Motor vehicle accidents are stressful and traumatic experiences for everyone involved. And those who suffer injuries because of an accident are often unsure of what help is available to them.
But mandatory Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance (known as a ‘green slip’ or a ‘green slip certificate’ in New South Wales) means that if you've been hurt on the roads, there is help at hand.
Here’s our step-by-step guide to help you determine whether you are entitled to make a CTP green slip claim for compensation, how to do so and who to contact for help.
What is a green slip?
A green slip policy is simply CTP insurance which is known as a ‘green slip’ in New South Wales. It is an insurance policy you must hold to register a vehicle in Australia. CTP green slip insurance provides compensation for people injured in motor vehicle accidents, regardless of where the accident occurred or who was at fault.
Under a CTP or green slip policy, if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident that was not your fault, you are entitled to a lump sum award of compensation. You will also be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses incurred throughout the duration of your claim. This is the case even if the vehicle at fault was unregistered or unidentifiable.
Even if you were at fault, your green slip may still entitle you to limited cover, including costs of treatment and loss of income of up to $5,000.
What is a motorbike green slip?
A bike green slip is simply a green slip, or CTP insurance, for a motorbike. The prices for green slips for motorbikes will vary depending on the engine capacity and the rider’s experience. Insurer’s will also consider where you live, your claims history, your driving record, your age and whether you typically ride with a passenger.
What does a green slip cover?
A green slip claim will generally provide compensation for:
Past and future medical expenses
Loss of earnings and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Domestic help or support you may require
A green slip will not however cover the cost of damaged vehicles or property.
The amount of compensation you are entitled to receive will also depend on the severity of your injuries, the nature of the collision, your employment and the treatment you require.
How to get a green slip?
You can get a green slip from a licensed insurer or insurance agent by contacting them directly and making an application. In NSW there are six licenced insurers that provide green slips. CTP insurance (which is what green slip insurance is called in other states) is also available from licenced insurers and agents in those states.
To get a green slip you’ll need to provide your insurer with information about your vehicle, yourself and any other drivers of the vehicle. They will then provide you with a quote for your green slip and you can decide whether to proceed.
Getting a green slip for an unregistered car
Sometimes you may need to move an unregistered car or trailer. To do so, you’ll need to get both an unregistered vehicle permit as well as CTP insurance to cover that vehicle during it’s movements on the roads. Each state has its own rules and regulations for moving an unregistered vehicle.
Steps for making a green slip claim
If you have been involved in a car accident in NSW or any other state, you are likely eligible to apply for green slip or CTP insurance compensation. But, to make sure you have the best possible chance of receiving the compensation you deserve, there are a few steps you should take within certain timeframes:
Directly after your accident collect as much information as possible. This includes the other driver's personal, registration and insurance details, the name and contact information of any witnesses and any photos of the damage and your injuries. Police are required to attend in the event of an injury, so be sure to call the police assistance line if no one is present.
As soon as possible after your accident and regardless of the severity of your injuries, you should visit your doctor and explain to them what has happened. You will need a valid medical certificate to support any green slip or CTP claim you make. Remember to keep any medical records you receive, including medical certificates, receipts or medications. If you’re unable to work, you should also contact your employer. If you need time off or special duties because of your injury, it is best to get this in writing through email, text message or a hand-written note.
In Queensland:
In QLD, you can also claim under CTP insurance. You must generally lodge your notice to claim within three months of the accident (with a couple of exceptions).
In New South Wales:
In NSW, within 28 days after your accident lodge your Application for Personal Injury Benefits. If you lodge within 28 days you will be able to access back pay to the date of the crash. The back pay should cover your medical expenses that resulted from injuries from the crash as well as up to 95% of your average wage should be recoverable through your CTP insurance while you're off work for up to 13 weeks.
If you are off work for longer than 13 weeks, you may be able to get income support payments extended, however this will be at a lower rate (10-15% lower). Your insurer should be in touch within three working days of you lodging the application but keep in mind that it may take up to four weeks for the insurer to assess your claim.
In NSW, within three months of the crash you can still submit your Application for Personal Injury Benefits. However, it is much better to do so within the 28 days mentioned above as it will help you to access backpay to the date of the crash. If you are late, you will receive the benefits from the date of lodgement and you will have to provide a reason for the delay.
In NSW, within three years of the accident you may be eligible to make a common law claim if:
you have more than a minor injury
were not at fault and the accident was caused by another driver or vehicle owner.
This will help you to access the compensation and treatment you are entitled to and get back on your feet as soon as possible.
In the Australian Capital Territory:
In the ACT you can claim under CTP insurance but must file within 30 working days of the accident.
In Victoria:
In Victoria you can claim under CTP insurance through the Transport Accident Commission. You must lodge the claim within 12 months from the date of your accident, or from the date an injury from your accident first becomes evident.
In South Australia:
In South Australia you need to claim under your CTP insurance as soon as possible. If the accident was more than six months ago, then you’ll need to explain the delay, and a claim more than three years old generally won’t be accepted.
In Tasmania:
In Tasmania, MAIB administers the payment of CTP claims. You must complete an Application for Benefits within 12 months of the date of the accident in order to claim compensation.
In Western Australia:
In Western Australia, the CTP claims process is managed by the Insurance Commission of Western Australia. WA legislation requires you to make a claim ‘as soon as practicable’ following a crash, but certainly within three years.
In the Northern Territory:
In the Northern Territory you can make a MAC Scheme claim with the NT Motor Accidents Compensation Commission (MACC). All claims should be made within six months of the accident, but no claim will be considered later than three years from the accident.
Shine Lawyers - we're here to help
Shine Lawyers has been helping people get their lives back on track after car accidents both at fault and not at fault for over 40 years. We’re proud of our outstanding record of legal success and customer satisfaction.
We offer our services on a 'No Win, No Fee' basis, meaning you will only pay legal costs if your claim is successful.
If you have been in a motor vehicle accident and think you may be entitled to compensation, contact the experts at Shine Lawyers either online, by phone or by visiting your local branch.
