Arranging insurance

It is important to insure any vehicle that you’re purchasing before you drive it away.

Most companies will arrange the cover for you over the phone, and provide you with a policy number.

If you are trading in an existing vehicle, make sure you have your insurer cancel your existing policy and issue a new one for your replacement vehicle. If your car is not insured and is subsequently involved in an accident, you will not be covered for any damage to it or any third party or property.

If you are taking out a loan for the car you are purchasing, check with the financial institution to see if they have any requirements for your insurance policy.

RACQ offers a range of motor vehicle insurance products to suit our members’ needs.

On road costs

Before you drive away in your new vehicle, there are some legislated 'on road’ costs you should be aware of.

Registration

If you live in, and drive in Queensland your vehicle must be registered with the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Vehicle registration duty

You may have to pay vehicle registration duty (previously stamp duty) when transferring registration or applying for new registration.

Transfer fees

A transfer fee applies when you transfer the registration of a used vehicle into your name. Find out how to transfer a registration.

Number plate fees

A fee applies to new vehicles to cover the cost of number plates. It also applies for the replacement of damaged or deteriorated plates.

Things to note

The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.

Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the PDS and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.