[multiman]

I'm trying to put together a budget for living in Melbourne. Could anyone help out with a figure for comprehensive car insurance - preferably the cheapest. I know car insurance costs a fortune in the USA and Canada and I'm not sure if Australia's the same or if it's more like the UK.

[fran]

The insurance premium will depend on the age of the car, your age, the make and model of the car, no claims bonus and so on.

People coming from the UK find that fully comp car insurance is cheaper in AUS compared to what they are used to. I'm currently paying around $600 in Melbourne for fully comprehensive, full no claims bonus for a Totota Camry.

I can recemmend a comparison site for you to use. http://www.ratecity.com.au/car-insurance. Just enter your details as best you can and you can get quotes.

BudgetDirect are usually very competitive.

[vine]

If you want really cheap insurance, is driving uninsured an option? I remember reading somewhere than you don't need car insurance at all in New Zealand. Is it the same in Australia? Or is there a legal minimum insurance you need like third party only or do you need to buy fully comprehensive insurance?

[fran]

You must be insured - but only for third party person. In some states this is built into the car registration (Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia) and you have to use the state provider.

In Queensland and Nw South Wales you have a choice of insurance company for compulsory insurance.