.svg)
Written by
Kervin Mathew
Edited by
Laura Crowden
Reviewed by
Adrian BennettWe compare many well-known car insurers
iSelect does not compare all providers in the market or all policies offered by our partners in your area. Not all policies or special offers are available to all customers. Learn more.
How does car insurance work in South Australia (SA)?
In SA, compulsory third-party (CTP) insurance is included in your car registration fees. While CTP covers you for injuries or death caused by your car in a road accident, you need to take out additional insurance like comprehensive or third-party property to cover potential damage to your own or other people’s vehicles or property.
Third-party property car insurance can help cover you for damage you cause to other vehicles, while comprehensive car insurance will help cover damage to your own car, as well as other people’s, even if you are at fault.
How much does car insurance cost in SA?
The average annual cost of car insurance in SA is $967, according to iSelect’s customer data, with comprehensive car insurance costing the most at an average of $1,024 a year. Lower levels of cover, like third-party property, fire and theft, cost South Australian drivers an average of $506 per year, while the cheapest was third-party property cover at an average of $392 per year. All in all, iSelect customers in SA paid some of the lowest car insurance premiums in Australia, compared to the national average of $1,234.
| Type of cover | Average annual premium |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive | $1,024 |
| Third-party property, fire and theft | $506 |
| Third-party property | $392 |
Note: These figures reflect indicative costs for car insurance customers in SA, based on iSelect data from 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2026 and rounded where appropriate. Actual costs may vary depending on your individual circumstances. Data retrieved June 2026.
What types of car insurance are available in SA?
In SA, in addition to CTP, you can choose from three main types of car insurance depending on the level of cover you want: third-party property for basic protection, third-party property, fire and theft to include a little more cover, and comprehensive car insurance for maximum coverage.
Comprehensive
The highest level of cover available in South Australia is comprehensive car insurance. Whether an accident is your fault or not, a comprehensive policy helps cover damage to your own car, as well as other people’s property and vehicles. Comprehensive cover can also offer optional extras such as choice of repairer or reduced window glass excess.
Third-party property, fire and theft
Third-party property, fire and theft car insurance offers the same level of cover as a third-party property policy but also covers your car for damage or loss caused by fire or theft. But remember that this type of policy still won’t cover damage caused to your own car in an accident where you’re at fault.
Third-party property
If you have an at-fault accident, third-party property car insurance could help cover the damage to the other car but won’t cover any damage to your own car. If you take out third-party property insurance, you’ll likely have to pay for your car’s repairs out of pocket – unless the accident was caused by someone driving a car that’s not insured. Compulsory third-party (CTP).
Note: While CTP cover is often described as a type of car insurance, it doesn’t cover damage to your car, someone else’s vehicle, or other property. CTP is mandatory in South Australia and paid at the same time as your car registration. CTP insurance is designed to protect you against liability if you cause injury or death to another road user, while also providing support to those who’ve been injured in a road accident.
What can different types of car insurance cover in SA?
Third-party property car insurance helps cover accidental damage your car causes to other people’s cars and property but not damage to your own car. Third-party property, fire and theft car insurance helps cover third-party property damage or loss, and also your own car if it’s damaged by fire or stolen. Comprehensive insurance is the highest level of cover, helping pay for damage to your car as well as third-party damage, regardless of who’s at fault.
| Car insurance type | Damage to your car | Damage to another person’s car or property | Damage or loss caused by theft | Injuries or death to others in an accident |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (but covered by CTP) |
| Third-party property | No | Yes | Yes | No (but covered by CTP) |
| Third-party property, fire and theft | No | Yes | No | No (but covered by CTP) |
| Compulsory third-party (CTP) | No | No | No | Yes |
To fully understand what a car insurance policy covers (and doesn’t) refer to the policy documents, keeping an eye out for exclusions and conditions of cover.
Why buy with iSelect?
We’ve been helping Australians save time, effort, and money for over 25 years.
Almost 2 million online car insurance comparisons made
Since 2018, iSelect has helped Aussies compare car insurance almost 2 million times.
Compare a range of policies online at your convenience
A better-value car insurance policy could be only a click away. Compare a range of policies online in a matter of minutes.
We tell it how it is
Sometimes a good deal just can’t be beat. If we can’t offer you a better-value policy, we’ll say so.
The same price with no mark-ups
We don’t mark up the price of our policies, so you’ll pay the same as buying direct from the insurer.*
*T&Cs apply
FOUND THE SAME POLICY CHEAPER?
WE’LL GIVE YOU A $100 E-GIFT CARD
When it comes to comprehensive car insurance, we’re confident that you’ll get the same price through iSelect as going direct to the insurer.
So, if within 30 days after buying with us, you find the identical policy (commencing within two days of the quote) with a lower annual premium from the same insurer, we’ll give you a $100 e-gift card.*
How to buy with iSelect
Get acquainted
Tell us about your car and what you’re looking for, and we’ll get to work.
Explore your options
We’ll show you policies side by side, including their monthly premiums, inclusions, and exclusions, along with any optional extras.
Pick your favourite
You’re in control. Let us know which policy you want to buy, and we’ll set you up then and there.
Say goodbye to your old policy
All that’s left to do is let your previous insurer know that it’s over between you and them.
Helpful tip
Most policies are a little bit different when it comes to how much cover they provide and the kinds of things they cover. You’ll always want to check the policy’s product disclosure statement to find out exactly what cover you’re getting – and what’s excluded – before committing to anything.
Toby Hagon
Motoring Journalist
What affects the cost of my car insurance in SA?
Car insurance premiums in SA depends on many factors, from the traffic density in your area to the car you drive. It can also include personal factors like your age, gender and history of car insurance claims and traffic offences. Ultimately, an insurance company will consider all the risk factors involved before it calculates your car insurance premium.
- Age: Younger drivers, especially those under 25, often face higher premiums because they are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents.
- Vehicle type and value: The make, model, and age of your vehicle can significantly impact the cost. A Tesla or Mustang tends to attract higher premiums than a second-hand Mitsubishi Lancer, due to their repair costs and theft risk. Also, cars with good safety ratings might cost less to insure.
- Excess: Your car insurance excess is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket if you make a claim. Choosing a higher excess usually means a lower premium, but it also means you’ll need to pay more come claim time – so be sure that you have enough funds set aside.
- Driving record: A clean driving history with no or few claims makes you a lower risk for insurers, often resulting in lower premiums. A history of accidents, traffic violations or claims can increase your car insurance premiums or result in paying an additional excess if you need to make a claim.
- Where you live: Urban areas with more traffic and higher crime rates generally lead to higher premiums due to the increased likelihood of accidents and theft.
- Optional extras: Additional coverage options like accident hire car or Choice of Repairer can add value to your policy, but they can also increase your premium if you choose to include them in your cover.
How can I reduce my car insurance premiums?
You can typically reduce your car insurance premiums by raising your excess, paying annually or restricting your policy only to older and more experienced drivers. But shopping around come renewal time is still the best way to make sure you’re not paying more than you need.
Explore payment options
Some insurance providers charge less for car insurance if you pay your premium in one lump sum every year instead of monthly or fortnightly instalments. So, it’s worth checking if that’s an option with your insurer.
Do a regular policy check
Don’t just set and forget your car insurance or you risk paying too much. Renewal time should be your reminder each year to scope out the competitors and see if you can find a better deal.
Bump up your excess
You can usually bring your premiums down by opting to pay a higher excess. Just make sure you can pull together the excess amount should you need to make a claim.
Age-restricting drivers
Younger drivers or learner drivers typically have a higher risk level. Restricting the listed drivers on your policy to over a given age (say 25, 30, 40 or even 50) could help land you a cheaper premium.
Finally, it’s important to note that a cheaper policy isn’t always better. You’ll want to check the relevant product disclosure statement to ensure you’re getting the cover you need as well as a good price. What you don’t want is to only find out at claim time that you aren’t covered for what you thought you were.
Frequently asked questions
Which companies offer car insurance in SA?
The insurance industry is competitive. And it can be a bit tedious sifting through multiple policies in search of the cover you’re after. That’s where we can help!
Some insurers that iSelect can help you compare include:
- ahm
- Budget Direct
- Coles Insurance
- Huddle
- Oceania Insurance
- Ozicare Insurance.
Other car insurers in the South Australian market include:
- AAMI
- Allianz
- ANZ
- Bingle
- Bupa
- CGU
- GIO
- NRMA
- QBE
- RAA
- Real Insurance
- Shannons
- Suncorp Insurance
- Toyota Insurance
- Virgin Money
- Westpac
- Youi.
Note: iSelect does not compare all car insurance providers in the market, or all products offered by our partners in your area.
What features should I consider when buying comprehensive car insurance in SA?
Depending on the insurer, some features might be automatically included with the policy. Others will be optional extras that you can add to your policy at an extra cost. What’s on offer will vary from policy to policy, but it will typically include some of the following:
- Personal effects cover: This can help cover the cost of replacing some of the valuables inside your car if they’re damaged or stolen. This can include clothing, electronics and child safety seats.
- Towing following an accident: Some insurers will cover the cost of towing your car to a safe place or a repairer. Double-check with your insurer to see if this is included in your policy and whether any limits apply.
- Agreed value cover: Some insurers will offer you the option to agree on the amount that your car will be insured for, also known as an agreed value. This way, if you have an accident resulting in your car being written off, you’ll know exactly how much your payout will be.
- Hire car: Some policies offer you a replacement car for some time while yours is being repaired after an accident. This feature can be especially valuable if you rely heavily on your car each day to get to work or kids to school.
- Roadside assistance: Some policies will include roadside assistance as standard, while others may offer it as an add-on. So if you drive an old bomb that might break down often, or if you simply don’t know how to change a tyre, having roadside assistance can be a real lifesaver.
- New car replacement: If your new car is written off or stolen within a specified period, some policies may replace it with a new car of the same make and model.
Do I need car insurance in SA if compulsory third-party (CTP) is included in my registration?
While CTP is the insurance that’s legally required in SA, it won’t insure you for any damage you cause to your own car or anyone else’s. So if you’re driving in SA, it is well worth considering third-party property insurance or comprehensive insurance.
Let’s look at the following example:
Fictional scenario: Peter’s Porsche problem
Peter’s normally a pretty good driver but accidents happen and, unfortunately, he happened to crash into the back of a pricey Porsche!
Luckily nobody is hurt. Peter whips out his phone and checks his certificate of insurance. With a sigh of relief, Peter reaffirms that he has third-party property insurance. That means, this policy can cover damage to another person’s car. So, all he needs to do is exchange insurance information and make a claim. Now he only needs to pay for his excess and the repair costs to his own car.
If all he had was CTP, then Peter would’ve had to pay a hefty repair bill out of pocket. Crisis averted!
As we can see, third-party property insurance might just save you a world of trouble if you get into a car accident. And comprehensive car insurance can go even further by covering some of the repair costs if your own car is damaged.
Does SA have a high rate of car thefts?
SA experiences fewer car theft than most other Australian states. In the 12 months to June 2025, SA had about 3,469 reported car thefts – down by 6% from the previous year. And reports of personal effects being stolen from inside a vehicle were down by 19%, at 7,553.1South Australia Police – Crime Statistics, 2025 rolling crime statistics (state totals), June 2025
So, with motor vehicle related thefts going down, you might say things are looking up for SA – but try saying that to someone who’s just had their car stolen. The fact remains that the figures are still in the thousands. So, it’s worth protecting yourself from car theft with a third-party property, fire, and theft or a comprehensive car insurance policy.
Which cars get stolen the most in SA?
The Holden Commodore, Toyota LandCruiser, Ford Ranger, Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla made the top five list of cars most frequently targeted by car thieves in SA between January 2023 and January 2026, according to RAA insurance data.2RAA Daily – Aussie icon still the most targeted car in SA
Get started on comparing car insurance policies!
Save time and effort by comparing a range of car insurance quotes with iSelect
iSelect General Pty Ltd (ABN 90 131 798 126. AFSL 334115) has partnered with Compare the Market (ABN 83 117 323 378. AFSL 422926) to compare a range of car insurers and policies. Not all providers in the market or all policies offered by the partners are compared and not all policies or special offers are available to all customers.
A number of our participating general insurance brands are arranged by Auto & General Services Pty Ltd ACN 003 617 909 on behalf of Auto & General Insurance Company Limited 111 586 353, both of which are related entities of iSelect Limited. Our relationship with those companies does not impact the integrity of our comparison service. Click here to view iSelect’s range of providers.
Any advice provided by iSelect is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You need to consider the appropriateness of any information or general advice iSelect gives you, having regard to your personal situation, before acting on iSelect’s advice or purchasing any policy. You should consider iSelect’s Financial Services Guide which provides information about our services and your rights as a client of iSelect. iSelect receives commission for each policy sold that is a percentage of the premium or a flat fee. Ask us for more details before we provide you with any services.