Financial researcher Canstar has singled out Budget Direct and AAMI for outstanding value in car insurance. This is the third year in a row that both insurers have been named in this national category.

Canstar research head Steve Mickenbecker says AAMI and Budget Direct are “at the top of their game when it comes to car insurance”.

Budget Direct has been a national winner since the comparison began in 2007.

Canstar researched 40 car insurers offering 61 policies. It looked at more than 18,000 online and phone quotes in regional and capital cities. 

Budget Direct came first in Victoria, NSW, SA and Tasmania. AAMI was first in Queensland, but its “product consistency in all other states” allowed it to be joint winner with Budget Direct.

WA motorists favoured newcomer Coles as their car insurer.