FWD vs Aviva Car Insurance: Which One is Better For You?

In this car insurance comparison, we look at two popular car insurers and see how their benefits, pricing and other features stack up against each other.

FWD and Aviva's car insurance plans are both competitively priced and provide a wide array of benefits that are sure to help you through many situations you may encounter as a driver. Depending on who you are, both FWD and Aviva can be either the cheapest or the most comprehensive plans on the market. However, there are some differences between the two that we wish to highlight for those who have narrowed down their car insurance search but want a bit more insight into these plans.

Table of Contents

FWD vs Aviva: Overview

FWD and Aviva are great options for the value-seeking driver. In addition to Third Party, Fire & Theft (TPFT) and Third Party Only (TPO) plans, FWD's comprehensive car insurance policy is split into three tiers: Classic, Executive and Prestige. The Classic plan provides the least amount of coverage but is one of the cheapest options available on the market. The Executive and Prestige plans provide more benefits and higher limits and cost around to slightly above market average. Aviva has the same layout for its Comprehensive plan offering Lite, Standard and Prestige plans. Both plans provide a wide array of benefits, although we found FWD is better for experienced drivers while Aviva may be better for younger drivers and families.

Both insurers provide plenty of opportunities to save with both insurers. Both insurers provide a bonus perk once you reach a 50% NCD. FWD provides 50% lifetime NCD benefit, while Aviva provides a 5% discount. Both insurers provide young drivers the ability to waive the YIDR excess, albeit for an additional cost and a few restrictions. Lastly, FWD provides savings for car owners who prefer to keep their existing workshop, as they charge one of the lowest amounts to get your car repaired at the workshop of your choice. Aviva stands out by only reducing your NCD by 10% if you get into an at-fault accident, compared to an industry standard of 20-30%.

FWD vs Aviva: Pricing

Aviva and FWD car insurance both typically cost below average for most of the profiles we analysed. In terms of average cost across all 25 of our driver profiles, FWD's Classic plan costs 15% below average, its Executive plan costs around the average and its Prestige car insurance plan costs an average of 7% above the Comprehensive plan average. While experienced sedan drivers can reap cost savings of up to 35%, younger drivers may end up paying up to 42% above average. Furthemore, the young/inexperienced driver excess exists up until you are 27 compared to Aviva, who cuts it off at 25. While it is possible to waive it, you will end up increasing the cost of your premiums. Thus, when looking simply at cost, FWD's Comprehensive plans may be better suited for older drivers with 5 or more years of experience.

This graph shows the cheapest car insurance premiums in Singapore

Despite FWD's competitive pricing, Aviva's low and mid-tier plans remain cheaper for most people. Aviva's Lite plan costs an average of 28% below the market average, the Classic costs an average of 20% below average and the Prestige costs an average of 13% above average for the 25 driver profiles we analysed. Aviva's plans are most competitively priced for the majority of single or married couples with premiums ranging 25-35% below average. Aviva was also cheaper than FWD for younger drivers (under 30 years old) by 31-37%. That being said, we did find areas where FWD may be a better budget option. For instance, FWD's Prestige plan is cheaper than Aviva's Prestige plan, so FWD is the better yet similar alternative for customers looking for a top-tier plan. Furthermore, Aviva's car insurance plans may cost between 14-86% more if you drive a Mercedes E-class or a Mazda 3.

FWD vs Aviva: Benefits

When comparing the two insurers, FWD provides better post-accident benefits for single and experienced drivers. For instance, you can claim for a post-accident taxi, transportation (loss of use) while your car is in the shop and you'll receive a courtesy car for 3 months (limited to Executive and Prestige plans). It also offers medical and personal accident & death coverage for the driver across all 3 Comprehensive plan options. Another unique benefit is that it provides coverage for any driver that you trust with your car, without you needing to name them on the policy. That being said, those looking for car accessory and personal belongings coverage aren't limited to Aviva. FWD also has these benefits, albeit at lower limits.

Summary of Benefits for Comprehensive Plans

FeaturesFWD Car InsuranceAviva Car Insurance
General ExcessS$750-S$2,500S$250-S$2,500
YIDR ExcessS$0-S$2,500S$0-S$2,500
Accidental Loss/DamageMarket ValueMarket Value
3rd Party Liability (Death)UnlimitedUnlimited
3rd Party Liability (Damage)S$5 mnS$5 mn
TowingS$300-S$500Unlimited
Windscreen (S$100 Excess)UnlimitedUnlimited
Passenger MedicalS$1,000-S$5,000S$500-S$5,000
Death/Disability (Driver)S$30,000-S$75,000S$0-S$100,000
Death/Disability (Passenger)S$10,000-S$25,000S$0-S$100,000
Car AccessoriesS$500-S$2,000S$Unlimited
Loss of UseYesYes (for fee)

On the other hand, Aviva's benefits may be more useful for families due to family-friendly benefits for things like car seats and personal belongings. Aviva also offers unlimited car accessory coverage so any expensive entertainment systems are covered. Furthermore, Aviva provides unlimited towing benefits, compared to FWD's S$300-S$500 limit. There is also up to S$5,000 medical and S$100,000 of personal accident coverage for both passengers and drivers, which ensures that everyone in the car will be covered in the event of an accident. Lastly, one main feature that will be beneficial for families who rely on their car is the brand new car replacement benefit. You will receive a new car (same make/model) if you get into an accident within 1-2 years of being a policyholder and your accident repairs cost more than 70% of the car's market value. However, Aviva charges extra for things that FWD includes automatically like loss of use and lock/key replacement, so when deciding between the two, it is worth comparing your final premium with the benefits you want included.

FWD vs Aviva: Eligibility

Depending on your history, either Aviva or FWD could be a better option. For instance, in terms of accident history, FWD is more lenient since they let you . However, Aviva seems to be more lenient when it comes to your past run-ins with the law, as they won't deny you coverage if you were charged with a DUI/DWI or had your license revoked. Aviva will also be a better option if your car is between 12-15 years old but you still require comprehensive coverage since FWD has a car age limit of 12 years.

FWD Car InsuranceAviva Car Insurance
Policyholder Requirements
  • Singapore resident with NRIC/FIN
  • Have valid Singapore driving license
  • Private car listed under your name
  • Are between 20 and 69 years old
  • Have not had 3 or more at-fault claims in last 3 years^
  • Have not had revoked or suspended license in last 3 years
  • Never been convicted of DUI or DWI
  • Never been refused to buy/renew car insurance
  • Never had car insurance cancelled/voided
  • Singapore resident with NRIC/FIN
  • Be between 21-70 years old
  • Be registered car owner of car to be insured
  • At least 1 year of driving experience
  • Be medically fit to drive
  • No more than 2 claims in past 3 years
  • Have not been previously refused insurance
Private Car Requirements
  • Car is used for non-commercial purposes
  • Car is roadworthy within LTA guidelines
  • Car is 12 years old or less from initial registration
  • Car only has modifications that are LTA compliant
  • Car can not be older than 15 years old
^Excluding windscreen claims

How to Choose Between FWD & Aviva's Car Insurance Plans

Both insurers provide a wide array of benefits for affordable prices, so it's difficult to lose if you choose either of them. However, Aviva is cheaper in the large majority of cases than FWD and provides higher benefit limits for the benefits that are shared among the two. On the other hand, FWD is cheaper if you are a solo driver and are looking for a top-tier plan and desire extensive benefits without having to pay extra. At the end of the day, both insurers made it on our list of the best car insurance plans, where you can see how they stacked up against other insurers.

Anastassia Evlanova

Anastassia is a Senior Research Analyst at ValueChampion Singapore, evaluating insurance products for consumers based on quantitative and qualitative financial analysis. She holds degrees in Economics and International Business Management and her prior working experience includes work in the capital markets sector. Her analyses surrounding insurance, healthcare, international affairs and personal finance has been featured on AsiaOne, Business Insider, DW, Vice, Her World, Asia Insurance Review, the Australian Institute of International Affairs and more.

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