CTP green slip explained: a state by state guide
- CTP insurance is mandatory in Australia
- CTP covers the cost of compensation claims of injury to others
- States and territories manage CTP differently
There can be confusion around what Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance is, how it works and what it covers. So, here’s CTP explained.
What is CTP insurance?
You need CTP insurance if you register a vehicle in Australia. CTP insurance – also known as a CTP green slip in New South Wales – provides protection from third-party compensation claims.
What does CTP cover?
CTP covers the cost of third-party compensation claims if you, or anyone driving your car, injures someone in an accident.
This includes the cost of the injured person’s medical treatment, lost earnings or, in more serious cases, ongoing care. If they die, it may also compensate their relatives. Third parties can include other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists.
CTP doesn’t cover the cost of damage to vehicles or property. For that, you’ll need comprehensive car insurance or third party property damage insurance.
Related article: Understanding car insurance: Comprehensive vs third party vs CTP
How does CTP work across Australia?
CTP insurance is compulsory in all states and territories of Australia, which means you can’t register your vehicle without a CTP policy. But the way it works varies from state to state.
Some states also have different requirements for safety and identity checks needed before registration.
New South Wales
In NSW, car owners can buy their CTP insurance – or CTP green slip – from six licensed insurers,1 including QBE. You need to buy CTP before registering a vehicle.
All CTP insurance policies have the same level of protection, but some insurers may offer additional cover. You can compare quotes on the NSW Green Slip Price Check website.
NSW has a ‘no fault’ CTP scheme, which covers all injured people, regardless of fault (unless you’re charged with a serious driving offence).2 You can claim up to 52 weeks of benefits if you’re at fault or mostly at fault.3
Queensland
In Queensland, car owners can choose between three insurers licensed to provide CTP insurance, including QBE.4
You can select your insurer at the time of registration, or change your CTP insurer online while the vehicle is registered. The change of insurer will come into effect at the beginning of your next registration period.5
Check out the benefits of switching to QBE CTP.
South Australia
South Australians can choose from five government-approved CTP insurers, including QBE. Select your preferred CTP provider when you renew your registration.
Direct debit customers can change their insurer any time at mySAGOV. This will take effect from the next scheduled payment.6
Simply select QBE if you’d like to switch to QBE CTP insurance.
Australian Capital Territory
In 2020, the ACT introduced a ‘no fault’ CTP scheme called the Motor Accident Injuries Scheme.7
QBE doesn’t provide CTP insurance for vehicles registered in ACT, but you can select from four insurers when you renew your registration.
Related article: Top CTP questions answered
How do I get CTP in other states and territories?
Other states include CTP as part of the vehicle registration fee, which means you can’t choose your insurer.
Victoria
The Transport Accident Charge forms part of the registration fee. Once you pay the charge, the Transport Accident Commission (the sole insurer of the scheme) insures your vehicle.8
Western Australia
The Motor Injury Insurance scheme provides CTP as part of vehicle registration. WA’s ‘fault’ scheme only covers catastrophic injuries suffered by an at-fault driver if no other driver is negligent.9
Northern Territory
The NT Motor Accidents Compensation (MAC) scheme is a ‘no fault’ CTP scheme covered by the NT motor registration fee.10
Tasmania
The Motor Accidents Insurance Board provides CTP in Tasmania. It’s a ‘no fault’ scheme covered by the registration fee.11
Learn more about QBE CTP insurance
1 How to buy a Green Slip – SIRA
2 How to buy a Green Slip – SIRA
3 How to buy a Green Slip – SIRA
4 CTP insurers – MAIC
5 CTP insurers – MAIC
6 Purchasing CTP | CTP Insurance Regulator
7 Renewing vehicle registration – Access Canberra
8 Indemnity provided by the transport accident charge – TAC
9 Motor Injury Insurance – Government of WA – Department of Transport
10 About MACC | NT Motor Accidents Compensation Commission
11 About the MAIB – Motor Accidents Insurance Board
