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CTP insurance in South Australia

Everything you need to know about the MAIS

Andrew Munro
Andrew Munro

Updated

Fact checked

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Compulsory third party insurance (CTP) insurance is the mandatory type of car insurance that covers injuries on the roads.

It works differently in each state. In South Australia, it’s known as the Motor Accident Injury Assessment Scheme (MAIS).

How the MAIS works

A portion of your car registration fees go towards your CTP insurance. This portion is then paid to one of four different approved insurers. It will either be:

You’ll automatically be assigned to one of them when registering a car, or renewing registration.

If your driving is responsible for a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist or other road-user suffering injury, whichever insurer you’ve been assigned to will pay out, to the injured party.

Conversely, if another motorist is responsible for your injuries, then their automatically assigned insurer will pay a claim to you.

It will not cover injuries to a driver who is entirely at fault for an accident. Generally, it’s only for “victims” and not “culprits.”

How much does it pay out?

MAIS-approved medical practitioners will consider the extent of the injuries, and reach a figure with the insurers. That’s the compensation amount.

It should include necessary medical expenses, future special care costs and appropriate compensation for things like loss of income and general loss.

What if a driver doesn’t have CTP insurance?

It’s included in the registration costs, so a car without CTP insurance in SA is probably driving unregistered too. Traffic cameras can detect this.

If an uninsured driver injures someone, then there compensation may need to come from other schemes, or be paid directly from the at fault driver through a court-order or other processes.

What other cover do I need?

CTP insurance and the MAIS generally doesn’t cover any kind of property or vehicle damage.

For that, you will need additional car insurance. This isn’t mandatory, but is probably a good idea.

See what other kinds of car insurance you can get in SA, and how much it costs.

Need more cover? Try one of these policies...

Name Product Roadside Assistance Accidental Damage Storm Choice of Repairer Agreed or Market Value
Bingle Comprehensive
Bingle Comprehensive
Market
Finder's summary:Bingle consistently comes up as one of the cheaper insurers out there. It only covers the basics, so you don't get to choose your own repairer, you're not covered for personal items in the car and unless you add it as an option, you won't get a hire car if your car is stolen. But this keeps its premiums low.

Who it might be good for: Someone who wants a low-cost option that covers them for the basics.
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Budget Direct Comprehensive
Budget Direct Comprehensive
Optional
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Awarded the 2019 Finder Award for the Best Value Car Insurance, this policy offers solid coverage at a low cost. Budget Direct’s claims service has received a 4.2/5 based on nearly 5,000 customer reviews.

Who it might be good for: People who want a comprehensive policy without breaking the bank.
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Coles Comprehensive
Coles Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Coles have two-tiers of comprehensive car insurance to choose from. You'll earn double flybuys points at Coles supermarkets and you can get $10 off your Coles grocery bill every time you redeem 2,000 Flybuys points. If you're over 30, you can get roadside assistance free for a year.

Who it might be good for: Coles customers and Flybuys collectors.
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Virgin Comprehensive
Virgin Comprehensive
Optional
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Finalists for the 2019 Finder Awards for Best Value Car Insurance, Virgin Comprehensive provides a good level of cover for a decent price. Get 15% off on your first year’s premium when you purchase a new eligible comprehensive car insurance online. T&Cs Apply.
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Poncho Comprehensive
Poncho Comprehensive
Agreed
Finder's summary: Poncho works like a monthly subscription – you pay monthly and can cancel and leave at any time. You can also list multiple cars and drivers under one policy, making it ideal for families and groups living together under one household.

Who it might be good for: People who want their car insurance month to month.
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Youi Comprehensive
Youi Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Youi Comprehensive Car Insurance is one of the few providers to include roadside assistance in its policy. You'll also get access to YouiRewards which gives you discounts on furniture, parking and more. Youi also has a live chat feature on its site to talk through any questions.

Who it might be good for: People over 25 who want comprehensive cover with a focus on customer service
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Stella Comprehensive
Stella Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Stella’s a female-focused insurer. It'll cover you if your car is damaged as a result of domestic violence. It offers higher cover for baby gear than most, with up to $2,000 cover for prams, strollers and child seats. You get a free Bauer magazine subscription when you sign up and a portion of your premiums go to supporting female-led businesses.

Who it might be good for: Someone who wants a female-centred car insurance policy (it will cover men too).
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Qantas Comprehensive
Qantas Comprehensive
Optional
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: You'll be able to pick and choose how comprehensive you want your cover to be with optional extras like roadside assistance, choice of your own repairer and the option of agreed or market value. Plus earn Qantas Points for joining and paying your premium. Sign up by 28 February 2021, you can earn up to 40,000 Qantas Points (points awarded will be based on your premium). T&Cs and eligibility apply.

Who it might be good for: People who love collecting frequent flyer points.
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