Queensland car insurance premiums jumped 19% year-on-year between 2025 and 2026, with the average comprehensive policy now running $1,686 per year. This guide breaks down what Queensland drivers are actually paying, which providers are worth considering, and where the real trade-offs lie using hard numbers from comparison sites and consumer research.
QLD Comprehensive Average: $1,686/year · Cheapest Comprehensive: $920/year (Budget Direct) · QLD Price Hike: 19% YoY
Quick snapshot
- Exact out-of-pocket costs without a personalised quote
- Specific coverage exclusions by provider
- Regional price variations within QLD
- Prices show no signs of softening through 2026
- Comparison shopping before renewal is essential
- Bundling and online discounts offset some increases
| Provider | QLD Comprehensive From | Claims Rating | Canstar Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RACQ | $1,140/year | 91% satisfaction | 5 stars | QLD locals, member benefits |
| Allianz | $1,220/year | — | 4 stars | Premium cover, high-value vehicles |
| Youi | — | — | — | Lifestyle-fit cover |
| Suncorp | — | — | — | Bundling, multi-policy holders |
| Budget Direct | $920/year | — | — | Lowest price |
Among the five providers tracked, comprehensive premiums span from Budget Direct’s $920 entry rate to RACQ at $1,140 and Allianz at $1,220 per year.
How much does car insurance cost in QLD?
The Queensland average for comprehensive car insurance sits at $1,686 per year, according to Finder Australia (March 2026 data). That figure hides a wide spread depending on the provider you choose. For context, the state average for a 2022 Toyota Camry specifically is $1,540 per year, per Nexuora’s 2026 comparison. RACQ offers comprehensive cover from approximately $1,140 per year in Queensland, making it competitive with the broader market—and notably cheaper than the state average. Budget Direct sits lower still at around $920 annually, identified as the cheapest comprehensive option in the state.
Monthly payment reality
- At $1,686 average, that’s roughly $140/month for comprehensive cover
- RACQ’s $1,140 annual rate works out to about $95/month
- Third party property damage averages $506/year ($42/month)
- Third party fire and theft averages $535/year ($45/month)
What you’ll actually pay depends on your vehicle, postcode, and driving history. The Queensland average reflects data across 32 providers compared by Finder Australia, so your quote could come in higher or lower. The key takeaway: the market isn’t uniform. Shopping around can mean hundreds of dollars difference annually.
Third party cover sounds cheap at $506/year, but it only pays out if you damage someone else’s vehicle—your own car stays unprotected. For older vehicles, that trade-off might make sense. For newer cars, it rarely does.
What’s driving the price increases?
Prices across Queensland rose 19% year-on-year for a 2022 Toyota Camry between 2025 and 2026, per Nexuora. The national picture is similar: overall car insurance prices climbed 8% in the last financial year—almost four times the rate of inflation—according to CHOICE consumer advocacy research. Individual providers went further: Suncorp increased prices by 12% between January 2026 and January 2026, while RACQ raised rates by 8% in the same period, per CHOICE. Bingle, at the extreme end, jumped 25%—the largest increase among major insurers tracked.
QLD drivers are facing premium increases that outpace the rest of Australia. If your renewal is coming up, locking in a deal now beats waiting for prices to settle—they show no signs of softening.
What car insurance do you need in QLD?
Queensland drivers encounter three main tiers of car insurance, and understanding what each covers is essential before you compare prices. The compulsory layer—CTP insurance—is bundled into your registration cost and covers bodily injury if you’re at fault in an accident. It does not cover property damage to any vehicle, including your own. Beyond that, you’re looking at voluntary cover: third party property damage, third party fire and theft, or comprehensive. Each step up adds protection but also adds cost.
The four types explained
- CTP (Compulsory Third Party): Included with vehicle registration. Covers injury to other people, not vehicles or property. Cost is set by Queensland’s Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC).
- Third Party Property Damage: Covers damage you cause to other people’s vehicles. Queensland average: $506/year per Finder Australia.
- Third Party Fire and Theft: Adds fire and theft coverage for your own vehicle. Queensland average: $535/year per Finder Australia.
- Comprehensive: Covers accidental damage, theft, fire, and third party liability. Queensland state average: $1,540/year for a Toyota Camry per Nexuora.
The implication: CTP alone leaves a significant gap. If you hit another car, CTP pays for their medical costs—not the $15,000 repair bill for their damaged bumper or the $8,000 write-off of your own vehicle. For most Queensland drivers, at least third party property damage is worth the $506 annual investment.
What is the best car insurance provider in Australia?
“Best” depends on what you’re optimising for. The Queensland market has clear winners in different categories: Budget Direct offers the lowest comprehensive premium at approximately $920 per year, per Nexuora. RACQ Insurance holds the top spot for claims service with a 91% satisfaction rating and a 5-star Canstar rating, per the same Nexuora analysis. Allianz sits in the premium tier at $1,220/year comprehensive with a 4-star Canstar rating. The best provider for you depends on whether you’re prioritising cost savings or service quality.
RACQ: Best for Queensland locals
- 5-star Canstar rating and 91% claims satisfaction (Nexuora)
- Comprehensive cover from $1,140/year for QLD drivers
- Local expertise: QLD-focused network, roadside assistance for members
- Best identified for QLD member benefits per Nexuora’s 2026 ranking
Allianz: Premium cover option
- Serves 200,000+ QLD customers
- Comprehensive from approximately $1,220/year
- 4-star Canstar rating
- Tailored for high-value vehicles
Budget Direct: Best for price
- Cheapest comprehensive car insurer in Queensland at $920/year
- National brand with competitive pricing
- Simpler cover offerings
The trade-off: RACQ charges roughly $220 more per year than Budget Direct, but delivers 91% claims satisfaction versus no published satisfaction metric for Budget Direct. For drivers who rely on their car daily, that service margin often justifies the premium.
Is RACQ car insurance only for Queensland?
RACQ—the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland—is primarily focused on Queensland members, but its car insurance offering extends beyond state borders. According to available policy information, RACQ insurance coverage includes options for drivers in NSW, ACT, and Victoria. Roadside assistance, however, is exclusively available to members and generally limited to Queensland road networks. For non-members in other states, RACQ car insurance products may still be available, but membership is required to access the roadside assistance benefit.
Non-member access
- Car insurance may be available to non-members in some states
- Roadside assistance specifically requires RACQ membership
- QLD-focused network provides local advantage for QLD residents
NRMA in QLD
NRMA car insurance is specifically for NSW and ACT residents—it is not available in Queensland. Drivers in Queensland looking for RACQ-style services should consider RACQ directly or compare national brands like Suncorp, Allianz, and Budget Direct.
Compare Car Insurance in QLD
Across five major providers, Queensland drivers face a meaningful spread between the cheapest and most expensive comprehensive options. Budget Direct leads on price at approximately $920 per year, while RACQ sits mid-market at $1,140 and Allianz at $1,220. The Queensland average of $1,686 (per Finder Australia) shows that most drivers are paying well above these entry-level rates.
Upsides
- CTP is compulsory with registration—no gap in mandatory coverage
- RACQ delivers 5-star Canstar rating with 91% claims satisfaction
- Suncorp offers 20% off home insurance for existing car policyholders
- Budget Direct offers cheapest comprehensive cover at $920/year
- Online discounts available: $50 off comprehensive, $20 off third party for new Suncorp customers
Downsides
- QLD premiums surged 19% year-on-year—far above inflation
- Suncorp raised prices 12% (Jan 2025–Jan 2026) per CHOICE
- RACQ raised prices 8% in the same period
- NRMA unavailable in Queensland
- QLD average comprehensive premium ($1,686) is 83% higher than Budget Direct’s entry rate
That 83% gap between the cheapest and average comprehensive premium is the clearest signal that comparison shopping before renewal can yield hundreds in annual savings.
Key facts at a glance
| Factor | QLD Average / Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive premium (average) | $1,686/year | Finder Australia |
| Comprehensive (Toyota Camry 2022) | $1,540/year | Nexuora |
| RACQ comprehensive from | $1,140/year | Nexuora |
| Budget Direct from | $920/year | Nexuora |
| Allianz comprehensive from | $1,220/year | Nexuora |
| Third party property damage | $506/year | Finder Australia |
| Third party fire and theft | $535/year | Finder Australia |
| Year-on-year QLD increase | 19% | Nexuora |
| Suncorp price increase (12 months) | 12% | CHOICE |
| RACQ price increase (12 months) | 8% | CHOICE |
| RACQ claims satisfaction | 91% | Nexuora |
| Suncorp CTP (12-month quote) | $409.80 | Finder Australia |
| Allianz CTP (12-month quote) | $404.80 | Finder Australia |
Finder Australia compared 32 car insurance providers in Queensland to build this snapshot, while CHOICE tracked more than 10,000 pricing scenarios to identify the sharpest premium increases.
What QLD drivers prioritise
Looking at the market, two distinct buyer profiles emerge. Queenslanders who value local expertise, 91% claims satisfaction, and a 5-star Canstar rating tend to stick with RACQ despite the price increases. Cost-conscious drivers compare at least three providers before renewal and are willing to shift to Budget Direct or Suncorp to save hundreds annually. The gap between the cheapest and average comprehensive premium ($766 per year) is significant enough to justify five minutes of online quoting.
The difference between Budget Direct ($920) and the QLD average ($1,686) is $766 per year—money that compounds over multiple renewals. For drivers who haven’t compared quotes in 12 months, there’s a good chance they’re overpaying.
Finder Australia compared 32 car insurance providers in Queensland to identify top options for the March 2026 market snapshot.
CHOICE tracked price increases across more than 10,000 pricing scenarios to identify which insurers raised premiums most significantly between January 2025 and January 2026.
The Queensland car insurance market is in a period of sustained pressure. The 19% year-on-year jump for a standard vehicle like the Toyota Camry is nearly double the national average increase, and individual providers like Suncorp (12%) and RACQ (8%) have moved faster than the broader 8% national trend. The implication: comparison shopping before your next renewal isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s becoming financially critical. The good news is that competition remains healthy. Budget Direct offers the cheapest comprehensive entry point, RACQ leads on service quality, and Suncorp rewards loyalty with bundling discounts. Queensland drivers who take 20 minutes to gather two or three quotes before renewal will typically find savings that more than justify the effort.
For Queensland drivers specifically, the trade-off narrows to a clear choice: RACQ’s regional advantage and 91% claims satisfaction justify the premium for those who drive daily and want peace of mind. Everyone else should start with Budget Direct’s online quote and compare against Suncorp’s $50 first-year discount before deciding. The market is moving fast—don’t lock in a renewal without seeing what’s actually available right now.
Can I get NRMA car insurance in QLD?
No. NRMA car insurance is specifically for NSW and ACT residents and is not available in Queensland. Queensland drivers should consider RACQ, Suncorp, Allianz, or Budget Direct as alternatives.
What is the QLD car insurance phone number for major providers?
Most major insurers (RACQ, Suncorp, Allianz, Budget Direct) offer online quotes as the primary channel, with phone support available. Check each provider’s website for current contact options.
How to make a QLD car insurance claim?
All major QLD insurers allow online claim lodgement through their websites or apps. RACQ leads with a 91% claims satisfaction rating. Contact your provider directly or use their online portal to lodge a claim—have your policy number and incident details ready.
Is Suncorp car insurance good for QLD?
Suncorp is a major national insurer operating in Queensland with over 500,000 customers. It won awards for 5 years in a row and offers bundling discounts (20% off home insurance for existing car policyholders). However, it raised prices 12% between January 2025 and January 2026—among the highest increases tracked by CHOICE.
Can non-members get RACQ roadside assistance?
RACQ roadside assistance is specifically for members. Non-members may be able to purchase car insurance from RACQ, but roadside assistance requires a current RACQ membership.
What is the QLD car insurance online process?
All major QLD insurers (RACQ, Suncorp, Allianz, Budget Direct) offer online quotes that take 10-15 minutes to complete. You’ll need your vehicle details, driving history, and estimated annual mileage. Suncorp offers a $50 discount for new comprehensive customers who sign up online.
Does RACQ cover theft and fire?
Yes. RACQ comprehensive car insurance covers theft, fire, accidental damage, and third party liability. The specific policy details and any exclusions should be reviewed during the quote process or by contacting RACQ directly.
Related reading: Number Plate Check QLD · Suncorp Bank Near Me
suncorp.com.au, ftp.bills.com.au, canstar.com.au, racq.com.au, productreview.com.au, racq.com.au
Queensland motorists praising Budget Direct’s $920 low premiums will appreciate the Budget Direct review for its detailed coverage breakdown and value insights.
Rachel Bennett leads fact-checking, source verification and corrections at Australia Current.