire and theft. Enjoy three year new car replacement. Get a hire car if you’re not at fault. Repair guarantee. Save $75 when you apply online.

    Monthly premiums
    Calendar icon
    Yes costs extra
    Choice of repairer
    Tools icon
    Optional Extra
    Choice of excess
    Coins icon
    $500 - $2,300
    Agreed or market value
    Car coin icon
    Agreed or Market

    Available discounts

    • Online discount $75 off new policies
    Go to site
  • Promoted

    Gold Comprehensive Car Insurance

    Get award winning Car Insurance. Save 15% ^ on your first year’s premium when you purchase a new policy online. Budget Direct offers tailor-made cover, new-for-old replacement, 24/7 claims, a highly-rated claims service, and get a hire car following a theft.

    Monthly premiums
    Calendar icon
    Yes costs extra
    Choice of repairer
    Tools icon
    Optional Extra
    Choice of excess
    Coins icon
    $550 - $1,900 (varies by state)
    Agreed or market value
    Car coin icon
    Agreed or Market

    Available discounts

    • No claim discount
    • Online discount 15% off the first year's premium for new policies purchased online. T&C's apply.
    Go to site
  • Promoted

    Comprehensive Car Insurance

    ROLLiN’ offers monthly comprehensive car insurance with extras included – hire car cover (up to $80 per day for up to 21 days), no excess on your first covered windscreen, sunroof and window glass damage once per insurance period, and cover for one tow to their nearest authorised repairer after a covered incident.

    Monthly premiums
    Calendar icon
    Yes
    Choice of repairer
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    No
    Choice of excess
    Coins icon
    $800 flat excess fee
    Agreed or market value
    Car coin icon
    Agreed

    Available discounts

    • Get 10% off the base premium for the first 2 consecutive monthly policies and up to a 15% potential monthly discount from your 3rd month for being a safer driver. Minimum premiums may apply. T&Cs apply.
    Go to site
  • Promoted

    Comprehensive Car Insurance

    Youi like to get to know you from the very first conversation, which provides you with the opportunity to find comprehensive car insurance cover that could better suit your lifestyle and your needs. Because we’re all individuals, so we all use our cars differently from day-to-day. Youi is car insurance that’s a bit more you-shaped. Mozo People's Choice Excellent Customer Service Car Insurance award winner in 2025.

    Monthly premiums
    Calendar icon
    Yes costs extra
    Choice of repairer
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    No
    Choice of excess
    Coins icon
    $400 - $2,500 (varies by policy)
    Agreed or market value
    Car coin icon
    Agreed or Market

    Available discounts

    Go to site
  • Promoted

    Comprehensive Car Insurance

    Get comprehensive cover for your car with Everyday Car Insurance from Woolworths. We can protect you from accidental damage, fire, theft, and more. Comprehensive cover tailored to how far you drive with Drive Less Pay Less. Get 10% off an in-store Woolworths shop every month. T&Cs apply. Quality cover you can count on with 24/7 emergency claims assistance, optional extras and optional Roadside Assist. (Offers are subject to T&Cs and eligibility criteria.)

    Monthly premiums
    Calendar icon
    Yes costs extra
    Choice of repairer
    Tools icon
    No
    Choice of excess
    Coins icon
    $500 - $2,000
    Agreed or market value
    Car coin icon
    Agreed or Market

    Available discounts

    • Drive Less Pay Less option to reduce premiums for limited kilometres.
    Go to site
  • Comprehensive Car Insurance

    Monthly premiums
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    Yes costs extra
    Choice of repairer
    Tools icon
    No
    Choice of excess
    Coins icon
    $695 - $2,245
    Agreed or market value
    Car coin icon
    Agreed or Market

    Available discounts

    • No claim discount
    • Online discount $50 off the first year's premium
    • Discount on Home and Contents Insurance if held
    • Under 25s can get 10% discount by completing AAMI Skilled Driver Course.
    No Partner link
  • Comprehensive Cover

    Monthly premiums
    Calendar icon
    Yes
    Choice of repairer
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    Yes
    Choice of excess
    Coins icon
    $200 - $2,000
    Agreed or market value
    Car coin icon
    Agreed

    Available discounts

    • No claim discount
    • Safe driver discount for eligible drivers
    No Partner link
  • Comprehensive Car Insurance

    Monthly premiums
    Calendar icon
    Yes
    Choice of repairer
    Tools icon
    Yes
    Choice of excess
    Coins icon
    $600 - $2,100
    Agreed or market value
    Car coin icon
    Agreed or Market

    Available discounts

    • No claim discount
    No Partner link
  • Gold Comprehensive Car Insurance

    Get award winning Car Insurance. Save 15% ^ on your first year’s premium when you purchase a new policy online. Budget Direct offers tailor-made cover, new-for-old replacement, 24/7 claims, a highly-rated claims service, and get a hire car following a theft.

    Monthly premiums
    Calendar icon
    Yes costs extra
    Choice of repairer
    Tools icon
    Optional Extra
    Choice of excess
    Coins icon
    $550 - $1,900 (varies by state)
    Agreed or market value
    Car coin icon
    Agreed or Market

    Available discounts

    • No claim discount
    • Online discount 15% off the first year's premium for new policies purchased online. T&C's apply.
    Go to site
  • Comprehensive Car Insurance

    Monthly premiums
    Calendar icon
    Yes
    Choice of repairer
    Tools icon
    No
    Choice of excess
    Coins icon
    $500-$2,000
    Agreed or market value
    Car coin icon
    Agreed or Market

    Available discounts

    • Online discount 10%
    • 10% Online
    No Partner link
Showing 9 results from 21 car insurance policies

FAQs

When is comprehensive car insurance not worth it?

Despite its benefits, comprehensive car insurance may not be the best fit for everyone. Here's when it might not be worth it:

  • Older and lower-value vehicles. As we mentioned before, if the cost of insurance is a substantial percentage of your car’s value, it might be worth passing on the comprehensive cover.
  • Lack of dependence on your vehicle. If times are tight and you can get along without your car if it’s damaged, you might consider dropping the comprehensive cover. But before you do, ask yourself how upset you’d be if you totaled it.
  • Financial flexibility. If you’re on the wealthy side, you may not be bothered to pay for repairs out of your own pocket.

At the end of the day, only you can make the call. Just make sure you’d be ok with paying for repairs out of your own pocket should you cause an accident or get stuck in a hailstorm.

Brad Buzzard
Brad Buzzard
RG146
Senior Money Writer

Brad is a senior writer at Mozo, leading insurance and superannuation coverage. With a background in marketing analytics, he brings a research-driven approach to his work, ensuring content is clear, accurate and genuinely useful. Brad dives deep into topics, using the writing process to refine his understanding and deliver well-researched, polished content.


* Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Car Insurance Awards