RACV Car Insurance remains one of the most recognised insurance products in Victoria, with more than one million drivers insured through the RACV brand. Known for its strong roadside assistance reputation and long history serving Victorian motorists, RACV continues to be a major player in Australia’s car insurance market.
Official Website: RACV Car Insurance
In 2026, RACV has remained in the spotlight due to rising insurance premiums across Australia, increased vehicle theft claims, growing electric vehicle adoption, and multiple industry awards recognising customer satisfaction and claims service.
What Is RACV Car Insurance?
RACV offers several levels of vehicle insurance designed for Victorian drivers.
Available cover options include:
- Comprehensive Car Insurance
- Complete Care® Car Insurance
- Third Party Property Damage Insurance
- Third Party Fire and Theft Insurance
- Motorcycle Insurance
RACV states that more than one million Victorian drivers currently hold RACV car insurance policies.
RACV Wins Major Insurance Awards
One of the biggest positive stories for RACV during 2026 has been its continued industry recognition.
According to RACV, its car insurance products received multiple major awards, including:
- Finder Most Trusted Car Insurance (Victoria)
- Finder Most Loved Car Insurance (Victoria)
- Finder Easiest to Claim Car Insurance (Victoria)
- Mozo Exceptional Quality Car Insurance Award
- WeMoney Best for Member Benefits Award
These awards reflect strong customer satisfaction scores and policy quality assessments across several independent comparison platforms.
Current News: Car Insurance Costs Continue Rising
Like most Australian insurers, RACV customers have experienced significant premium increases during 2026.
Industry-wide insurance costs have been affected by:
- Rising vehicle repair expenses
- Increased parts costs
- Higher labour costs
- Extreme weather claims
- Vehicle theft increases
- Inflation pressures
Recent Australian insurance reports indicate car insurance premiums across the market continue facing upward pressure following major weather-related claims and inflation-driven repair costs.
Vehicle Theft Becomes a Major Issue
One of the most discussed trends affecting Victorian drivers has been the sharp increase in vehicle theft.
RACV reported that Victoria recorded more than 33,000 vehicle thefts during the 12 months to June 2025, representing a 42.1% increase compared with the previous year. The insurer also cited Insurance Statistics Australia data showing a car theft insurance claim is lodged approximately every 18 minutes nationally.
These rising theft rates have become an important factor influencing insurance pricing and risk calculations.
RACV Complete Care® Car Insurance
RACV’s premium-level policy is known as Complete Care® Car Insurance.
According to RACV, this product includes benefits such as:
- Hire car after insured incidents
- Excess-free windscreen repairs
- Additional emergency accommodation benefits
- Comprehensive accident protection
- Theft and weather-event coverage
The insurer has also expanded support for electric vehicles through EV-qualified repair networks and charging-related benefits.
Electric Vehicle Insurance Expansion
Australia’s EV market continues growing rapidly, creating new insurance challenges.
RACV has increasingly promoted EV-specific insurance features, including:
- EV repair specialist networks
- Coverage for charging cables and adaptors
- Support for hybrid vehicles
- Access to participating EV charging benefits
As EV ownership rises across Australia, insurers continue adapting policies to address higher repair complexity and battery-related costs.
Why RACV Remains Popular
Strong Victorian Brand Recognition
RACV remains one of Victoria’s most trusted automotive and roadside assistance brands.
Flexible Coverage Options
Drivers can select from basic third-party policies through to premium Complete Care® protection.
Member Benefits
Many RACV members value additional discounts and benefits linked to the broader RACV ecosystem.
Established Claims Network
The insurer maintains extensive repair partnerships throughout Victoria.
What Affects RACV Insurance Premiums?
According to RACV, pricing is influenced by factors including:
- Driver age
- Driving history
- Claims history
- Vehicle type
- Vehicle value
- Location
- Annual kilometres driven
- Excess selected
- Theft risk
The insurer notes that younger drivers and higher-risk vehicles generally attract higher premiums.
Customer Feedback and Community Discussion
Customer experiences remain mixed, which is common across Australia’s major insurance providers.
Recent discussions on Australian finance forums show several recurring themes:
Positive Feedback
Some customers report:
- Smooth claims experiences
- Competitive coverage
- Strong roadside assistance reputation
- Good service during major incidents
Common Complaints
Other customers have discussed:
- Significant premium increases
- Renewal pricing concerns
- Better competitor quotes
- Higher costs for some vehicle categories
One widely discussed topic in 2026 has been the increase in renewal premiums, with some customers reporting substantial year-over-year increases and recommending annual quote comparisons.
Several users also noted that pricing varies dramatically depending on:
- Vehicle type
- Driver profile
- Location
- Claims history
- Vehicle security features
Community discussions repeatedly emphasise comparing multiple insurers before renewing policies.
AFCA Dispute Highlights Premium Pricing Debate
A recent dispute reviewed by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority involved a RACV policyholder challenging a premium increase of nearly 97%.
AFCA ultimately ruled in favour of the insurer, stating that insurance companies are entitled to determine pricing based on their own risk models and underwriting criteria. The ruling highlighted how claims history and broader market conditions can significantly affect renewal pricing.
RACV vs Other Australian Insurers
RACV competes with major insurers including:
- AAMI
- Allianz Australia
- QBE Insurance
- Budget Direct
- NRMA Insurance
Drivers commonly compare insurers based on:
- Premium cost
- Excess levels
- Claims experience
- Policy inclusions
- Agreed vs market value options
- Optional extras
Because pricing differs significantly between customers, obtaining several quotes remains one of the most effective comparison strategies.
2026 Outlook
The Australian insurance industry continues facing pressure from:
- Inflation
- Natural disasters
- Vehicle theft
- Rising repair costs
- EV adoption
- Parts shortages
Despite these challenges, RACV remains one of Victoria’s strongest insurance brands and continues receiving recognition for customer trust and claims experience.
Future pricing trends will likely depend on claims costs, weather events, theft rates, and broader economic conditions.
Final Thoughts
RACV Car Insurance remains one of the leading insurance choices for Victorian drivers in 2026. Strong brand recognition, award-winning customer satisfaction scores, comprehensive coverage options, and EV-focused insurance improvements continue supporting its popularity.
However, rising insurance costs across Australia mean many drivers are paying closer attention to renewal pricing and comparing multiple insurers before committing to a policy.
For Victorian motorists seeking an established insurer with extensive local support and a broad range of coverage options, RACV continues to be one of the most recognised names in the Australian insurance market.