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Home > Car Insurance > How Long After a Car Accident Can You Claim for Damage?
Learn about when you should lodge a car insurance claim and the strict time frames for CTP insurance claims across Australia with Savvy's useful guide.
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Savvy Editorial TeamFact checked
Car accidents are unexpected and often distressing events that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the next steps to take. If your vehicle sustains damage in an accident, it's essential to act promptly when making an insurance claim.
In Australia, the time limit for submitting a claim varies depending on the type of insurance and the state or territory you live in. This comprehensive guide explores the timelines for claiming car accident damage, covering both Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance and optional insurance.
When it comes to making car insurance claims for accident damage, time is of the essence. Acting promptly can significantly impact the success of your claim and ensure you receive the support you need during a challenging time. While there may not be a specific time limit for optional car insurance claims on third-party or comprehensive policies, it is crucial to inform your insurer about the accident as soon as possible. Even seemingly minor damage should be reported, as in some cases, small dents or scratches can mask more severe damage to your vehicle. Â Â
Promptly filing an insurance claim allows you to:
CTP insurance is mandatory for all drivers in Australia, covering personal injuries resulting from a car accident rather than damage to vehicles or property. For this type of car insurance, unlike optional cover, there are set time limits for making a claim, which vary depending on the state or territory you reside in and what you are claiming for, whether that is statutory benefits or personal damages for injury. It is essential to be aware of the specific time frames for CTP claims in your location to ensure you receive the full entitlements you are eligible for.
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© Copyright 2024 Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd T/as Savvy. All Rights Reserved.
Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.
We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.
For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.
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