Everything you need to know about car insurance quotes
Kicking off your search with a handful of car insurance quotes can make all the difference in safeguarding your vehicle effectively.
Whether you’re venturing into car insurance for the first time or contemplating an update to your current coverage, this guide intends to clarify the process for you. It covers everything from obtaining your first quote to comparing several options and selecting the most suitable policy.
Ready to start? Let’s jump in.
What is an insurance quote?
A car insurance quote gives you a ballpark figure of what you're likely to pay for your policy. These quotes aren't set in stone; rather, they're a solid indicator of your potential insurance premium based on the specifics you provide about yourself and your vehicle.
The more accurate and comprehensive the information you share, the clearer and more reliable your quote will be.
It's important to remember that a quote is not a commitment from either you or the insurance provider. This is why it's useful to gather several quotes; it allows you to compare what different insurers offer and ensures you find a policy that fits your needs without feeling rushed into a decision.
Essentially, shopping around is not just smart—it's a strategic move to ensure you get the right cover at the best price.
How to get a car insurance quote
These days, finding a quote for a car insurance policy can be done completely online. But before you launch headfirst into a quote-frenzy, consider which type of car insurance is best for you.
1. Choose a type of car insurance
The three main types of car insurance are:
- Compulsory third-party (CTP). Compulsory third-party (CTP) is a minimum legal requirement. It’s the most basic insurance for your car, protecting you from financial liability arising from injuries to yourself, passengers and other drivers.
- Third-party property (TPP). Third-party property car insurance is your mid-level type of insurance, which covers damage to others’ cars or property, up to an agreed-upon amount.
- Third-party fire and theft (TPFT). Third-party fire and theft is the same as TPP, with added protection for your car from fire and theft only.
- Comprehensive. Comprehensive car insurance is the big-league. It comes with a wide range of protection for your car including protection from accidental damage, hail, fire, vandalism and more.
While you’re usually getting a lot more out of a comprehensive policy, your premium will be higher than the other types of insurance.
2. Choose your optional extras
Many car insurance providers will offer optional extras which you can add on to your policy to tailor it to your needs.
These will increase the premium you pay, but it may be cheaper than having to front the entire cost if something happens to your vehicle.
Optional extras can include choice of repairer, 24-hour roadside assistance, excess-free windscreen repair, excess-free animal collision cover, hire car cover and personal items cover.
3. Shop around for deals
Before you request quotes from any old insurance provider, we recommend doing a little research to narrow down your focus.
Compare car insurance policies with Mozo to see features and discount offers before clicking to get a personalised online quote for your car.
You’ll be able to quickly see what each policy offers including payment options, excess payment options, add-ons that are automatically included or offered for an additional premium, and any other important features or discounts.
4. Get car insurance quotes from several providers
After you’ve had a look at Mozo’s car insurance comparison table and found some policies that spark your interest, you can simply click through to the provider’s site and get the quote process underway.
The sorts of questions you can be expected to answer when requesting a quote might include the car you drive, who’s driving it, how you use it, where you park it and your driving history.
These questions help car insurance providers to make a risk-assessment and provide you with your ballpark quote. The providers are trying to strike a balance between competitive pricing and value, and the financial risk posed to them by insuring your vehicle.
5. Choose your policy
Once you’ve received quotes from the car insurance providers you’re comparing, don’t just go for the cheapest one. While price is a big consideration for many, try to work out which one suits your circumstances and needs the best by considering your price, cover level and add-ons included. It’s also worth taking a look at the PDS to see if there are any exclusions that trouble you.
After you’ve considered those factors, then you can make your choice with at least a little more confidence than when you started.
Check some of the latest deals in Mozo’s car insurance database below!
How to compare car insurance quotes like a pro
By now, you've got the basics of comparing car insurance quotes down. But, to really fine-tune your choice and ensure you're not just settling for the standard but opting for the best fit, consider these additional pointers:
- Evaluate the cost-benefit ratio. Consider how each policy's features stack up against its cost to determine its true value. A slightly more expensive policy might offer significantly better claim service, coverage limits or add-ons like excess-free windscreen cover.
- Understand exclusions. Know what’s not covered. Policies might exclude certain types of damage or use cases, which could be a deal-breaker depending on your needs.
- Consider policy flexibility and future adjustments. Evaluate how easy it is to modify your policy. Can you easily add another vehicle or coverage option? A policy that can grow and change with you might be more appealing in the long run.
- Leverage external reviews. Current customer experiences can offer valuable insights that affect your decision. seek out recent reviews and ratings for insight on customer satisfaction and claim handling.
- Understand the claims process. A policy is only as good as the ease and efficiency of its claims process. Look into each insurer's claims process; straightforward, quick claim handling is worth its weight in gold.
- Check for hidden fees. Some policies might have additional fees for monthly payments or policy changes. Ensure you're aware of any extra charges that could affect the overall cost of your insurance.
By taking these tips into account, you’ll be well-equipped to select a car insurance policy that offers the best combination of protection, service and value.
Ready to compare? Get obligation-free quotes from some of these top notch providers:
FAQs about car insurance quotes
How long are car insurance quotes valid for?
Most insurance providers will save your quote for up to 30 days, meaning you won’t need to get another quote as long as you purchase your policy within that timeframe. However, it’s important to remember that your quote is just an estimate and if market conditions change within that 30 days, your final price may vary from the initial quote.
Why are my car insurance quotes so high?
There are a number of factors that could be nudging your car insurance quotes higher than you’ve expected, including:
- Your driving record. A record showing past accidents or violations, suggesting a higher risk to insurers.
- The car you drive. If you have an expensive car or a car with lots of modifications, it will usually be pricier to insure due to its value or repair costs.
- Your level of cover. Choosing comprehensive coverage with lots of add-ons will be more expensive than a more bare-bones option.
- Your excess. A lower excess will usually lead to higher premiums.
- Your location. It usually costs more to insure cars in higher-risk areas, like areas with high crime rates or regular flooding.
- Your parking situation. It typically costs more to ensure a car that’s parked outside than one that’s parked in a secure garage.
As you can see, your quotes can creep up and up depending on a few details. Some of these you can’t control, but others you can. That’s why it’s important to compare quotes and only choose the level of coverage you need.
What information is needed for a car insurance quote?
To get the most accurate quote, you'll need to provide a number of specific details including:
- Your registration number
- Make, model, and year of your car
- Your home address
- Your age
- The age of other people who will be driving your car
- Details of any past accidents or claims
- Information about your driving history, including any past traffic violations or convictions
- The purpose for which you use your car (e.g., commuting, business use)
- The estimated annual mileage for your car
Can I get car insurance quotes without personal information?
It's tricky to get detailed car insurance quotes without sharing some personal info. Many insurers will ask for your vehicle registration (rego) from the get-go. While you might navigate through the quote process using placeholder or less specific information, this approach can lead you to a quote that's quite a distance from the real figure you'd be quoted had you provided accurate details.
For a quote that truly reflects what you'll end up paying, insurers will need a bit more detail, like your driving history and the car you're looking to insure. Sharing a bit more about yourself with a trusted insurer can lead to a more accurate quote that’s tailored to your situation.
* 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.
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