QBE car insurance review: cover, features and how it compares
A neutral overview of QBE car insurance in Australia — what it covers, the kind of customer it tends to suit, and how it compares for shopping purposes.
Overview
QBE is a major Australian-headquartered insurer with global operations and a long history in personal and business insurance. Its car insurance products are distributed both directly and via brokers.
QBE's car insurance covers the standard ladder of cover types, with specific inclusions, exclusions and excesses set out in the QBE PDS and TMD for each product.
Who QBE car insurance may suit
- Drivers who want a major established insurer with broad coverage
- Customers who already hold other QBE policies and want to consolidate
- Drivers using a broker who has access to QBE products
Who it may not suit
- Drivers focused purely on the lowest direct price
- Customers wanting a slick app-only experience above all else
- Niche or high-risk drivers who may be better served by specialist insurers
Cover types offered
QBE typically offers the following cover types. Specific inclusions, exclusions and limits sit in the QBE PDS for each product.
- Comprehensive car insurance
- Third party property
- Third party fire and theft
For background on what each cover type means, see our explainers on comprehensive car insurance and third party car insurance.
Key features
Phone, online and broker-mediated claims options. Specific processes are set out in the PDS.
Standard excess with voluntary excess available; age-based and inexperienced driver excesses commonly apply per the PDS.
Hire car cover, choice of repairer, windscreen cover and roadside assistance commonly available.
Online account access and app support, though the broker channel remains a meaningful part of QBE distribution.
Pricing positioning
QBE typically sits as a major-insurer mid-market option rather than a budget brand. Pricing varies widely depending on driver profile and distribution channel — direct quotes and broker-sourced quotes can differ.
For more on what shapes premiums in general, see our pages on car insurance cost and lowering your premium.
Pros and cons
- Long-established Australian insurer with broad product range
- Available both directly and via brokers
- Standard set of optional extras
- Personal and business product range
- Not typically a budget brand on price
- Distribution model means less of a flashy retail consumer experience
- Broker-sourced quotes may differ from direct quotes
How QBE compares with other Australian insurers
QBE is worth comparing alongside Allianz, Suncorp, NRMA and AAMI on matched inputs. Brokers can also surface QBE quotes that aren't visible on consumer comparison sites.
Related provider reviews worth comparing:
Useful background reading:
Frequently asked questions
Compare your options
The cleanest way to test whether QBE is competitive for you is to quote it alongside a couple of other insurers using identical inputs. The pages below cover both the comparison framework and the quote process.
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