aami com

January 19, 2025

AAMI.com.au: What You Should Know Before You Insure Anything

Think of AAMI as the insurance brand that’s practically part of everyday Australian life—like Vegemite or Bunnings, but for your car and home.

TL;DR:
AAMI is one of Australia’s biggest and oldest insurance brands. It covers cars, homes, businesses, travel, and more. The experience is easy to manage with its app, and it’s backed by Suncorp, so it's not some fly-by-night operation. There’s a lot to like, but it’s not perfect—some customers complain about claims delays. Still, it's a major player for a reason.

AAMI’s Been Around the Block (Since 1969)

Not many insurance brands have stuck around for over 50 years and stayed relevant. AAMI has. It started in 1969 as a car insurer and grew into a full-service general insurance giant. By the time streaming TV showed up, AAMI had already insured millions of Aussie homes and vehicles.

And yes, it’s part of the Suncorp Group now. That’s a big deal. It means strong financial backing, loads of resources, and some very polished tech. It's not just a logo with a call center behind it.

It’s Not Just Car Insurance (But That’s the Backbone)

Car insurance is what AAMI is best known for. The options are clear:

Comprehensive: Covers your car, the other person’s car, theft, fire, storms, shopping trolleys—you name it.
Third Party Property: Just the damage you cause to other vehicles or property.
CTP (Compulsory Third Party): The legal requirement to drive in Australia, covering injuries you cause.
Add-ons like Roadside Assist: Think of it like insurance’s version of a safety net when your battery dies or your tire explodes on the freeway.

They also have a network of repair centers around the country. No need to beg a mechanic for a quote when you’ve got a cracked bumper.

Home & Contents? Covered.

If your washing machine floods the living room, or a tree takes out your roof, AAMI has policies to handle it:

Home Building Insurance is for the physical structure.
Contents Insurance covers what’s inside—your TV, laptop, fridge, grandma’s heirloom clock.
Landlord Insurance exists if you're renting out a place.
Strata Insurance handles shared buildings. So, if your unit's pipes burst and ruin the lobby carpet, this kicks in.

It’s like building a layered wall around your stuff—and knowing AAMI will help clean up the mess.

Business Owners, They’ve Got You Too

AAMI isn’t just for suburban families. If you run a coffee shop, hair salon, or consulting firm, you’ll find policies that speak your language. They offer:

Public liability coverage
Business interruption (if something forces you to close temporarily)
Equipment and stock protection
Even professional indemnity for service-based businesses

It’s practical stuff. Not glamorous, but essential if you don’t want one freak accident or lawsuit to wipe you out.

Life and Travel Insurance—They Dabble Here Too

AAMI also covers the more personal side of insurance:

Life insurance and funeral cover: This is more straightforward than it sounds. You pay monthly, and if the worst happens, your family gets a payout.
Travel insurance: You break your ankle hiking in New Zealand or lose your luggage in Rome—AAMI steps in.

It’s not the main thing they’re known for, but it’s there when you need it.

Managing It All: Easy If You Use the App

Here’s the part that makes a big difference. AAMI has actually kept up with how people live. Everything’s manageable through their website or mobile app:

Check your policy
Make updates
File a claim
See progress updates
Renew or cancel

It’s surprisingly smooth. No need to stay on hold for 40 minutes just to change your address. This matters—because when something goes wrong, the last thing you want is a clunky process.

You’ve Probably Seen Their Ads

Who hasn’t heard of “AAMI Girl”? Their ads are part of the culture at this point. Light-hearted, easy to remember, and usually playing in the background when you're half-watching TV. But it’s more than just charm—they’ve managed to create a brand that feels familiar and trustworthy. That’s not easy to fake.

They also sponsor AAMI Park in Melbourne and fund things like driver safety courses. It’s a nice touch—feels like they give back, not just take premiums.

So, What’s the Catch?

AAMI isn’t perfect. Look at Trustpilot and you’ll see it’s sitting around 1.3 out of 5. That’s rough. The biggest complaints?

Claims taking longer than expected
Communication drop-offs mid-process
Getting bounced between departments

These aren’t dealbreakers for everyone, but they’re not small things either. If you’re the type who values fast, seamless claims with a personal touch, this could be a sticking point.

Still, when you have over 800,000 households using your service, not everyone’s going to be thrilled. The scale alone makes it hard to keep everyone happy.

Compared to Other Big Names

In the insurance ring, AAMI is sparring with Budget Direct, NRMA, Youi, and Allianz. Each has its perks. Budget Direct is known for pricing. NRMA has roadside service baked in. Allianz feels corporate and polished.

AAMI? It’s the all-rounder. Not the cheapest, not the most boutique, but it does a lot well. Think of it like Toyota—maybe not the flashiest car, but super dependable, with service centers everywhere.

Claims Process: What to Expect

Let’s say you reverse into a pole. Here’s how the claims process usually goes:

Jump on the app or website.
Submit your details—photos help.
Pick a repairer from their network or let them assign one.
Track the claim online.
Get back on the road.

It’s built to reduce stress. And they offer lifetime guarantees on authorized repairs, which shows confidence in their network.

Should You Go with AAMI?

It comes down to what you value. Want a well-known brand with solid digital tools and wide policy coverage? AAMI fits. Want rock-bottom premiums and white-glove customer service? Maybe shop around.

But for most people who want a reliable insurer that won’t vanish overnight, AAMI’s a safe bet. It’s not sexy, but it works—and when you need to claim, that’s what matters.