Budget Direct vs AAMI Car Insurance
A side by side comparison of Budget Direct and AAMI car insurance including expert analysis of pricing, features, complaints and reviews.
Both Budget Direct and AAMI are relatively cheap car insurers though our research suggests Budget Direct is slightly cheaper on average. If you're looking for a little more on benefits such as a hire car after theft, AAMI may be more suited to your needs.
Budget Direct vs AAMI — compare key features
We've compared the comprehensive car insurance policies on offer from Budget Direct and AAMI car insurance. See the key differences between the two.
Budget Direct Comprehensive |
AAMI Comprehensive Car Insurance |
|
|---|---|---|
| Underwriter |
Auto & General Insurance Company Ltd |
AAI Limited |
| Accidental Damage | ||
| Damage to other people's car |
|
|
| Bonuses |
15% online discount |
$50 online discount |
| Roadside assistance |
Optional |
Optional |
| Agreed or market value |
Agreed or Market |
Agreed or Market |
| Choice of repairer |
Optional |
|
| Legal liability |
Yes - $20,000,000 |
Yes - $20,000,000 |
| Fire and theft |
|
|
| Storm |
|
|
| Flood | ||
| Hire car after theft |
Up to $1,000 - Up to 14 days |
Reasonable costs - Up to 21 days |
| Hire car after no fault accident |
Optional Up to $75 per day - Up to 14 days |
Optional Up to $90 per day |
| Hire car after at fault accident |
Up to $75 per day |
Limit not disclosed |
| Emergency repairs |
Up to $500 |
Up to $1,000 |
| Emergency travel and accommodation costs |
Up to $1,000 - Up to $200 per day |
Up to $1,000 |
| New car replacement |
If your car is written off in the first 2 years or is under 40,000kms |
If your car is written off or stolen in the first 2 years |
| Personal effects/property |
Up to $500 |
Up to $1,000 |
| Locks and keys replacement |
Up to $1,000 |
|
| Towing |
|
|
| Trailer cover |
Up to $1,000 |
Up to $1,000 |
| Important |
Limits, exclusions and terms and conditions apply. Read the Product Disclosure Statement. |
Limits, exclusions and terms and conditions apply. Read the Product Disclosure Statement. |
Budget Direct vs AAMI car insurance prices compared
As part of our 2024 Finder car insurance awards, we collected over 1,800 car insurance quotes from 30 car insurance providers, using a range of driver profiles across different states, ages and genders. Below is a breakdown of that research for Budget Direct and AAMI.
On average, Budget Direct typically offers cheaper car insurance than AAMI. However, it's important to keep in mind that price may not be the only factor in your search for the best car insurance.
| Provider | NSW | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA | Aus average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Direct | $1,148 | $941 | $978 | $829 | $1,180 | $880 | $992 |
| AAMI | $1,884 | $1,106 | $1,015 | $985 | $1,318 | $1,002 | $1,218 |
These quotes are based on a fictional driver profile and your own quote will differ based on your personal circumstances. This should be used as a guide only.
About our car insurance methodology
Car insurance policies on offer
Budget Direct offers 4 types of car insurance:
- Gold Comprehensive
- Gold Low Kilometres Comprehensive
- Third Party Fire & theft
- Third Party Property Damage
AAMI offers 2 types of car insurance:
- AAMI Comprehensive
- AAMI Third party property damage
AAMI's third party property damage policy can have fire & theft car insurance added to it.
Customer reviews
Both AAMI & Budget Direct were tied in the Finder customer satisfaction awards. Both scored 4.32/5. We asked over 5,700 Australians in total. AAMI car insurance has more negative reviews on popular review websites than Budget Direct.
AAMI and Budget Direct complaints information
Using data from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), we can see how many motor insurance complaints the underwriters from AAMI (AAI) and Budget Direct (Auto & General) have received and resolved.
While AAI has received more complaints, it's important to note that it has a larger market share and seems to have resolved those complaints at a higher rate than Auto & General.
| Underwriter | Complaints received | Complaints resolved at registration & referral | Referral resolution rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAI | 2231 | 1370 | 61.43% |
| Auto & General | 1431 | 723 | 50.56% |
The claims process
You can claim online, over the phone or via chat with Budget Direct.
With AAMI, claims can be made via the AAMI My Account. Once you've filled out the form, an AAMI claims consultant should get in touch with you.
Both insurers offer agreed or market value options when you take out cover. Market value pays you the market value of your car at the time it's written off. Agreed value pays you the amount you agree with your insurer when you take out a policy.
Finder's verdict
Budget Direct is typically a little cheaper than AAMI and has more positive customer reviews online. They're pretty similar in terms of their level of cover, though AAMI gives you a little more for your money with some benefits such as a hire car after theft and a no fault accident. It's also a very popular insurer with a good network of repairers. In general though, these products are very similar so it's really worth getting your own quote to see who comes in cheaper.
Gary Ross Hunter
Insurance and innovations editor
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