Online Car Insurance Quotes

The internet has made it possible for everyone to do business from home, at whatever time suits them. This includes online grocery shopping, booking flights, accommodation and buying clothes.  So why should buying online car insurance be any different?

The car insurance market in Australia is extremely competitive. Those people who compare rates every year or so will know that often it is only a ‘loyalty’ discount that separates the various companies’ rates.  But those who include online car insurance in their search find that there are some good deals to be had.

By simple virtue of the fact that they operate an online business, online car insurance companies, like Budget Car Insurance, have the added flexibility of having low ‘bricks and mortar’ overheads. Using Budget as an example, they make most of their sales still over the phone, where they have call center staff walking customers through the steps of setting up a policy. Quotes can also be done online and then customers can phone in with their quote number to take out a policy over the phone too. This is a nice touch as it allows you to get your quote online and then have the ‘personal touch’ when it comes to taking out the policy.

The fastest and cheapest method though is to do it all online, no waiting in phone queues and no closing time either. Basically with this option you can take out a new policy whenever you have a few minutes to sit in front of the computer. When approaching Online Car Insurance for the first time, there are some key elements to look for to ensure you are dealing with reputable companies.

Car Insurance Awards

Insurance companies all vie for industry awards that acknowledge their expertise in their field.  Achieving a 5 Star Cannex rating places insurance companies, including companies that offer the option of online car insurance, at the top of their industry. Budget Direct won awards in 14 out of 15 Best Value Car Insurance Categories in November 2008.

The Australian Banking & Finance Magazine runs the annual Telstra Insurance Awards – a company that lists one of these Awards in its accomplishments will also be worthy of consulting for your car insurance needs. Budget Direct won the 2008 award for Best Niche Insurer

The Australian Business Awards are famous for their recognition of companies that adhere to high standard and quality service, and for an online car insurance to receive one as Budget Direct has done, is truly outstanding. Here is a quote from their site:

The 2007 Australian Business Award recipients were chosen from 140 short listed entries who were selected from 800 entries overall. Budget Direct entered the Best Value category and our Standard Comprehensive Car Insurance won the Best Value award in the General Insurance section. According to the judges – ‘The achievements of Budget Direct in providing value comprehensive car insurance without compromising on quality or service has led to success in achieving profitability and consistent growth in a competitive field.’ To read more about the award click here.

Budget Direct also won Money Magazines Best Car Insurance Award 2007. That is a lot of awards which is one of the key signs of a very reputable company.

Full Product Service

The term ‘car insurance’ covers a wide variety of options, from comprehensive car insurance, to third party property car insurance. If you are unsure about which insurance option is right for you, you should discuss this with an expert.

Fast Claims Processing

If you need to make a claim, you are given a number that you call. The trained claims staff then walk you through the steps needed to process your claim. Some companies, as Budget do, will even allow you to pick from a list of reputable repairers in your area to ensure your car is fixed fast and close by. Being able to follow a simple step by step, user-friendly, claims processing system really takes some of the pain out of what was possibly a very distressing event.

Telephone Support

Even though some companies offer online car insurance, they all provide phone support from well trained staff. The better ones will provide customers with free call phone numbers that will connect you to a Client Services representative based in Australian call center. Don’t you hate it when you call for support and the calls are handled in India where they don’t always follow what your problem is? Having the phone answered in Australia speaking with staff trained in Australia and are 100% aware of all the issues of your policy is the sign of a good company.

Budget Direct, who have been providing car insurance to Australians since 1999 (and in other countries since 1984) provide a 10% discount to people who take their car insurance online. Budget Direct policies are underwritten in Australia by Auto & General Insurance Company Limited.

Disclaimer: This insurance is arranged by A&G Insurance Services Pty Ltd (trading as Budget Direct) (ABN 61 003 617 909, AFSL 241 411) on behalf of the insurer, Auto & General Insurance Company Limited (ABN 42 111 5 86 353). Because we don’t know your financial needs, we can’t advise if this insurance will suit you. You should consider your needs and read the PDS before making a decision to buy insurance. To view or download a copy of our FSG and PDS click here. Car insurance not available in NT. If you purchase an insurance policy from Budget Direct, the owner or operator of the website upon which this advertisement was placed will be paid a fee for referring you to Budget Direct of $18.00 to $62.50 per policy, excluding GST and government charges. This advertisement is placed by A&G Insurance Services Pty Ltd.