South Australian domestic lines insurer RAA has the best car insurance policy in terms of coverage, according to a recent report by the Australian Consumers' Association. The report in the ACA’s new Money and Rights offshoot of its long-established Choice magazine awarded second place to Suncorp and third to GIO.

The ACA asked 18 insurers for quotes on nine consumer scenarios and found “huge differences” in premiums. The gap between cheapest and most expensive policies averaged $300 for claim-free older drivers, drivers over 60 and those with older cars; $500 for drivers with recent claims or who own four-wheel-drives; $1150 for a family with a young driver; and $1600 for young drivers.

The report also found “huge variations” for the excess paid by young drivers in NSW, ranging from $400 to $1200. It says drivers seeking a better car insurance deal should follow the old adage: shop around.