According to a new survey by Compare the Market, 23% of Australian motorists, or approximately one-in-four, have been forced to delay or stop essential car maintenance due to cost-of-living pressures.
The survey found that of more than 1,000 Australians, 22% didn’t clean their car as regularly, while 19% admitted to servicing their car less often. Alarmingly, 4% have stopped getting their car serviced and cleaned altogether.
These results prompted Compare the Market executive general manager of general insurance Adrian Taylor to warn that avoiding essential car maintenance could risk voiding some car insurance claims.
“It is important to maintain your car regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure safe driving. We have all-too-often seen accidents recorded on dash cameras, such as wheels coming off on the highway or a loss of traction in the rain,” said Mr Taylor.
“If it is found that your vehicle, prior to the accident, was not roadworthy, your insurer could potentially deny a claim – potentially leaving you thousands out-of-pocket to pay for your own repairs and repairs of a third party if you are found to be at fault. While cost-of-living pressures may push you to put off servicing your car, it is simply not worth the risk.”
The full results of the survey can be found here: https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/car-insurance/features/car-maintenance-survey-2025/