Suncorp has cleaned up a car insurance survey undertaken by consumer organisation Choice, with Suncorp companies or joint ventures taking out the top four spots.

Choice recommended policies by rating insurers on a scale from 0 to 100 based on policy terms and conditions.

South Australia’s RAA Insurance – a joint venture with Suncorp subsidiary AAMI – was judged the top insurer with a score of 90.

Suncorp-branded policies scored second highest, at 86. Suncorp’s joint venture with Tasmania’s RACT was third at 85, while GIO policies rated fourth with a score of 84.

Sunshine Coast-based Budget Direct rated the lowest of the 21 car insurers evaluated by Choice, with a policy score of just 50.

AAMI policies bucked the flow of good results for Suncorp, scoring just 58 or 59 in the survey, depending on the state of registration.

A Suncorp spokesman told insuranceNEWS.com.au policies vary because “each company sets its own terms and conditions within the Suncorp corporate umbrella”.

The survey notes that the cheapest premiums are often available from budget, online or niche insurers, including new pay-as-you-drive schemes.