Compulsory third party insurance is a legal requirement in Australia. In most states, CTP is automatically included when you register your car, but in Queensland, you're able to pick the insurer yourself, allowing you to shop around for the best deal.
How is CTP Queensland insurance different
Although regulated by the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC), Queensland's CTP insurance scheme is underwritten by the private insurance sector.
So what does this mean? Basically, if you live in Queensland (New South Wales or the ACT) you have the option of choosing your own CTP insurance provider. If you register your car in South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia, the Northern Territory or Tasmania, it's automatically built into your vehicle registration, so you don't have the flexibility to shop around.
CTP Queensland insurance still provides the same kind of protection as in other states (e.g cover for legal and medical costs as a result of injuries or deaths caused by a car accident) but you might be able to get it cheaper by shopping around.
It's worth keeping in mind that Queensland CTP policies don't cover injuries sustained by the driver that is at fault in a vehicle accident. Because of this, it's worth looking for CTP insurance policies that provide at-fault cover.
How much does CTP cost in Queensland?
When choosing your CTP Queensland insurance provider, price is probably the major factor you consider. Here's an idea of the costs you can expect. Keep in mind that insurers will take into consideration the type of car you drive, your age, driving history and where you live.
Covers At-Fault Drivers | Annual Cost | |
---|---|---|
Yes* | $351.20 | |
Yes* | $351.20 | |
Yes* | Free DriverProtect cover available for Class 1 & 6 vehicles.^ | |
Yes* | $351.20 |
*Eligibility criteria applies.
^For a registered owner aged 30 and over on a 12 month policy. A certificate with terms and conditions will be sent to you if you qualify. DriverProtect only covers where the driver of the vehicle is 25 years and over.
What's the nominal defendant?
The majority of your CTP insurance premiums go to your chosen insurer, but a levy is set aside for the nominal defendant in QLD.
The nominal defendant is designed to cover uninsured motorists following an accident, and is also responsible for supporting claims that couldn't be paid if an insurer was to go bust.
So, if you're hit and injured by an uninsured driver, the nominal defendant is essentially the uninsured driver's insurer, which ensures you can get compensated. If the culprit's insurer goes out of business, the nominal defendant will also come in to pay claims. Its purpose is to make sure no one ends up without compensation.
How does CTP Queensland insurance cover me?
Cover can vary between insurers, but when it comes to CTP, most will do one thing: cover you for financial liability in the event that you are responsible for the injury or death of another person while driving a vehicle. This includes:
- Passengers in your car
- Other drivers and their passengers
- Motorcyclists and their passengers
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Public transport passengers
Depending on the circumstances, CTP can pay compensation, reach a settlement, cover medical expenses, ambulance bills, loss of income and long-term care that might be required, as needed. If the injury is fatal, it can also cover funeral costs and financial loss.
Most insurers in Queensland also offer at-fault cover. This means that you'll be covered for injuries by your CTP, even if you were the one that caused the accident.
Is CTP insurance enough?
If you want to be properly protected, it's not enough. CTP insurance and the MAIC will generally not cover any kind of damage to vehicles or property. That's where third party property car insurance comes in. With this, the at fault party is protected for damage to other people's property. This can be anything from another car to someone's fence.
Comprehensive car insurance, meanwhile, includes third party liability insurance, but it will also cover damage to your own car. It's the only type of car insurance policy that will comprehensively cover you if your car is damaged in an accident. It can also provide you with cover for hail, storms, theft, fire, emergency accommodation and much more.
Need more cover? Try one of these policies...
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