Money reveals its 2023 Insurer of the Year

Budget Direct has been named Money's 2023 Insurer of the Year as part of the Consumer Finance Awards.

Insurance premiums are set to rise as a result of a spate of natural disasters, the high cost of building materials and supply-chain-driven increases in the price of motor vehicle spare parts. The upshot is that there has never been a more important time to look for value in your insurer.

Having won this award for seven consecutive years, that's exactly what Budget Direct brings to the table.

Jonathan Kerr, chief growth officer at Auto & General, the brand's underwriter, says winning the award marks a "magnificent seven" for the company.

"The secret to our success is the passion everyone at Budget Direct puts into delivering award-winning insurance for less for our customers," he explains. "That's our passion and it shows year after year."

Budget Direct offers a broad range of cover - from cars and motorbikes to homes, contents, travel and even pets. When it comes to the top pick, Kerr points to the car and home cover.

"Our comprehensive car insurance and combined home and contents are truly outstanding," he says. "They are best known for their great product features and their great value. We have won more awards for these two products than any other Australian insurer."

While value and features are always a plus for consumers, it is also important to look for an insurer that makes life easy at claim time. Budget Direct delivers here, too. It recently won a 2023 industry-based Mansfield Award for claims service excellence in personal lines insurance, which covers both Budget Direct's comprehensive car insurance, and home and contents cover.

As premiums rise, Kerr has a few tips for consumers hoping to manage the increased cost. "They should look to tailor cover to best meet their needs," he says. "Budget Direct offers plenty of ways to do that, such as variable excess, limiting the kilometres you drive and limiting cover to drivers over a certain age."

"It's always good to make sure you are only paying for cover and features you will actually make use of."

If you're thinking of switching insurers, it's worth noting Budget Direct offers discounts on the first year's premium for new policies purchased online. Customers can save as much as 30% on combined home and contents cover and 15% on car, motorcycle and pet insurance.

Budget Direct has a 24/7 claims service, and guarantees authorised repairs on your car for as long as you own it.

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