Cover types, costs and 2026 rules
CTP in each state, the three types of private car insurance, what sets your premium and the consumer rules in force in 2026.
car insurance renewal and compare car insurance quotes
Car insurance in Australia, from CTP to comprehensive, worked out before you renew
Your rego already includes or requires CTP, but CTP only covers injuries to people. These guides show what each extra level of cover pays for, how premiums are built, and how to compare a renewal with new quotes using real arithmetic.
- See how CTP works in your state and what it never covers
- Compare third party property, fire and theft and comprehensive cover for your car's value
- Test renewal quotes against a claim, check the rules and know where to complain
Explore by topic
Worked quotes and renewal checklists
Step-by-step comparisons of renewal notices and new quotes, excess choices, no claim bonus, monthly payments and switching.
Mistakes, claims, disputes and official sources
Common ways drivers end up underinsured or with a refused claim, how CTP and car insurance claims work, AFCA complaints and official sources.
Start here
Cover types, costs and 2026 rules
Car insurance in Australia explained: CTP, third party, fire and theft and comprehensive
How Australian car insurance fits together in 2026: compulsory CTP by state, the three optional cover levels, what drives the price and how to compare at renewal.
Mistakes, claims, disputes and official sources
Car insurance mistakes Australian drivers make, and how to avoid a refused claim
The most common car insurance mistakes in Australia, from relying on CTP to unlisted drivers, low agreed values and rideshare use, with what each one can cost.
Worked quotes and renewal checklists
Car insurance renewal checklist for Australian drivers
A step-by-step car insurance renewal checklist for Australia: rego and CTP, checking your renewal notice, comparing quotes like for like, switching and paying.
Cover types, costs and 2026 rules
Car insurance rules in Australia in 2026: your rights at purchase, renewal and claim
The consumer rules that apply to car insurance in 2026, including the duty of reasonable care, renewal notices, unfair contract terms, claims handling and AFCA.
Cover types, costs and 2026 rules
CTP insurance by state: Green Slips, TAC and every other scheme compared
How compulsory third party (CTP) insurance works in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, SA, WA, Tasmania, the ACT and the NT, how you pay for it and what it covers.
Cover types, costs and 2026 rules
Third party fire and theft vs comprehensive: which suits your car?
Compare third party, fire and theft with comprehensive car insurance in Australia using a break-even calculation, car value thresholds and hail and flood risk.
Tools
Car Insurance Quote Comparison
Compare your renewal and two new quotes at the same level of cover by premium, total excess and insured value against a claim you choose.
Comprehensive vs Fire and Theft vs Third Party Calculator
Test comprehensive, third party fire and theft and third party property cover against an at-fault accident, a theft or a hailstorm for your car.
Renewal Premium Reduction Calculator
See what a percentage discount, a dollar credit and dropping optional extras do to your car insurance renewal premium.
Car Insurance Renewal Checklist
Tick through the checks that matter before you renew or switch car insurance in Australia, from rego and CTP to excess and agreed value.
CTP vs third party property vs fire and theft vs comprehensive
| Option | What it pays for | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTP (compulsory, linked to rego) | Compensation for people injured or killed in a crash involving your vehicle, under your state or territory scheme | Every registered vehicle: it is not optional | Pays nothing for damage to any car or property; in fault-based states an at-fault driver's own injury cover is limited |
| CTP in VIC, WA, TAS, NT | Run by a state body (TAC, ICWA, MAIB, NT scheme) and charged inside the rego fee | No shopping around needed | You cannot choose the insurer or the price; check the scheme's benefits for at-fault drivers |
| CTP in NSW, QLD, SA, ACT | Private licensed insurers under a state regulator (SIRA, MAIC, CTP Insurance Regulator, ACT regulator) | Choosing a CTP insurer at rego time (in NSW, buying a Green Slip) | Benefits are set by the scheme, not the insurer; compare price and service only |
| Third party property damage | Your legal liability for damage you cause to other people's vehicles and property | Low-value cars you could afford to replace yourself | No cover for your own car's damage, theft, fire or hail beyond a limited uninsured motorist extension |
Frequently asked questions
Is CTP the same as third party car insurance?
No. CTP (compulsory third party) covers injuries to people caused in a crash involving your vehicle. Third party property insurance covers damage to other people's cars and property. CTP is compulsory and linked to your rego; third party property is optional, but without it you could be personally liable for the cost of damage you cause. See CTP vs third party property.
Does my rego include car insurance?
Your rego includes or requires CTP only. In Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory the CTP charge is part of the rego fee; in Queensland, South Australia and the ACT you choose a CTP insurer when paying rego; in NSW you buy a Green Slip before renewing. None of these cover damage to vehicles. See CTP by state.
When is comprehensive car insurance worth it?
It is usually worth it when losing the car would cost more than you could comfortably pay, when the car is under finance (lenders generally require it), or when hail, flood or theft are realistic risks where you live. For a low-value car, compare the yearly premium difference with the amount you would lose. The cover level comparison runs the numbers.
Is my renewal premium likely to be the best price?
Not necessarily. If you bought directly from the insurer, the industry Code of Practice requires the renewal notice to show last year's premium so you can see the change, but it does not show what other insurers would charge. Compare two or three quotes for identical cover and ask your insurer to review the price. The renewal checklist sets out the steps.
What does excess mean on car insurance?
The excess is the amount you contribute towards a claim. Policies usually have a basic excess plus extra excesses for young, inexperienced or unlisted drivers, and sometimes for theft or windscreen claims. Many insurers waive the excess when you were not at fault and can identify the other driver. See choosing your excess.
Who do I complain to if my car insurance claim is refused?
Complain to the insurer first through its internal dispute resolution process; it generally has 30 calendar days to respond. If you are unhappy with the response or it is late, you can lodge a free complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). See disputing a refused claim.
Do I need to tell my insurer about modifications or a new driver?
Yes, if the insurer asks about them. Under the Insurance Contracts Act you must take reasonable care not to make a misrepresentation when you buy, renew or change a policy. An unlisted regular driver or an undeclared modification can lead to a reduced or refused claim. See misrepresentation and underinsurance.
How this site is made
Glovebox Cover is an independent information project. Guides are drafted with the help of AI writing tools and checked against official and primary sources before publication; see our Editorial Policy. We are not affiliated with any provider mentioned on the site and do not sell products or services.