Budget Direct has been awarded the prestigious and inaugural title of ‘Insurer of the Year’ in the 2026 Finder Provider of the Year Awards, firmly cementing its position as a leading insurance choice for Australians seeking exceptional value and reliable coverage.

This landmark achievement is complemented by a sweep of category awards with a total of five wins for Budget Direct, the most awards for any provider. These include the overall ‘Insurer of the Year’ title, Pet Insurance – Insurer of the Year, and Car Insurance – Insurer of the Year across New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia.

The Finder Provider of the Year Awards showcase the providers and brands who offer top-rated products and have the most satisfied customers. Budget Direct’s wins solidify its reputation as a standout insurance industry performer and Australia’s most award-winning insurer.

These latest accolades join a formidable collection of 95 Finder Awards won since 2017, including 20 Car Insurance wins, and 49 Customer Satisfaction Awards since 2022, underscoring Budget Direct’s enduring commitment to both product quality and exceptional customer experience.

Awards

Finder Provider of the Year Awards 2026

Category

Insurer of the Year 2026 (Overall)

Winner

Budget Direct

Provider of the Year Wins

Most Provider of the Year Awards of any brand with 5 wins

Car Insurance NSW - Insurer of the Year

Car Insurance SA - Insurer of the Year

Car Insurance WA - Insurer of the Year

Pet Insurance - Insurer of the Year

Product Wins

Won 3 product awards

Best Value Car Insurance

Best Value Pet Insurance 

Best Low Cost Car Insurance

Historical Track Record

95 Finder Awards since 2017 

20 Car Insurance Wins since 2017

49 Customer Satisfaction Awards since 2022 (including 14 wins)

Jonathan Kerr, Chief Growth Officer at Budget Direct said the awards were even more proof that Budget Direct is upholding its promise to customers to provide exceptional cover at a competitive price, having paid out more than $1.5 billion on claims in the past twelve months. 

“Winning the inaugural ‘Insurer of the Year’ is a powerful testament to our unwavering commitment to providing Australians with exceptional value without compromising on quality,” said Kerr.

"In a landscape where household budgets are under increasing pressure, consumers are actively seeking the best value for their essential services. This award from Finder, a trusted voice in consumer comparison, validates our core mission: to deliver consistently low premiums backed by robust coverage and reliable service," added Kerr.

Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, said Budget Direct is a standout performer in Finder’s Provider of the Year Awards 2026. 

“Taking home five wins – the most of any brand this year – proves Budget Direct is a powerhouse in the Australian market. 

“We are particularly thrilled to crown them our inaugural ‘Insurer of the Year’ award. This new flagship award is designed to identify the best of the best by combining our extensive set of product data with our customer satisfaction survey of 60,000 Aussies.

“With insurance prices increasing in most categories, Australians should look for the best deal for them. Budget Direct’s 2026 sweep makes them a great brand to consider,” Cooke said.

Winning the overall 'Insurer of the Year' award signifies a new level of industry recognition for Budget Direct and is the result of ongoing innovation in policy design, operational efficiencies and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction.

Budget Direct will continue to meet increasing consumer demands for great insurance products at a competitive price with an unwavering commitment to Insurance Solved® for Australians.

Read more about the 2026 Finder Awards.

Get a quote for one of Budget Direct’s award-winning insurance policies.

Media Contacts

Bronwyn Fardon, PR Manager, Auto & General - [email protected].

Amanda Gormley - Communication Director - [email protected].

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Disclaimer: Insurance is issued by Auto & General Insurance Company Limited (ABN 42 111 586 353, AFSL 285571) (AGIC) and arranged by Auto & General Services Pty Ltd (ABN 61 003 617 909, AFSL 241411) (AGS). Registered Office: 13/9 Sherwood Road, Toowong 4066.

All data in this article are from the sources referenced in this article, and was obtained in February 2025. While AGS has endeavoured to ensure the information we’ve relied on is accurate, current and complete, we do not guarantee it and accept no liability for the use or reliance upon this information.

This information contains general information only about our products and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination available at budgetdirect.com.au and consider whether the product is appropriate to you before deciding to buy our product/s. Subject to meeting underwriting criteria.

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