Car insurance is an important investment wherever you may roam across Australia. It’s best to find an auto insurance policy that best suits your needs, but there’s also a minimum requirement to be able to get on the road. Compulsory third-party insurance, also known as CTP, is meant to provide drivers with some semblance of protection before branching out into more comprehensive insurance options. Let’s take a look at what these policies cover and how they actually work.
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What does CTP typically cover?
As mentioned, CTP insurance is the minimum legal requirement to get behind the wheel in Australia. This insurance coverage provides compensation for any third parties who are injured or killed if the insured vehicle is involved in a car accident. Compulsory third-party coverage includes not only other drivers and pedestrians but cyclists and passengers as well. This type of compensation covers losses, such as medical expenses and loss of income. The compensation is, however, limited, and there are a number of factors that determine the outcomes of any payments made on an insurance claim.
In a covered event, the at-fault party’s CTP coverage will typically pay the damages. In fact, these policies often cover things other auto insurance policies don’t, such as blameless accidents. For example, if an accident is caused by a medical episode or other unavoidable circumstances, CTP will address the accident claim. Accident notification provisions and bulk billing arrangements are also handled under this car insurance coverage. The at-fault party is not generally entitled to receive the same benefits as parties impacted by the car accident.
Is CTP the same across all states?
CTP, also referred to as greenslip insurance, is compulsory, but the process, providers, and requirements vary across different states and territories. However, the CTP policy remains the same no matter the state law. In most states, your vehicle registration fees actually include the cost of compulsory third-party insurance. If this is the case in your state, you are good to go. In Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory, this coverage is not included with your registration, so you’ll need to look into insurance quotes and pick an auto insurance company.
In Western Australia and Victoria, your annual registration fee covers your CTP premium with the Motor Injury Insurance Scheme (MIIS) and Victoria’s Transport Accident Commission (TAC) being the sole insurance providers in each state. CTP coverage options are limited depending on where you’re located, but policyholders have an idea of what this auto policy entails. However, it’s important to remember that you need to purchase this auto policy prior to renewing your registration.
What determines the cost of this third-party insurance?
Greenslip insurance is mandatory and is the most basic form of car insurance coverage available in Australia, and the most affordable. Insurance premiums for CTP are in a set allowable price range that must be adhered to by insurers. This insurance rate is determined by assessing the risk level of a vehicle and its driver, adjusting the premium to suit. The area in which you drive can impact your car insurance costs. Some suburbs or regions are considered a higher risk, while metropolitan areas tend to be cheaper than rural locations.
Your history behind the wheel also impacts your average rates for CTP coverage. If you have a history of car accidents, insurance claims, and moving violations, your rate increases. The safer the driver you are, the more beneficial it will be for you as a policyholder. Experience behind the wheel also impacts costs, as teenage drivers are considered high-risk because of a lack of history as a driver. The primary use of your vehicle and any other insurance coverage may impact your premiums as well. Remember, you need CTP to hit the road, but you can explore your options in certain states.