BRISBANE, Australia, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Budget Direct has been awarded the prestigious and inaugural title of 'Insurer of the Year' in the 2026 Finder Provider of the Year Awards, firmly cementing its position as a leading insurance choice for Australians seeking exceptional value and reliable coverage.
This landmark achievement is complemented by a sweep of category awards with a total of five wins for Budget Direct, the most awards for any provider. These include the overall 'Insurer of the Year' title, Pet Insurance – Insurer of the Year, and Car Insurance – Insurer of the Year across New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia.
The Finder Provider of the Year Awards showcase the providers and brands who offer top-rated products and have the most satisfied customers. Budget Direct's wins solidify its reputation as a standout insurance industry performer and Australia's most award-winning insurer.
These latest accolades join a formidable collection of 95 Finder Awards won since 2017, including 20 Car Insurance wins, and 49 Customer Satisfaction Awards since 2022, underscoring Budget Direct's enduring commitment to both product quality and exceptional customer experience
| Awards | Finder Provider of the Year Awards 2026 |
| Category | Insurer of the Year 2026 (Overall) |
| Winner | Budget Direct |
| Provider of the Year Wins | Most Provider of the Year Awards of any brand with 5 wins Car Insurance NSW - Insurer of the Year Car Insurance SA - Insurer of the Year Car Insurance WA - Insurer of the Year Pet Insurance - Insurer of the Year |
| Product Wins | Won 3 product awards Best Value Car Insurance Best Value Pet Insurance Best Low Cost Car Insurance |
| Historical Track Record | 95 Finder Awards since 2017 20 Car Insurance Wins since 2017 49 Customer Satisfaction Awards since 2022 (including 14 wins) |
Awards
Finder Provider of the Year Awards 2026
Category
Insurer of the Year 2026 (Overall)
Winner
Budget Direct
Provider of the Year Wins
Most Provider of the Year Awards of any brand with 5 wins
Car Insurance NSW - Insurer of the Year
Car Insurance SA - Insurer of the Year
Car Insurance WA - Insurer of the Year
Pet Insurance - Insurer of the Year
Product Wins
Won 3 product awards
Best Value Car Insurance
Best Value Pet Insurance
Best Low Cost Car Insurance
Historical Track Record
95 Finder Awards since 2017
20 Car Insurance Wins since 2017
49 Customer Satisfaction Awards since 2022 (including 14 wins)
Jonathan Kerr, Chief Growth Officer at Budget Direct said the awards were even more proof that Budget Direct is upholding its promise to customers to provide exceptional cover at a competitive price, having paid out more than $1.5 billion on claims in the past twelve months.
"Winning the inaugural 'Insurer of the Year' is a powerful testament to our unwavering commitment to providing Australians with exceptional value without compromising on quality," said Kerr.
"In a landscape where household budgets are under increasing pressure, consumers are actively seeking the best value for their essential services. This award from Finder, a trusted voice in consumer comparison, validates our core mission: to deliver consistently low premiums backed by robust coverage and reliable service," added Kerr.
Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, said Budget Direct is a standout performer in Finder's Provider of the Year Awards 2026.
"Taking home five wins – the most of any brand this year – proves Budget Direct is a powerhouse in the Australian market.
"We are particularly thrilled to crown them our inaugural 'Insurer of the Year' award. This new flagship award is designed to identify the best of the best by combining our extensive set of product data with our customer satisfaction survey of 60,000 Aussies.
"With insurance prices increasing in most categories, Australians should look for the best deal for them. Budget Direct's 2026 sweep makes them a great brand to consider," Cooke said.
Winning the overall 'Insurer of the Year' award signifies a new level of industry recognition for Budget Direct and is the result of ongoing innovation in policy design, operational efficiencies and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction.
Budget Direct will continue to meet increasing consumer demands for great insurance products at a competitive price with an unwavering commitment to Insurance Solved® for Australians.
Read more about the 2026 Finder Awards.
Get a quote for one of Budget Direct's award-winning insurance policies.
DISCLAIMER
Insurance (excluding Pet, Life & Travel Insurance) is issued by Auto & General Insurance Company Limited (ABN 42 111 586 353, AFSL 285571) (AGIC) and arranged by Auto & General Services Pty Ltd (ABN 61 003 617 909, AFSL 241411) (AGS) PO Box 342, Toowong QLD 4066.
Budget Direct Pet Insurance is issued by AGIC, administered by Pet Health Insurance Services Pty Ltd (ABN 59 638 910 675) as Authorised Representative (AR no. 1282153) of AGIC and promoted by AGS.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Budget Direct Crowned Inaugural Australian 'Insurer of the Year', Leading All Providers With Five Major Wins in the 2026 Finder Awards
Budget Direct Crowned Inaugural Australian 'Insurer of the Year', Leading All Providers With Five Major Wins in the 2026 Finder Awards
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New global report reveals how security technology is driving business efficiency, ROI, and data-driven decision-making for business leaders.
HAMILTON, New Zealand, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Security technology is no longer just about protection. According to Gallagher Security's newly released 2026 Security Industry Trends Report, systems once designed primarily to manage risk are now quietly enabling smarter operations, better workplace experiences, and stronger business outcomes.
Drawing on global insights, the report shows how organizations are unlocking value, return on investment, and actionable intelligence from security infrastructure already in place.
Security as invisible infrastructure
From office doors to behind-the-scenes data, security technology has become a powerful force shaping how modern organizations operate.
The report reveals that security systems are being used to do more than keep people and property safe. As organizations look to work more effectively, these systems are helping leaders understand how people interact with spaces, where time and resources are gained or lost, and how everyday decisions affect performance - often without employees noticing.
"What's striking is how invisible this shift has been," says Mark Junge, Chief Executive of Gallagher Security. "Security sits quietly in the background of daily work life, yet it's increasingly helping organizations reduce friction and make better-informed decisions."
From operational necessity to business insight
The report highlights a growing realization that security has become a valuable source of business insight. By integrating security systems with other tools and analyzing the data, organizations are improving workflows, strengthening compliance, and supporting more flexible ways of working.
A key signal of this shift is an increased focus on return on investment. Rather than viewing security purely as a cost, organizations are assessing how these systems contribute to measurable outcomes, including time saved, smoother operations, and progress toward sustainability goals.
Security moves into the boardroom
As the role of security expands, so too does who is involved in security decisions. Once managed largely within specialist teams, security is now part of broader discussions involving IT, finance, facilities, and executive leadership, reflecting how deeply these systems are embedded in modern operations.
"The conversation has moved beyond preventing problems," Junge adds. "Security is now about enabling businesses by providing the data, confidence, and flexibility needed to adapt and perform."
The Gallagher Security Industry Trends Report 2026 is now available, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how security technology is shaping modern business.
About Gallagher Security:
A global leader in integrated security solutions that unlock customer value through the power of our people and products. From making sure people go home safely to their families each night, to helping organizations become more efficient, productive, and profitable. Trusted within the highest levels of national and local government, military, commercial, industrial, healthcare, transportation, academic organizations, and small businesses in 140 countries. Visit security.gallagher.com for more information.
New global report reveals how security technology is driving business efficiency, ROI, and data-driven decision-making for business leaders.
HAMILTON, New Zealand, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Security technology is no longer just about protection. According to Gallagher Security's newly released 2026 Security Industry Trends Report, systems once designed primarily to manage risk are now quietly enabling smarter operations, better workplace experiences, and stronger business outcomes.
Drawing on global insights, the report shows how organizations are unlocking value, return on investment, and actionable intelligence from security infrastructure already in place.
Security as invisible infrastructure
From office doors to behind-the-scenes data, security technology has become a powerful force shaping how modern organizations operate.
The report reveals that security systems are being used to do more than keep people and property safe. As organizations look to work more effectively, these systems are helping leaders understand how people interact with spaces, where time and resources are gained or lost, and how everyday decisions affect performance - often without employees noticing.
"What's striking is how invisible this shift has been," says Mark Junge, Chief Executive of Gallagher Security. "Security sits quietly in the background of daily work life, yet it's increasingly helping organizations reduce friction and make better-informed decisions."
From operational necessity to business insight
The report highlights a growing realization that security has become a valuable source of business insight. By integrating security systems with other tools and analyzing the data, organizations are improving workflows, strengthening compliance, and supporting more flexible ways of working.
A key signal of this shift is an increased focus on return on investment. Rather than viewing security purely as a cost, organizations are assessing how these systems contribute to measurable outcomes, including time saved, smoother operations, and progress toward sustainability goals.
Security moves into the boardroom
As the role of security expands, so too does who is involved in security decisions. Once managed largely within specialist teams, security is now part of broader discussions involving IT, finance, facilities, and executive leadership, reflecting how deeply these systems are embedded in modern operations.
"The conversation has moved beyond preventing problems," Junge adds. "Security is now about enabling businesses by providing the data, confidence, and flexibility needed to adapt and perform."
The Gallagher Security Industry Trends Report 2026 is now available, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how security technology is shaping modern business.
About Gallagher Security:
A global leader in integrated security solutions that unlock customer value through the power of our people and products. From making sure people go home safely to their families each night, to helping organizations become more efficient, productive, and profitable. Trusted within the highest levels of national and local government, military, commercial, industrial, healthcare, transportation, academic organizations, and small businesses in 140 countries. Visit security.gallagher.com for more information.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Security is quietly reshaping modern business, says Gallagher Security's 2026 Industry Trends Report
Security is quietly reshaping modern business, says Gallagher Security's 2026 Industry Trends Report
