What car insurance do I need in WA?
Here are the different types of car insurance available to drivers in WA:
Comprehensive car insurance
Comprehensive car insurance in WA provides a broad range of protection. While policy details can differ between insurers, you're typically covered for the cost of repairs or replacement of your car if it's stolen, damaged by collision or fire, vandalised, or damaged in certain weather events. Comprehensive car insurance usually also includes cover for damage you cause to someone else’s car or property in a collision.
As with any insurance product, cover can vary significantly between insurers, so it's important to read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand what's included, any exclusions that apply, and any claim limits.
Third party property damage insurance
Third party property damage insurance covers you if you damage someone else’s property in an accident. Your own car is not normally protected under this type of insurance. Some insurers may cover damage to your car (typically up to $5,000) if an uninsured driver is entirely at fault, provided you can supply their details. See your PDS for a full description.
Third party fire and theft insurance
Third party fire and theft insurance generally provides the same type of cover as third party property damage policies, but with the additional benefit that your car is insured if it is stolen or catches fire. The level of cover for your car can be lower than the true value of your car, often capped at $10,000.
Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance (included in your vehicle registration)
Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance is required for WA-registered vehicles, and the premiums are included in your car’s registration fee. CTP covers you for the cost of any claims if you injure or kill someone in a car accident, but you won’t be insured for the cost of any damage to property, including your own car.
What is the best car insurance in WA?
The best car insurance in WA (or anywhere else) depends on the level of cover you’re looking for. Comprehensive car insurance is considered the gold standard for car cover because of the breadth of protection it provides drivers. For this reason, premiums are likely to be higher than for other types of cover.
Canstar's 2026 Outstanding Value Car Insurance Award winners
While the best car insurance in WA will depend on your individual circumstances, Canstar's Car Insurance Star Ratings and Awards can be a useful starting point when comparing providers.
Each year, Canstar's expert researchers assess a wide range of comprehensive car insurance policies, comparing both cost and features to identify insurers delivering strong overall value for consumers.
Our most recent award winners were:
- 2026 Car Insurance Outstanding Value Award - National: AAMI, Bingle, and ROLLiN’ Insurance
- 2026 Car Insurance Outstanding Value Award - WA: AAMI
- 2026 Most Satisfied Customers - Car Insurance Award: Bupa
Awards and ratings can help narrow your shortlist, but the 'best' policy still comes down to your car, postcode risk, how far you drive and the cover you expect to use.
What does comprehensive car insurance in WA cover?
Comprehensive car insurance is the highest level of car insurance in WA. If you take out comprehensive cover, it can help pay to repair or replace your car following an insured event such as an accident, theft, fire, vandalism or weather-related damage. This level of cover often includes cover for damage you cause to someone else's vehicle or property.
Comprehensive car insurance commonly covers:
- Accidental damage to your vehicle, regardless of who was at fault
- Damage you cause to another person's vehicle or property
- Theft or attempted theft
- Fire damage to your vehicle
- Malicious damage and vandalism
- Weather-related events such as storms and hail
Features that may vary between providers
While comprehensive cover is the highest level of cover you can take out, not all policies offer the same benefits. Features that can differ between insurers include:
- Being provided with a hire car after theft or following a not-at-fault accident
- Windscreen and glass cover
- Being able to choose your repairer
- Use of genuine parts versus non-genuine parts
- Whether you’re covered for accessories and personal belongings
- Market value or agreed value cover options
Things to consider when taking out a car insurance policy in WA
Western Australia's unique geography and climate can influence the type of cover that suits your needs. Drivers in northern parts of the state, for example, might want a policy that covers cyclone-related damage and severe weather events. If you travel long distances or drive in regional and remote areas for work, benefits like roadside assistance, towing and hire car cover could offer added value.
Regional drivers might want to look into cover for damage caused by unsealed roads and animal collisions, as these events are more common outside metropolitan areas.
How can I get cheap car insurance in WA?
You may be able to save on your car insurance and find a cheaper policy by considering the following:
- Listing or restricting the drivers on your policy: Having younger, inexperienced drivers listed on your policy may increase your premiums.
- Paying premiums annually: You may be offered a discount if you pay your premium annually rather than monthly or fortnightly.
- Securing your car: You may be offered a lower premium if you secure your car in a locked garage, particularly at night, rather than parking on the street.
- Driving safely: Safe drivers typically pay less in premiums than those who make claims often. Some providers may offer ‘no-claim’ discounts or bonuses for those who don’t claim often.
- Driving less: Depending on how much you drive per year, you may be able to save with a discounted low kilometre or pay as you drive policy.
- Insuring your vehicle for its market value: You’ll often be given the option to insure your vehicle for its market value (what it would sell for on the open market). This is usually the cheaper option compared to insuring your vehicle for a higher value agreed to by both you and your insurer.
- Considering online discounts and offers: Some providers offer deals and discounts for new policies taken out online, and even multi-policy discounts if you bundle.
- Choosing a higher excess: Opting for a higher excess will generally mean receiving a lower premium in return.
- Choosing your extras carefully: Your premiums will generally be more expensive if you add optional extras to your policy, such as windscreen cover, roadside assistance, and rental car cover.
- Shopping around: Due to inflation and operating costs, your premium can increase year-on-year, even if you stay with the same provider. Don’t just auto-renew your policy. Instead, compare your options and get quotes directly from both major and minor providers.
How much does comprehensive car insurance cost in WA?
The cost of comprehensive car insurance in WA will vary depending on factors like the make, model and age of your car, how much excess you choose, your driving record, and your choice of insurer.
As with other parts of Australia, your premium also varies depending on where you live in WA. Some suburbs have higher accident and crime rates, while others might experience more extreme weather that could pose a risk to your car. The north-west coastline between Broome and Exmouth, as an example, is well-known for cyclone activity, and this can impact the cost of car cover in the region.
Canstar research found the average comprehensive car insurance premium in Western Australia was $2,208 for 2026. However, the average among products rated five stars by Canstar was only $1,675, a $533 difference.
Source: www.canstar.com.au - 28/05/2026. Based on comprehensive car insurance policies rated in Canstar's 2026 Car Insurance Star Ratings. Premiums include quotes for both new and used cars for a range of scenarios, with a state-specific target excess ranging from $800 to $1,000.
What should WA drivers look for when comparing car insurance?
When comparing car insurance policies in WA, it’s worth looking at whether a policy:
- Provides protection against damage from storm, hail, and severe weather
- Has an excess that balances affordability with manageable out-of-pocket costs at claim time
- Gives you a choice between insuring your vehicle for its market value or an agreed value
- Has a straightforward claims process and a track record of strong customer service
- Allows you to choose your own repairer or offers guarantees for repairs done by their own network of repairers
- Provides hire car benefits following theft or a not-at-fault accident
- Covers damage to your windscreen and other glass in your vehicle
- Offers roadside assistance options, particularly for regional and remote travel
How to switch car insurance in WA
Switching your car insurance provider is a fairly straightforward process in WA. If you're considering changing insurers, follow these steps to help avoid any gaps in your cover:
Step 1: Gather your details
Before comparing policies, have the following information ready:
- Your driver's licence details
- Vehicle registration information
- Your current insurance policy details
- Estimated annual kilometres travelled
- Details of any listed drivers
- Any information about recent claims or driving incidents
Step 2: Compare like-for-like cover
When comparing quotes, try to keep the key elements consistent, including:
- The level of cover
- Your excess amount
- Whether the policy uses market value or agreed value
- Any optional extras you want included
Comparing similar policies can make it easier to identify genuine differences between insurers.
Step 3: Check the fees and policy dates
Review your current policy to see if any cancellation fees apply and whether you're entitled to a refund for any unused premiums. When locking in your new policy, ensure the start date aligns with the end of your existing cover so there are no uninsured periods.
Step 4: Start your new policy before cancelling the old one
Make sure to have your new policy in place before cancelling your existing cover. This will prevent any accidental gaps in your protection.
Step 5: Update your records
Once you’ve made the switch:
- Save a copy of your new policy documents
- Review your excess and key inclusions
- Make sure all regular drivers are aware of the new insurer and policy details.
Why compare car insurance in WA?
For motorists in WA, car insurance shouldn’t be a set and forget product. Your driving habits, where you live, and even the crime statistics for your area can change from year to year — and these are all factors that can shape how much you pay for car insurance.
In addition, you could find the insurance company that offers the best deal one year, isn’t so competitive the next. That’s why it’s important to make a habit of shopping around and comparing car insurance at renewal time to be sure you always have the cover you need, at the best possible price.
