Is car insurance expensive in Aus?

Car insurance in Australia can be expensive compared to many countries, but cost varies widely by state, age, driving history, vehicle type and level of cover. Compulsory Third Party or CTP Green Slip is mandatory in all states and is separate from optional insurance. CTP alone costs $300-$1,200 per year depending on your state, with NSW and ACT typically the most expensive. On top of that, comprehensive car insurance averages around $1,200-$1,800 per year nationally, but a young driver under 25 in Sydney or Melbourne driving a turbo or performance car can pay $2,500-$4,000+ per year, while a 40-year-old driver in regional South Australia with a clean record driving a Toyota Corolla might pay $600-$900. Third Party Property Damage, which only covers damage you cause to other cars, is much cheaper at $300-$600 per year. Factors that increase premiums include age under 25, living in high-claim postcodes like Western Sydney, having had at-fault accidents or traffic offences, parking on the street, high kilometres driven, and expensive parts for European cars. Insurers like Budget Direct, Bingle, Youi and Rollin are often cheaper for low-risk drivers who agree to pay-per-kilometre or higher excesses, while NRMA, Allianz and Suncorp are more expensive but offer more comprehensive benefits like hire car after theft.