Car insurance

[KingHuang]

Hey AFF gang,

I am currently with Suncorp car insurance (saw that they had 6 years winning canstar) and a 50k offer popped up for Qantas if $1550 premium is met.

Question:
1. Has anyone used Suncorp and Qantas car insurance before (both), any feedback in claims/extras/benefits?
2. Has anyone used Suncorp and recommend them?
3. Has anyone used Qantas and recommend them?

Sorry if this is wrong thread - couldn't find a car insurance section.

 

[Catardale]

I can only answer question 2. We had a new car stolen about three years ago and they were great. The car had just under 500 kms on the clock and the policy said they had to pay out the agreed value if the car wasn’t recovered within 28 days. We had the money in the bank on day 30. There was surprisingly little documentation and correspondence involved too. I would note though that this was a theft and not an accident, so I can’t comment about accident claims.

 

[Happy Dude]

I'm sure you'll find varying responses to your questions on the internet. I'd say the more pertinent question is 'is the lift in premium worth the points'? It's more than double what I pay for my car, so it's a 'no' for me.

If yes and you're happy with Suncorp, then take the QF deal and points and then go back to Suncorp as soon as the rules allow.

 

[RB]

Generally I would be concentrating on the PDS for any insurance.

 

[Gremlin]

Generally I would be concentrating on the PDS for any insurance.

100% this. All insurance is not created equal. Just because both the middle seat in Y on Jetstar and a Suite on Singapore Airlines will get you to Tokyo, most AFFers wouldn't consider the two to be equivalent products. It's the same with insurance.

 

[tdimdad]

Generally I would be concentrating on the PDS for any insurance.

And real-life experiences in dealing with the insurers, e.g. with claims. That's where the rubber hits the road and your choice is either rewarded or you'll curse at nights. Some are slow, coughbersome and try to weasel through every loophole they have in T&C's. Others act like an insurer and pay out what's due in a more timely manner.

I had home & car insurances with Suncorp in QLD and they were easy and prompt to deal with when it came to claims (1 * home, 2 * car). But that's not to say they'd be the best, just a single anecdotal experience.

 

[KingHuang]

Thanks for your input everyone, I've decided to go with Qantas for the 60 days and then re-assess best insurance options.

Any recommendations in terms of best coverage/turn around time. Based on previous reply suncorp does seem to very good.

 

[Forg]

Avoid any insurer which doesn’t offer a choice of repairer.
Not because you necessarily have a preferred repairer, but because when there’s no choice it’s going to be done in a bodgy fashion & if you don’t have ongoing problems your resale value will be damaged.

 

[Franky]

I live in WA and had my car insured for years thru RAC WA. Almost 4 years ago I moved from East Fremantle across the river to North Fremantle, 1.1km in distance. When I advised them of my change of address, they sent me a bill for $40. I objected, and the lady who took my complaint tried every trick she knew of to the work around that without success. So I cancelled the policy which had only recenlty rolled over, and received a refund of about $600, and I then took up an offer that QF had been sending me for ages. Their policy cost me $350, so I ended up with cash in hand. The premium remained on $350 for the next three renewals, and was only increased this year by $50. Haven't had any claims experience for years, so can’t comment on that side of things, but I am more than happy with them.