Your car does more than just get you from A to B. It reflects who you are and gives you the freedom to travel your way – whether that’s on your daily commute or on your dream Australian road trip. But owning a car can be expensive, so it makes sense that you’ll want to look after it properly.
“This is where comprehensive car insurance comes in,” says Marni Jackson, Youi’s Head of Product – Vehicle and Lifestyle.
To help you understand if comprehensive insurance is the right choice for you, we explain what sets this top level of car insurance apart, how your comprehensive car insurance costs might be calculated, and some steps you could take that might help lower your premium.
What is comprehensive car insurance?
“As the name suggests, comprehensive car insurance is the broadest type of car insurance on offer in Australia, and typically the most expensive because it provides the highest and most extensive level of coverage,” says Jackson.
“For example, compared to other types of car insurance, such as Third Party Property only and Third Party Fire & Theft, Comprehensive car insurance covers your vehicle for all sorts of unexpected events – from collisions and storms to theft and vandalism – as well as accidental damage to your car, even if you’re at fault.”8
How much does comprehensive car insurance cost?
The average cost of comprehensive car insurance in Australia can range between $1,750 and $2,700, according to Canstar analysis from June 2024.1 However, premiums are based on a range of factors and, as a result, can vary widely.1
“A driver’s experience and driving history, while not the only consideration, usually plays a key role in calculating a premium as it helps your insurer assess how likely it is that you’ll be in an accident," says Jackson.
For example, drivers under the age of 25 tend to have a higher premium because they’re less experienced on the road and considered higher risk.2 In 2024, the average comprehensive car insurance cost for men under 25 was $2,858, while drivers over 50 paid an average of $1,183.1
Aside from age, other risk factors insurers might consider include:2
- Gender
- Driving history and experience
- Claims history
- How often you drive your car.2
- Where you live1
- The age, make and model of the vehicle you’re insuring1
Your insurer may take other contributing factors into account too, such as:
- How much excess you’re willing to pay1
- Whether you’re insuring your car for Market Value or Agreed Value3
- Any optional cover you’ve requested.3
“At Youi, we take the time to understand your individual circumstances and aim to provide you with a premium that reflects how you actually use your car,” says Jackson.
“For example, if you only use your vehicle occasionally and park it in a locked garage at night, your premiums may be lower than if you use your car in your daily commute and park it out on the street.”
Why choose comprehensive car insurance?
Comprehensive car insurance is more popular than third-party type policies in Australia.4 Here are three benefits that sets it apart from other types of car insurance.
1. More cover for the unexpected
Comprehensive car insurance generally covers you for the widest range of events, from accidents and some natural disasters to theft and fire.5 So if something goes wrong and your claim is approved, you’re less likely to be hit with big repair or replacement costs.
2. The flexibility to add extras
Comprehensive policies often let you add optional cover at an additional cost to suit your situation.
“Optional covers are a simple way to tailor your policy if you need a bit more cover,” says Jackson.
“For example, with Youi Comprehensive car insurance, you can choose optional covers such as cover for business items in your car and access to a hire car after any insured event – not just theft or a no-fault accident.
3. Roadside assistance included
Some insurers charge extra for roadside help,6 but Youi includes Roadside Assist as standard with Comprehensive policies. That’s one less thing to pay for – and someone to call if you’re stuck with a flat tyre or a flat battery, or if your vehicle unexpectedly breaks down on the road.7
This chart identifies a few key ways in which Youi’s Comprehensive coverage differs from our other car insurance policies:8
| Comprehensive | Third Part Fire & Theft | Third Party Property Only | |
| Accidental damage | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Intentional damage | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Storm, hail or flood | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Theft | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Fire | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Hire car following a not at fault accident | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Legal liability | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Youi Roadside Assist | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
How to reduce your comprehensive car insurance costs
The cost of comprehensive car insurance went up by 42% in the five years from 2019 to 2024, Insurance Council of Australia data shows,9 but there are some simple actions you may wish to consider that could help to reduce your premium.
Choose a higher excess
Your excess is the amount of money you pay towards a claim, and some insurers – including Youi – allow you to adjust this amount.10
“Generally speaking, the higher your excess, the cheaper your premiums will be,” notes Jackson.
“However, if you choose this option, you may have to budget for the higher excess cost in the event that you need to make a claim.”
Pay annually
You might also be charged a lower premium if you pay your insurance up front for the whole year.10
“For example, at Youi, if you pay for your car insurance annually, you might pay a little less overall, compared to paying monthly premiums,” says Jackson.
Reduce your optional cover
Premiums will be more expensive if you add optional features to your comprehensive car insurance policy. You might want to consider opting out of any you don’t need, or shopping around for a policy that includes the cover you’re after as standard.10
Insure for Market Value
Comprehensive car insurance policies often allow you to choose whether to insure your car for an Agreed Value – which is a set amount – or its Market Value, which is what your car is worth on the open market at the time of your claim.10
“Some customers have a clear idea of how much they want their car insured for, while others prefer Market Value, which is representative of how much the car is worth immediately prior to the incident.”
Maintain a good driving record
The importance of being a safe driver goes without saying, but did you know it might even lower your comprehensive car insurance costs?10
“At Youi, we do take a person’s driving history into account when assessing a policy application or renewal,” says Jackson.
“For example, if someone has accrued demerit points on their licence from dangerous driving or red light fines, it could indicate that they’re more risky to insure.”
So, as we’ve seen, car insurance premiums depend on a host of variables, which means there’s no simple answer to the question: How much does comprehensive car insurance cost? To find out if Youi’s Comprehensive cover is the right fit for your budget and needs, consider starting a quote today.
1 Source: Canstar – How much does car insurance cost?, March 2025
2 Source: Canstar – Car insurance for high-risk drivers: What to consider, April 2025
3 Source: Canstar – How is car insurance calculated in 2025?, January 2025
4 Source: CHOICE – How to find the best car insurance policy, April 2022
5 Source: Moneysmart – Choosing car insurance
6 Source: CHOICE – Compare car insurance
7 Youi Roadside Assist available with Comprehensive policies only. Exclusions, limits and additional fees may apply. Cover not available within first 24 hours of taking out, or upgrading to, Comprehensive cover. For full details, see the roadside assistance T&Cs, Car PDS and Motorcycle PDS.
8 Exclusions, limits and additional fees may apply. For full details, see the Car Insurance PDS.
9 Source: Insurance Council of Australia – Insurance industry releases motor insurance roadmap, March 2025
10 Source: Canstar – 11 tips to save money on your car insurance, July 2025
