What is the QLD third-party (CTP) insurance scheme? Queensland first introduced the compulsory third-party scheme in 1936, and it remains widely recognised as Australia’s best driver insurance compensation system.
CTP insurance covers the cost of injuries caused to others by a motor vehicle accident, including:
- Someone who is driving your vehicle
- Drivers of other vehicles
- Your passengers
These parties can make a CTP insurance claim and negotiate with the third-party insurance provider (unless you have been charged with a serious driving offence). CTP insurance can also cover damage inflicted on another person’s property.
But the third-party insurance claims process is complex and fraught with pitfalls because CTP insurers prioritise their financial interests over yours.
A Queensland accident compensation lawyer can advise you of your rights, the legal process and common barriers to a successful outcome. It’s free to know your rights. Call 1800 700 125
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About CTP Insurers
Because people often think about the CTP insurance scheme only when they need to make a claim, they often have little knowledge of how it works.
So we have created the ultimate guide to Understanding the Queensland Compulsory Third Party Insurance Scheme to help you learn about the system and your legal rights. We begin by defining CTP cover.
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Queensland Compulsory Third-Party (CTP) Insurance Scheme Overview
What is CTP Insurance?
Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance protects vehicle owners and motorists in Queensland from liability for damages if they cause injuries or death in a motor vehicle accident. To make a successful CTP claim, you must be wholly or partly not at fault for the collision.
Why is Third-Party Insurance Mandatory in Queensland?
Third-party insurance is mandatory in Queensland, so people injured in a traffic accident will be compensated regardless of the at-fault motorist’s financial circumstances.
What Does Queensland CTP Insurance Cover?
Queensland CTP insurance covers both your financial liability and that of any person who drives your motor vehicle for injury or death inflicted on others in a motor vehicle accident. Third-party insurance protects you when using Queensland roads, whether you are a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist, or car driver.
Accordingly, when something goes wrong and you have a valid claim, the CTP insurer funds your lost income, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and any associated damages covered by the insurance policy. Vehicle owners can choose from several licensed insurers when buying CTP insurance, and while they all provide similar protection, they may have additional coverage options.
What is the Purpose of MAIC?
The Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) was created by the Queensland Government in 1994 to oversee the Compulsory third-party insurance scheme, including the management of Motor Accident Insurance and Nominal Defendant finances.
The primary purpose of MAIC is to provide financial assistance to people who have incurred losses due to a motor vehicle accident, such as medical expenses and lost wages. This statutory organisation is funded by a mix of government grants and contributions from the insurance sector.
In addition to providing fair compensation, MAIC offers vital services for accident victims, such as counselling and rehab, to help injured people get back on track and recover from their losses as soon as possible.
Other Vehicles that are Exempt from CTP Insurance
All motor vehicles operating on Queensland roads must have CTP insurance, except for most caravans and trailers when towed by a registered motor vehicle.
Securing Coverage under the Queensland CTP Insurance Scheme
Who are the Queensland Third Party Insurers?
There are currently three third-party insurers in QLD: Suncorp, Allianz, and QBE, all of which offer identical CTP coverage.
These CTP insurance providers give you personal injury cover if you are involved in a vehicle crash on Queensland roads.
How Do I Buy Compulsory Third Party Insurance?
It is straightforward to purchase compulsory third-party (CTP) insurance in Queensland. When registering your vehicle with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, you pick your preferred CTP insurer.
However, some insurers offer extra cover, which you can purchase at that time.
CTP insurance is mandatory Australia-wide, but how you get it can vary by state.
- Drivers who live in Victoria, Tasmania, the Northern Territory or Western Australia automatically have cover included in their rego payment.
- But people who live in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, or South Australia can select their CTP provider before they pay their registration fee.
How Much are CTP Insurance Premiums?
Your Queensland motor vehicle registration fee includes compulsory third-party insurance costs. But how much you pay depends on the following:
- Whether it is a new registration or renewal
- The type of vehicle registration
- The vehicle specifications, including the number of cylinders and axles,
- If you can claim a concession
- The name of your chosen CTP provider
- The period you wish to register
You can get a Queensland motor vehicle registration quote here
Table of 12 Month CTP Insurance Premiums QLD 2026
| Type of Vehicle | CTP Premium |
| 1, 2 or 3 Cylinder Vehicles (Electric or Steam) | $761.05–768.05 |
| 4 Cylinder Vehicle | $840.70–847.70 |
| 5 or 6 Cylinder Vehicles | $1058.20–1065.20 |
| 7 or 8 Cylinder Vehicles | $1294.60–1301.60 |
| 9 or 12 Cylinder Vehicles | $1437.50–1444.50 |
| Motorcycles | $630.70–631.70 |
Claiming Against a CTP Insurer Under The Scheme
When Can I Claim CTP Insurance for a Motor Vehicle Accident?
An injured person can lodge a CTP insurance claim against the policy of the negligent driver or vehicle owner following a road crash that wasn’t their fault. They could still have a valid claim even if they helped cause the collision.
How to Make a CTP Claim for a Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?
If you are injured in an accident and the other party is at fault, you may be able to seek financial compensation through their Queensland compulsory third-party (CTP) insurance policy.
A successful claim could fund the injured person’s medical treatment and lost income. They could also receive funding for ongoing medical care after a serious accident.
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What Happens if I Don’t Have CTP Insurance Cover?
When an accident occurs involving a vehicle that hasn’t paid the registration fee, the driver can be held financially liable for paying damages because they don’t have third-party car insurance.
What Happens When There Is a Fatal Injury?
When someone dies in a tragic car accident, the surviving financial dependents and relatives of the deceased may also be eligible to claim compensation for:
- Funeral expenses
- The non-financial and financial loss incurred by the death of the primary income earner
More about wrongful death claims here
What are the Time Limits for CTP Claims?
Queensland’s compulsory third-party legislation provides strict time limits for lodging a notice of claim after a car accident. Generally, you must submit your case:
- Within nine months of the accident date or
- Within one month of speaking with a lawyer about your claim
- If the claim is against the nominal defendant (because the other road user can’t be identified), you must lodge it within 12 weeks.
Lodging the notice before your due date generally means early access to medical treatment and rehabilitation, whereas failing to lodge the notice within 9 months of the accident will mean the claim is statute-barred.
Splatt Lawyers can advise you of your time constraint during a free case review. Call 1800 700 125
What if the Accident Vehicle is Unregistered or Unknown?
Sadly, not all Queensland drivers have a registered vehicle, and sometimes, the accident vehicle flees the scene, so how do you make your claim on third-party insurance in this case?
In this circumstance, the Nominal Defendant pays your CTP compensation. Additionally, nominal defendant claims have a strict lodgement time limit, so it’s best to seek legal advice.
Benefits and Protections under the CTP Scheme
Types of Compensation Claims Covered by CTP Insurance
Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance in Queensland provides financial support for those who have suffered a physical or psychological injury due to a motor vehicle collision that was not their fault.
Depending on the force of the impact, a car crash may result in severe or minor damage, and CTP insurance covers all of them. Some common types of vehicle accident injuries include:
| Whiplash | Broken Bones | PTSD | Head & Neck Injuries |
| Emotional Trauma | Burn Injuries | Concussion | Bruises & Scarring |
| Nervous Shock | Back Injury | Facial Injuries | Strains & Sprains |
| Shoulder Injury | Soft Tissue Damage | Fatal Accidents | Internal Bleeding |
How are CTP Compensation Payouts Calculated?
Under the Queensland Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Scheme, calculations for car accident compensation payouts are based on several factors, such as:
- Injury type and severity
- The degree of your disability or impairment
- How much the injury reduces your work capacity
- Your current income and age
When you have a successful payout, you can receive compensation for your lost income and superannuation, the cost of medical expenses and rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and home care costs.
What is the Third-Party Insurance Claim Process?
- Complete and lodge the claim
- You receive lodgement confirmation.
- Seek Rehab and Treatment
- Liability assessment
- CTP insurer collects evidence
- Your injuries stabilise
- Negotiations for a claim payout
- Settlement payment
What is the Difference Between Comprehensive Car Insurance and Third-Party Car Insurance?
While a CTP policy is compulsory and provides cover for personal injury claims that arise from motor vehicle accidents. However, it does not cover damage to vehicles or property.
Comprehensive car insurance is optional and offers broader protection by covering damage to:
- Your own vehicle
- Other people’s cars
- Property damage from accidents, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters
In Queensland, comprehensive car insurance policies can also include other benefits such as:
- Roadside assistance
- The cost of rental cars
- Cover for accessories or vehicle modifications
Car owners who are thinking about purchasing comprehensive car insurance should consider factors such as:
- How much cover do they need
- The premium rates
- Excess amounts
- Any additional features or discounts
Many car owners compare insurers to find the best policy for their needs, because having both types of insurance can give you full protection when driving on Queensland roads.
Legal Repercussions of Non-Compliance
What are the Penalties for Driving Without CTP Insurance?
In Queensland, there are hefty fines for driving without CTP insurance. However, it is legal to:
- Failing to renew your vehicle registration
- Sell an unregistered motor vehicle
- Transport an unregistered car with a trailer
- Drive an unregistered motor vehicle on privately owned roads
But, it is illegal when you use (or allow someone else to use) an unregistered car on Queensland roads, as stated in Section 20 of the Motor Accident Insurance Act. The maximum penalty for this offence is 80 units. However, there are some legal defences to this traffic offence, including:
- You believed the car had CTP insurance coverage
- That you were not operating the vehicle
- That you were not driving on public roads
- You used the car due to an emergency, so you had no choice
- You were mentally insane at the time
What are the Fines for Driving an Unregistered Vehicle?
Non-compliance with CTP legislation can have serious consequences. Driving an unregistered vehicle on public roads in Queensland can result in:
- Fines of up to $2,000
- Demerit points added to your driver’s licence
- Court appearance
- You can also be liable for damages and medical costs of the injured party
QLD CTP Insurer FAQs
How can I find the best CTP insurance policy?
Finding the best CTP insurance policy for your needs can be challenging, as numerous third-party insurance options are available. Your best strategy is to use an online tool to compare policy terms, benefits and coverage and read Google reviews.
Can I change CTP insurers?
You can change your CTP insurer in Queensland, and it’s simple. Contact your existing insurance company and let them know you want to change providers. They will advise on the next steps.
Can I make a CTP claim if the accident was partially my fault?
You can still claim CTP entitlements when you are partly at fault for a car accident. In this situation, you have contributory negligence, which means the insurer will reduce your compensation based on your contribution level.
How long does it take to process a CTP claim?
The time taken to process a successful CTP claim depends on factors such as the amount of evidence required, the time it takes for injuries to stabilise, and the complexity of the case. Most claims settle within six months, but some take several years.
Generally, the larger the payout, the longer it will take to reach a mediated outcome. There are ways to escalate the process, which our lawyers will explain during your free case review.