Our ultimate guide to the Queensland compulsory third-party insurance scheme explains how it works and what CTP insurance covers
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
Eligible parties can make a CTP insurance claim and negotiate with the third-party insurance provider (unless they have been charged with a serious driving offence). CTP insurance can also cover damage inflicted on another person’s property.
- Claims are typically made against the at-fault driver or the at-fault vehicle’s insurance policy.
- Claimants can choose to deal directly with the insurer or seek legal assistance.
- 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.
Free Compensation Assessment for CTP Claims
A Queensland accident compensation lawyer can advise you of your eligibility to make a CTP claim, the legal process and common barriers to a successful outcome. Splatt Lawyers provides road accident legal services on a 100% no-win, no-fee basis with no upfront costs. Pay for a win and zero if you lose.
It’s free to know your rights. Call 1800 700 125
More about car accident claims
How to make a car insurance claim
CTP insurance claims must be lodged within nine months of the motor vehicle accident in Queensland.
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.
What to do after a car accident?
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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. The at-fault driver is the person whose actions caused the motor vehicle crash, and identifying the at-fault driver is key to the claims process.
To make a successful CTP claim, you must be wholly or partly not at fault for the collision.
Determining fault for a car accident
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. Compensation depends on the severity of the injury sustained and how it affects your ability to work.
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 additional cover that 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 |
Eligibility to Make a CTP Insurance Claim
To be eligible to make a CTP insurance claim in Queensland, you must have suffered a personal injury in a motor vehicle accident that was not entirely your fault. The accident must have occurred on Queensland roads, and your injury must be directly related to the vehicle accident.
You can make a CTP claim against the at-fault vehicle’s CTP insurer by lodging a completed claim form, usually within nine months of the accident (or one month of meeting with a lawyer). It’s important to seek legal advice early in the claims process to ensure you understand your legal rights and obligations.
- The Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) oversees the Queensland CTP insurance scheme and sets out specific rules for making a claim.
- If the at-fault vehicle was unregistered or the driver cannot be identified, you may need to make a nominal defendant claim.
- Even if you were partly at fault for the motor accident, you may still be able to make a claim, although your compensation could be reduced due to contributory negligence.
When you make a CTP insurance claim, you’ll need to provide supporting documentation, such as:
- Medical reports detailing your injury
- Evidence of your medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
A lawyer can help you gather the necessary documents and ensure your claim is properly prepared. They can also negotiate with the CTP insurer on your behalf.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility to make a CTP claim, or if you need help understanding the claims process, it’s wise to seek legal advice from a specialist in motor vehicle accident claims.
At Splatt Lawyers, we can assess your situation, explain your options, and explain every step to make a claim for your injury and losses.
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. The process for making a QLD CTP insurance claim is governed by specific regulations, and QLD CTP claims follow a statutory process overseen by the Motor Accident Insurance Commission.
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.
Free Online Claim Assessment
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.
If the at-fault vehicle was unregistered or the driver cannot be identified, your CTP insurance claim must be lodged within three months of the accident with the Nominal Defendant (or nine months if you have an accepted reason for the delay).
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
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 both. 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.
Medical Treatment Costs Covered by CTP Insurance
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Queensland, understanding what medical treatment costs are covered by your CTP insurance is crucial for your recovery and peace of mind. The CTP insurer is responsible for funding a wide range of medical expenses and rehabilitation costs, ensuring that road users who suffer a personal injury in a car accident get care without facing financial hardship.
Under the oversight of the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC), the Queensland CTP scheme is designed to support injured road users by covering essential medical treatment and related expenses. When you make a CTP insurance claim, you may be eligible for compensation for:
- Hospital stays and emergency care
- Doctor’s consultations and specialist appointments
- Rehabilitation costs, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and other allied health services
- Pharmaceutical expenses for prescribed medications
- Travel costs incurred when attending medical appointments or treatment sessions
To access these benefits, you’ll need to complete a claim form and submit it to the relevant CTP insurer, along with supporting documentation such as medical reports and police reports detailing the accident. It’s important to lodge your claim within the required time limit — generally nine months from the date the accident happened.
Remember, CTP insurance is there to provide financial protection and support your treatment and rehabilitation after a vehicle accident. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or how to make a CTP claim, you can seek legal advice and lodge a claim quickly. With the right guidance, you can focus on your recovery during the processing of your insurance claim.
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. It if legal to:
- Fail 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
Making a CTP Claim
It can be complex to make a CTP insurance claim for a personal injury after a motor vehicle accident in Queensland. But you can increase the chance of a successful outcome if you know the claim process under the Queensland CTP insurance scheme.
Remember, strict time limits apply — you must lodge your claim within nine months of the accident to protect your legal rights.
Our lawyers can explain how to make a CTP claim while avoiding unnecessary delays and common barriers to receiving compensation after a vehicle accident.
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 to 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.