Hey there, family travelers! When you're hitting the road in Australia, it's super important to have compulsory third-party (CTP) insurance. In New South Wales, it's also known as a green slip.
CTP insurance is like a safety net. If you're ever in a car accident, it helps cover the costs for anyone who gets hurt, whether they're walking, riding a bike, or in another car. This way, everyone is a bit safer on the road.
Usually, your car comes with this insurance when you buy it, but the rules can change depending on where you are in Australia. It's a good idea to check out your local regulations so you're well-prepared.
Still wondering how CTP insurance works, especially for your family car? No worries! This guide will answer some common questions to help you understand and make the most of your CTP insurance, both on the road and when making a claim.
Let’s get started!
Compulsory third-party (CTP) insurance is mandatory coverage for all registered vehicles in Australia. New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia, and all the other states in Australia require vehicle owners to register for CTP insurance upon purchasing a vehicle.
This insurance helps cover the cost of injuries if there's an accident. It takes care of the driver’s injuries and also helps anyone else who gets hurt, like passengers, pedestrians, or people in other vehicles.
The way CTP insurance works can be a bit different depending on where you are in Australia. So, it's super important to learn about the rules in your state to make sure you're following the law.
CTP insurance helps cover the personal injuries of other people if there's a car accident. However, if your family is in your car during the accident, they won't be covered by this CTP insurance. Here's what CTP insurance does cover:
The person who has the CTP insurance (the policyholder) is responsible for making a claim. The insurance will pay up to a certain amount, as agreed in the contract.
With CTP insurance, the policyholder can claim a payout for any injured third parties, like other drivers involved in the accident. The driver (or policyholder) can decide how to split the costs if the hospital bills and lost wages go beyond the CTP insurance coverage amount.
For more details on what CTP insurance covers, check out ROLLiN' Insurance's guide for extra information.
In most Australian states, especially Queensland and New South Wales, all vehicles except caravans and trailers must have CTP insurance. This includes cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and any other motorized vehicles used on public roads.
Vehicles registered in a particular state need to get CTP insurance from an insurer in that state. For example, if you have a car registered in NSW, you need to use a CTP insurer from NSW.
If you buy a car while on a holiday getaway out of state, you'll need to find a CTP provider in that state, even if it's not your home state.
The length of your CTP insurance should match your vehicle's registration term. So, if your registration lasts for three months, your CTP policy should cover three months too.
This depends on where you are. In New South Wales, CTP insurance covers all injured people regardless of who's at fault. You can claim benefits for up to 26 weeks if you’re at fault or mostly at fault.
However, if you commit a serious driving offence, you won't be eligible for any claims or payouts. These are some incidents that are regarded as serious offences by the State:
If you commit a serious driving offence, you'll be prosecuted and won't be able to claim damages.
In some states, you can choose your CTP insurer. These states include New South Wales, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and South Australia.
Each state has verified insurers to choose from. For example, NSW has six licensed insurers, Queensland and ACT have four, and South Australia has five. NSW and Queensland drivers must select their insurer before registering their vehicle. ACT and SA drivers can choose their insurer when they renew their registration.
In other states, CTP insurance is included as part of the vehicle registration fee, so you can't choose your insurer. These states are:
Make sure you understand your state's CTP laws to ensure you're following legal requirements.
CTP insurance costs vary based on the driver's profile, car type, insurer, and state of registration. Some states have tools to check current rates, like the NSW Green Slip price checker.
Generally, CTP insurance costs between $430 and $530 a year. Some states, like South Australia, have competitive schemes offering lower rates. Make sure to select a quote that offers the best terms for your needs.
Filing a CTP insurance claim is straightforward for family travelers. First, gather information about the incident, including the identities of those involved, the time, location, and date. Take pictures if possible.
Report the incident to the relevant authorities. Fill out the insurer’s claim form with accurate information and supporting documents, such as medical reports and receipts.
Submit the form and documents to your CTP provider. Once approved, you can use the payout to cover the other party’s medical bills.
Yes, CTP insurance typically covers psychological distress for third parties involved in a motor vehicle accident. This includes mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD caused by the accident. Coverage is provided for treatment and support, ensuring comprehensive care for psychological injuries.
CTP insurance may or may not be claimable if you're traveling internationally, depending on the country you're visiting. Check with your travel insurance provider to confirm coverage for your vehicle and personal liability abroad.
Most countries don't recognize CTP insurance, so it's best to get comprehensive insurance and travel insurance when traveling outside Australia with your car.
CTP insurance covers injuries to third parties, but not injuries to your family inside your vehicle or property damage.
Comprehensive car insurance provides extensive coverage, including protection for your vehicle against theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and accident damage. It also covers third-party property damage and may include personal injury coverage for the driver and passengers. While optional, comprehensive insurance is highly recommended for full protection in case of emergencies.
