Top Pick: Bingle
The main thing most p-platers need is an insurer that will actually give them cover. That and to save a little money. If you can get cover, it’s going to be more expensive, because p-platers are considered much higher risk.
So it’s with that lens that we picked Bingle as the best car insurance for p-platers, whether it’s their comprehensive or third party options. Not only do they not exclude p-platers from cover, like many car insurance companies do, but they are the cheapest to do so.
Finder data finds that Bingle offers the cheapest rates for the same quotes for young drivers. Actually, Bingle tends to do this for all drivers, having taken out gold in Finder’s most recent car insurance awards for the low cost category.
It’s worth noting that Bingle doesn’t have all the bells and whistles as some of the more expensive insurance companies, at least by default. But if you, like most p-platers, are prioritising affordability, then Bingle car insurance could be the best car insurance for you.
There are 3 main ways you can get cheaper car insurance cover as a P-plater. First, adding yourself as an additional driver to your parents' car (as long as they're still the main driver) can lower costs. If that's not an option, a third party policy could be good if you don't own an expensive car. Otherwise, think about getting cheap comprehensive cover.
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"When I was a p plater, the only insurance I was able to get was NRMA. No one else would cover me. It was actually a real pain in the bum, because the NRMA was charging an extra couple of hundred dollars a year for the same cover. I was pretty poor at the time, so the only way I could save was to take out third party property rather than comprehensive cover."
Not sure which cover type to go for? Here's the lowdown on each cover type to help you make a decision.
Comprehensive Cover: If you want top cover, this is the option for you. It covers theft, vandalism, storms, flood, hail, fire, key replacement, emergency accommodation, hire cars, accidental damage (to name a few), plus everything covered by cheaper policies.
Best for: P-platers who want peace of mind knowing they have the highest cover available.
Third Party Fire and Theft Cover: As the name suggests, this cover type ensures you are protected if your car is stolen. It also covers you for fire damage and if your car causes damage to someone else's property.
Best for: P-platers who need a bit more cover without the pricetag.
Third Party Property Damage Cover: It's the most basic policy, providing cover for any damage you may cause to someone else's vehicle or property. However, it won't cover the expense of repairing damage your vehicle incurs as a result.
Best for: Those P-platers with cheaper cars or who are on a really strict budget.
Compulsory third party (CTP): Commonly known as greenslip insurance, CTP is mandatory for every driver in Australia. In many states, it's included in your car rego so you don't need to worry too much. It offers protection to the driver who is at fault for a motor vehicle accident which led to another person being injured.
Best for: Everyone – it's mandatory!
If you would struggle to pay for repairs to your own car, or your parents if you’re using theirs, then comprehensive car insurance is probably your best bet as a P-plater. It will cost more than a third party policy initially but once you’ve held cover for a while, and you don’t need to claim, prices typically come down.
Gary Ross Hunter
Insurance editor
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