CTP Car Insurance
Find out more about the car insurance you’ll have to sign up for – CTP Car Insurance.
Fact checked
CTP insurance is unique to other types of car insurance in that it’s compulsory wherever you live in Australia. Because you don’t have much say in whether to sign up for it or not, it’s worth finding out more about CTP insurance and how it can affect you. In this comprehensive guide, we take a deep dive into CTP insurance and its ins and outs, as well as any potential ways you can ensure that you get the best deal for your car.
What is CTP insurance?
CTP insurance stands for Compulsory Third Party insurance and is a type of car insurance available in Australia. It’s quite limited in scope, as it’s designed to provide cover to you in the event that you’re involved in an accident for which you could be held liable that causes the injury or death of another motorist. It doesn’t cover any other accident costs, whether that be to your car or another, nor will it cover you for fire damage or the damage or loss of your car due to theft. You may receive coverage for injuries you or your car’s driver sustain in an accident that you’re at fault for depending upon which state the accident occurs in.
Unlike the other car insurance types on offer to Australians, though, CTP insurance is obligatory. In all states and territories bar New South Wales, the cost of CTP insurance is included in your vehicle registration, so many may not even be fully aware of the coverage it provides. It’s illegal across the board to be driving a vehicle without a valid CTP insurance policy, so it’s wise to take out a policy if it isn’t already built into your registration. Letting your policy lapse and causing a serious accident on the road, coupled with a lack of adequate insurance in other areas, could leave you with a bill in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
How does CTP insurance work in my state or territory and what are my options (if any)?
As mentioned, CTP insurance varies between states and territories across Australia in terms of its requirements. The table below analyses how your CTP does or will work where you live and if there’s any say you may have in provider.
| State/territory | How does it work? | Cost estimation | Any provider options? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ACT
|
Any of the following types of compensation can be claimed by injured parties: treatment and care costs (past and estimated future costs) , economic loss (such as lost wages from an inability to work) and non-economic loss (pain, suffering or any resulting non-physical trauma, known as general damages). An early payment for medical expenses up to $5,000 is available to those who’ve sustained injury in a motor accident, which is payable regardless of liability. Claims can also be made for accidents without fault, such as hitting an animal. |
$591.20 |
Yes – AAMI, Apia, GIO and NRMA |
|
NSW
|
Known as Green Slips, these can be taken out on a six or 12-month policy and are regulated by SIRA. Covers the injuries of a driver at fault for an accident in NSW as well as other parties. Family members of parties who die as a result of an accident may be able to claim some expenses. Covers up to 26 weeks of: treatment, rehabilitation and carer expenses and some of your weekly income prior to the injury (if you become unable to work). |
$543 in Sydney
$414 for country drivers
|
Yes – AAMI, Allianz, GIO, NRMA, QBE and Youi |
|
NT
|
The Northern Territory’s Motor Accidents Compensation (MAC) scheme is a no-fault one, meaning you don’t have to prove fault to make a claim. |
Included in vehicle registration |
No – the Territory Insurance Office (TIO) is the sole CTP insurance provider in the NT |
|
QLD
|
Queensland’s scheme is overseen by the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) and is a no-fault scheme. Insurers set their individual premiums and offer registration periods of one, six and 12 months in line with the state’s registration laws. The National Injury Insurance Scheme has been introduced in Queensland, through which victims of vehicle accidents can claim lifetime treatment, support and care. |
$339.20 (for cars and station wagons) |
Yes – Allianz, QBE, RACQ and Suncorp |
|
SA
|
Drivers who are found to be at least 25% at fault may have to pay an excess for their CTP claim. South Australia has the Lifetime Support Scheme LSS, which was introduced to support those suffering from lifelong disability due to a motor vehicle accident. |
$296.77 for District 1 vehicles, $201.03 for District 2 vehicles |
Yes – AAMI, Allianz, QBE and SGIC |
|
TAS
|
Tasmania’s CTP scheme is a no-fault one and is managed by the Motor Accidents Insurance Board (MAIB). The Long Term Care program has been introduced to look after those who have suffered serious or lifelong injuries in a motor accident.
|
Included in vehicle registration
|
No – CTP insurance is solely managed by MAIB
|
|
VIC
|
The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) manages Victoria’s no-fault CTP scheme. Registrations occur in three, six or 12-month blocks. |
Included in vehicle registration |
No – TAC is the sole CTP insurer in Victoria |
|
WA
|
The Motor Injury Insurance Scheme (MIIS) manages the scheme, which is no-fault except in the event that at-fault motorists suffer catastrophic injuries. These and other serious injuries are covered under Western Australia’s Catastrophic Injuries Support Scheme. |
Included in vehicle registration |
No – CTP claims are made to the Insurance Commission of Western Australia (ICWA) |
*Information correct as of March 2021, but subject to change.
Which factors may affect my CTP insurance premium?
There are a few factors that your CTP insurance provider is likely to look at when calculating your premiums. These will differ between states and providers, as different insurers will place differing weights on certain aspects.
What type of vehicle you have and how you use it
As is the case with other forms of car insurance, the type of vehicle that you’re insuring will play a role in the premium calculation. There are instances where vehicles are inherently more at risk when it comes to insurance, as they’re likely to be on the road for greater periods of time. These may include taxis, rideshare vehicles, buses, trucks and trailers. Additionally, the make, model, age and modifications of your vehicle will contribute to your premium calculation, as your insurer may believe you’re at a greater risk of an accident as a result of meeting certain criteria.
The postcode in which you’re garaging your vehicle
Your location is likely to influence the cost of your premium, as they tend to be higher in areas where a greater number of claims are made. For example, using the table above, CTP insurance and Green Slip premiums are substantially lower in more rural areas of New South Wales and South Australia in comparison to the cost of premiums in metropolitan areas. Insurers will also have a list of regions or postcodes which are deemed to be more at risk when it comes to crime or extreme weather, which applies less to CTP insurance but may still be factored in if there’s an increased likelihood of your vehicle being compromised as a result.
Whether you can receive an input tax credit (ITC)
Vehicle owners who are entitled to an ITC and are registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST) are a different proposition for insurers. Generally, premiums are higher for vehicle owners with an ITC entitlement. However, people in this position can claim an ITC for the percentage of their premium that is attributable to GST.
Types of car insurance you can choose from
The most basic type of optional cover available, TPPD insurance can offer protection for damage caused by your vehicle to other people's property. However, no damage to your vehicle will be covered.
A step up from TPPD, TPFT insurance can also cover damage to your vehicle sustained due to a fire or theft (or attempted theft) in addition to third-party property damage if you're in an at-fault accident.
The most extensive (and expensive) form of cover, comprehensive car insurance can also offer cover for damage to your vehicle in an accident, collision and certain weather events on top of the areas TPFT covers.
Frequently asked questions about CTP insurance
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