Each week, we distil Australia’s automotive and mobility headlines into a concise, trustworthy update. Expect clear summaries of car market movements, policy and regulation shifts, technology and safety developments, and broader economic trends shaping how Australians drive and do business. Designed for busy professionals and everyday drivers, it’s your balanced, plain-English recap to stay informed and make confident decisions—without the noise.
This Week:
This week: car insurance premiums keep rising, with ASIC urging motorists to avoid costly auto‑renewals. Competition intensifies as customer‑owned banks undercut major lenders, a reminder to look beyond the big four when comparing finance, including car loans. And for SMEs, the $20,000 instant asset write‑off is now permanent from 1 July 2026, supporting faster deductions on lower‑cost business vehicles and equipment. Car Loans Online can help with free eligibility checks, market comparisons, and broker support.
EPISODE 2787 | Car Loans Online News Brief | Fri, 28th Aug 2026
30 Aug 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to the Car Loans Online News Brief with Paige Estritori, its Friday, 28 August 2026.
First, car running costs are still climbing. New analysis shows comprehensive car insurance premiums have risen about 42 per cent since 2019, and many motorists are overpaying by letting policies auto‑renew. Australias corporate regulator, ASIC, says explanations for price rises often fall short. If your renewal lands this week, compare, check your excess and optional add‑ons, and call your insurer to see if theyll sharpen the premium. When youre planning repayments, include realistic insurance costs so your car budget stacks up.
Next up, smaller lenders are turning up the heat on the majors. Fresh research this week highlights customer‑owned banks and credit unions often posting slightly lower variable mortgage rates than the big four. That competition can spill into other credit too, including personal and business car finance. The takeaway: widen your search beyond the household names. Our free eligibility assessment and broker network can scan a broader market and help you weigh features like fees, flexibility and payout options—without the guesswork.
Meanwhile, a tax changer worth noting for businesses. Parliament has made the $20,000 instant asset write‑off permanent for eligible small businesses from 1 July 2026, per asset. That can accelerate deductions on lower‑cost vehicles and equipment—think certain light commercial vehicles, trailers, scooters or fit‑outs—helping with cash flow. It wont cover pricier cars in full, and rules apply, so check with your accountant. If a purchase still makes sense, we can step in with a quick comparison of chattel mortgages, leases and other options to match your turnover and seasonality.
Thats your wrap. For tools, calculators and a free car‑loan assessment, head to car-loans-online.com.au. Im Paige—thanks for listening, and drive safe.
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
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