Car Insurance Tasmania

What different types of Car Insurance are available in Tasmania?

For a small island, we’ve got a lot of cars, and thankfully, a range of Car Insurance choices. That said, the selection of Car Insurance available in Tasmania is broadly the same as in the rest of the country and is made up of four different types.

Compulsory Third Party Insurance (CTP)

Tasmanian drivers must be covered, at least, by Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance. As in several states, CTP insurance in Tasmania is mandatory and generally included in your vehicle registration fees. The cover is normally provided by the Motor Accidents Insurance Board (MAIB). This helps cover medical costs if someone is killed or injured by your driving. It does not cover any costs of vehicle repair.

Third Party Property (TPP)

As the name suggests, this helps cover other people’s vehicles and property if they are damaged by your vehicle and the accident was your fault. It doesn’t cover damage to your car or property though.

Third Party Fire and Theft (TPF&T)

Third Party Fire and Theft insurance still doesn’t cover your car in the event of an at-fault accident, but it will help cover damage to your car because of fire or theft. It also covers third party property damage, so this is another step up in cover.

Comprehensive

Okay, we’ve reached the top. Comprehensive Car Insurance helps cover other people’s property and vehicles as well as your property and vehicle, whether the incident is your fault or not. In some cases, it also covers hail or storm damage. A Comprehensive policy often comes with options to add extras to your cover, like a hire car or Roadside Assistance. These options vary between providers and some may be covered in the original premium, so it’s always worth checking out.

This table is a quick reference to Car Insurance in Tasmania. What’s available and what each helps cover.

It’s important to review the Product Disclosure Statement for information about policy inclusions, limitations and exclusions before deciding on a policy.

Do I need Car Insurance in Tasmania if CTP is included in my registration?

If you’re covered by CTP and have an at-fault accident and damage another person’s car, you’ll be responsible for paying for the repairs or replacement of that car. You’ll also be responsible for any property you damage, so the out of pocket costs could potentially be substantial.

How much does Car Insurance cost in Tasmania?

According to iSelect Car Insurance sales data for Tasmania, the below are the average comprehensive premiums for FY19, and FY20:

Tasmania car crash statistics

It’s easy to feel safe on Tasmanian roads; after all, they seem relatively quiet. But while we’re the smallest state in Australia, in 2019, according to the 2019 Road Trauma annual statistical report, sadly Tasmania had the fourth highest rate of fatal car crashes, per 100,000 people, in the country.

Tasmanian car theft statistics

According to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council, car thefts in Tasmania declined by around 25% between 2019 and 2020. However that’s 924 cases, or over two-and-a-half car thefts for every 1,000 vehicles registered. The top ten Tasmanian locations for car theft are listed in the table below.

Top ten Tasmanian locations for car theft

1. Launceston (City)
2. Glenorchy
3. Clarence
4. Hobart
5. Brighton
6. Northern Midlands
7. Devonport
8. Meander Valley
9. West Tamar
10. Huon Valley

What was stolen?

Some of the top vehicles stolen in Tasmania generally weren’t high-end European models. Models included the Nissan Pulsar, Ford Courier, Mitsubishi Triton, Subaru Impreza, Holden Commodore. It shows that just because your car’s not a super expensive model, doesn’t mean it’s not attractive to a thief.

What are some things to consider when looking for Car Insurance in Tasmania?

If you decide that you’d like the reassurance of Comprehensive Car Insurance in Tasmania, then there are a few other options you may be able to consider. Some policies will include these, in others, you will may need to pay an additional premium. You should check to see what options your provider offers, but some common ones are listed below.

• No Claims Bonus: This is a discount some providers include which accrues over your claim free years. The more years ‘claim-free’ you’ve had, the larger the discount generally is, up to a certain point. Exact figures vary, but it can be a good discount, so check with the provider.
• Towing following an accident: If you’re not covered, towing can be an unexpectedly high expense. Check with your insurer whether towing is included or can be added to your policy and any associated limits.
• Agreed or market value: If you agree on the amount that your car will be insured for, you’ll know where you stand in the event of an accident resulting in damage beyond repair. Alternatively, your payment would be assessed according to its current market value.
• Hire car: If you rely on your car for work or personal reasons, use of a hire car while your car is being repaired after an accident could be a valuable addition to your policy.
• Age restricting drivers: Some insurers will give you cheaper premiums if you restrict the age of drivers to over a given age, such as 25 or 30.
• Roadside assistance: Some policies will include the option of adding roadside assistance with their policies. Make sure you check just how much assistance is included, cost and if it will cover you if you’re far from home.
• New car replacement: Some insurers offer to replace a vehicle in a total loss claim with a new car of the same make and model) if yours is within a certain age limit.

How do I compare Car Insurance policies in Tasmania?

Right, you’ve now got some more information, so it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty and start comparing Car Insurance. Use our online service to compare from our range of providers, or call us on 13 19 20 to speak to one of our team.

Last updated: 09/09/2021