Cover information and limits in the table below verified as correct at 12 October 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Car Insurance |
Yes costs extra |
Not Published |
n/a |
No |
| Pay As You Drive Car Insurance |
Yes costs extra |
Not Published |
n/a |
No |
Real Insurance is a relatively new provider on the Australian insurance market offering cover for your car, as well as home and landlord insurance, life insurance and even cover for your pet’s health.
In the car department, they offer every policy level from third party property damage insurance up to comprehensive cover. Real Insurance also claims to have been the first Australian provider offering pay-as-you-drive insurance, introducing the policy adaptation in 2008.
When you take out a Comprehensive Car Insurance policy with Real Insurance, you’ll be covered for damage done to your car and other vehicles when you have an accident. You can also rest easy knowing your wheels are insured against damage caused by fire and natural events like storms, as well as malicious damage and theft.
As with all insurance policies, this won’t include every event or item, so be sure to check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for coverage limits and conditions. Some things you can expect to be covered as standard include:
A new car if yours is written off (if it’s under two years old)
Up to $500 personal property cover for damaged or stolen items in the car
Emergency repairs and towing (up to $500)
Accommodation costs if you’re stranded more than 200km from home
Trailer or caravan cover when you’re towing it (excluding the contents of either)
Cover for baby capsules and prams ($500) and replacement keys ($1,000)
Hire car cover if your vehicle is stolen (up to 14 days at $70 per-day)
Comprehensive cover is a good option for people who use their car often and want cover for all different kinds of incidents. But if you don’t drive that often you might be better off opting for a pay-as-you-drive policy. This policy covers the same events and items as a comprehensive one, but you’ll get a discount for driving a limited number of kilometres.
Here’s how it works: you select the number of kilometres you think you’ll drive in a year. Your premium will be adjusted to reflect how much you drive – the less you drive, the less you pay.
If you go over your selected amount of kilometres you’ll still be covered, but there will be an extra excess applied to any claims you make. Or, if you realise you’re going to go over your set kilometres before you do, you can extend your cover and pay an extra premium.
Real Insurance focuses on providing cheaper cover overall, rather than offering incentives like a no-claim bonus. However, there are still ways to save on your premium. You could consider opting for a high excess to get a lower premium in return, or choose the pay-as-you-drive policy option.
Your car insurance premium will depend on a wide range of factors. Generally, the amount you pay depends on how likely the insurance provider thinks it is you’ll have to make a claim at some point. Things they might look at to work it out include:
your driving history
your age and gender
the type of car you drive
where you live and where your car is kept (in a garage vs on the street)
With Real Insurance Pay As You Drive cover, how often you use your car and how far you drive will also be big factors in how your premium is worked out.
Accidents happen, and you may need to make a claim on your Real Insurance policy. You can do so over the phone or online, and when you do, make sure you have:
Your contact and policy details
Your licence number
As much information as possible from witnesses or anyone else involved in the accident. That includes names, contact details and insurance details, and information about the incident
Photos of the accident or damages if possible
A police report, if it’s applicable
As with most car insurance companies, when you take out a policy with Real Insurance, you can opt for a high or low excess. If you choose a low excess, you’ll pay a higher premium and vice versa.
Keep in mind there’s an extra excess for drivers under 25, learner drivers and for those who have held a licence for less than two years. If a young driver isn’t listed on your policy, you may be charged an additional excess as well.
Whether you’re taking out the standard comprehensive cover or the pay-as-you-drive option, there’s plenty of features to add onto your policy. Optional extras include:
cover for car modifications
roadside assistance
car hire for occasions other than theft, or for longer periods
Excess-free windscreen repairs.
There are some things your Real Insurance won’t cover, including:
Normal wear and tear
Depreciation in the car’s value
Tyre damaged caused by breaking, like punctures and bursts
Damage caused by using the wrong fuel
Unregistered modification breakdowns
Faulty repairs when Real Insurance hasn’t been consulted
Mechanical or electrical failures
A situation where you haven’t taken reasonable steps to ensure your car is safe after an accident or breakdown
Mozo users have rated Real Insurance car insurance on price, features, convenience, trust and customer service so you can see what real Aussies have to say about their experiences.
Terrible to deal with for claims. Hard to get hold of on the phone and dealing with different people every time you call so everything had to be explained again and again.
Read full reviewTerrible to deal with for claims. Hard to get hold of on the phone and dealing with different people every time you call so everything had to be explained again and again.
I have had to deal with my insurance company over the phone, regarding a car accident. They were very understanding and helpful. Arranged everything for me and kept me up to date. Hassle free.
Read full reviewI have had to deal with my insurance company over the phone, regarding a car accident. They were very understanding and helpful. Arranged everything for me and kept me up to date. Hassle free.
Lack of personal attention. Don’t care about customer relations or trying to make customer happy. Just want the money.
Read full reviewLack of personal attention. Don’t care about customer relations or trying to make customer happy. Just want the money.
We have had our cars insured through Real for several year as well as 6 other polices. On recently upgrading my car to the same make and model to my previous car, just newer by 7 years, I contacted Real to insure my new, second hand car. This took almost 2 hours on the phone, apparently they were having IT issues, to be told my premium increased from under $900 to $1800. Other than one NO FAULT claim in last 3 years, which I could provide all details of the other driver, nothing else was different, no modifications to car, same address, etc. I was unable to receive a reasonable explanation why the premium was so much higher. I was also asked why I submitted a no fault claim and told that I should not have done this, that I should have waited until I was contacted by the other driver or their insurance company rather than contacting Real. Really?? Why wasn't I told that at the time?? I thought I was meant to inform my insurer if any accident even if not my fault, and I had thought I would not be penalised for this as I was able to provide all the details for the other driver, etc. Not the case apparently! Strongly suggest you check this out if insured with Real. Called back a couple of times but unable to get an explanation why the premium was double, and despite asking was not able to speak to someone who would perhaps know. Even when I called to cancel there was no care that we were taking this, and likely all our policies to another company. So much for valuing loyal costumers.
Read full reviewWe have had our cars insured through Real for several year as well as 6 other polices. On recently upgrading my car to the same make and model to my previous car, just newer by 7 years, I contacted Real to insure my new, second hand car. This took almost 2 hours on the phone, apparently they were having IT issues, to be told my premium increased from under $900 to $1800. Other than one NO FAULT claim in last 3 years, which I could provide all details of the other driver, nothing else was different, no modifications to car, same address, etc. I was unable to receive a reasonable explanation why the premium was so much higher. I was also asked why I submitted a no fault claim and told that I should not have done this, that I should have waited until I was contacted by the other driver or their insurance company rather than contacting Real. Really?? Why wasn't I told that at the time?? I thought I was meant to inform my insurer if any accident even if not my fault, and I had thought I would not be penalised for this as I was able to provide all the details for the other driver, etc. Not the case apparently! Strongly suggest you check this out if insured with Real. Called back a couple of times but unable to get an explanation why the premium was double, and despite asking was not able to speak to someone who would perhaps know. Even when I called to cancel there was no care that we were taking this, and likely all our policies to another company. So much for valuing loyal costumers.