2009 Best Value Car Insurance: Budget Direct does it again
Proving just how fiercely competitive the car insurance market is, AAMI, Budget Direct and Commonwealth Bank have retained the top honours nationally in our latest car insurance star ratings for 2009.Budget Direct has been named in the top three national car insurers since CANSTAR CANNEX began rating this insurance sector in September 2007. The National five star award comes on top of Budget Direct’s rock solid performance across all states where the insurer shared the accolades with NRMA Insurance, AAMI and Allianz. Budget Direct almost made a clean sweep in the driver profile awards, taking seven out of eight driver profiles. This is quite a coup for a brand that originated out of Queensland as a challenger to other, more established names and is now overtaking many of them on a national level. In fact, Budget Direct is the fastest growing insurer in Victoria, according to Roy Morgan Research. AAMI and Commonwealth Bank also repeated its feat of six months ago to make the list of providing Best Value car insurance in all states evaluated. AAMI achieved both a National Award, the Best Value Award for Victoria and challenged Budget Direct for the five-star profile award for female drivers under 25 years of age.. It is heartening to see such an established brand with a reputation for customer service still up there and offering excellent products. Commonwealth Bank, on the other hand, is one of the true success stories of 2008. Earlier this year, Commonwealth Bank launched its own car insurance product after marketing car insurance underwritten by Allianz. For the second time, we have awarded Commonwealth Bank a National Best Value award for car insurance. While Commonwealth Bank does not appear in our state and profile awards, the insurer demonstrated deep and broad value across the board and it was this consistency that added up in the long run. It complements a strong performance by Commonwealth Bank in our recent Home & Contents star ratings report. STATE AWARDS Budget Direct's results state-wise are to be applauded. They received a Best Value award in each state, while Allianz Australia picked up Best Value awards in three states – Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. Allianz is a global brand which has been building a strong reputation for providing quality car insurance products to Australian drivers over the past few years. AAMI was named as providing Best Value car insurance in Victoria and NRMA took equivalent honours in New South Wales. This is arguably Australia’s most competitive state for car insurance and is an NRMA stronghold. This company not only has the largest market share in New South Wales but it also retains a very loyal customer base. Since the CANSTAR CANNEX car insurance star ratings were launched, NRMA has consistently picked up a New South Wales award for Best Value car insurance. PROFILE AWARDS AAMI threw down the challenge to Budget Direct, claiming Best Value car insurance for female drivers under 25 years of age. Budget Direct took out the five-star awards for the seven remaining driver profiles, ranging from first-time male drivers through to families through to mature drivers. It is important to note that not winning an award does not mean that other insurers are not providing excellent value. CANSTAR CANNEX data shows that different drivers in each state have a range of options to choose from when looking for a car insurance policy that gives them the cover and features they need at the cheapest price. Wherever you live, the CANSTAR CANNEX car insurance star ratings report makes a great start when compiling a shopping list, or even just to see how your insurer stacks up. Car Insurance ... |
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