How to lodge a CTP claim in 4 simple steps
All registered vehicles need Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, also called a ‘Green Slip’ in NSW. If you’ve been hurt in a road accident, a CTP claim offers essential financial support for your recovery and ongoing care.
In NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory, you can make a CTP claim even if the accident was your fault. However, in Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia, you’ll need to prove that someone else caused the accident to be eligible for compensation.
Here you’ll find our easy four-step guide to lodging a CTP claim. You’ll also learn what to expect after lodging your claim and the best strategy for securing maximum compensation. If you’d rather chat with a lawyer right now, just get in touch. We’re always here to offer free legal advice and support.
How to lodge your CTP claim
Follow these four simple steps to lodge your CTP claim:
1. Seek medical attention and report the accident
After a motor accident, your priority should be your own safety. Make sure you get all necessary medical treatment for your injuries, even if they seem minor. Your medical records are also crucial evidence to support your CTP claim.
Once you’ve received the treatment you need, make sure to report the accident to the police as soon as possible. Importantly, some states have specific time limits for reporting — for instance, in NSW, you need to report to the police within 28 days of the accident. Waiting too long can make it harder to prove your claim and may give the insurer more reason to challenge it.
2. Identify your CTP insurer
In Victoria, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania, there is only one state insurer and your CTP insurance is automatically included in your vehicle registration fee. For example, if you’re in Victoria, the Transport Accident Commission is your CTP insurer.
But if you’re in NSW, Queensland, South Australia or the ACT, you will have purchased your own CTP insurance from one of a handful of government-approved state insurers.
3. Notify your CTP insurer and fill out a claim form
You’ll need to notify your CTP insurer about the accident as soon as possible. If the accident was your fault, simply notify your own insurer. If someone else caused the accident, you should notify their insurer instead.
As part of this process, you’ll need to get a claim form from the insurer and fill it out with key details like:
- Your name, Medicare number and other personal information.
- The police event number.
- The at-fault vehicle’s insurer (or the vehicle mostly at-fault).
- How the accident occurred (from your perspective).
- All your injuries, no matter how minor. Make sure to also include any psychological conditions you’ve developed as a result of the accident.
- Medical and hospital treatment records.
- Recent employment history and income.
- How much time you’ve taken off work and how much more you’ll need.
It’s crucial to fill out your CTP claim form properly because any mistakes or missing info can cause major delays. In some cases, it could even lead to your claim being denied. If you’re unsure about what to include or need help with your form, just reach out to us.
Our lawyers can collect all the necessary information and fill out the form on your behalf.
Crucially, if you think the insurer might deny liability or it’s unclear who’s at fault, talk to a lawyer before submitting your claim. Many road accident victims miss out on compensation by unintentionally making statements that hurt their case. With our guidance, you can avoid these pitfalls and protect your right to fair compensation.
4. Lodge your claim
Once you’ve filled out your claim form, lodge your claim with the insurer. You can typically file your claim by mail, email, or through the insurer’s online portal.
Within a few days, the insurer should acknowledge receipt of your claim and assign a claims officer to handle your case.
What happens after I lodge my claim?
Once you lodge your CTP claim, you can expect to go through the following steps. Keep in mind that this is just a rough guide, the exact process will depend on the circumstances of your case and the state you’re in.
- Claim assessment: the insurer will review the details of the accident, your injuries, and any supporting documents like medical or employment reports. They might contact your doctors, physiotherapists, or other treatment providers to discuss your condition and recovery plan. In addition, they may request that you attend an independent medical exam to evaluate the impact of your injuries.
- Initial liability decision: the insurer will make an ‘initial liability’ decision. This is their first assessment of your claim and covers two main things: whether they accept responsibility for the accident and if you qualify for compensation. If the insurer accepts liability, they’ll cover your immediate medical and care costs while they continue assessing your claim. If they deny liability, don’t stress — you still have options. Just get in touch with an expert motor accident lawyer to figure out your next steps.
- Ongoing injury assessment: the insurer will periodically assess your injuries to see how well you’re recovering. This may involve independent medical evaluations. If your condition improves, your compensation payments could be reduced or stopped.
- Permanent impairment assessment (if applicable): if your injuries are serious and long-lasting, you may need to undergo a permanent impairment assessment. This assessment will determine if you’re eligible for an extra lump sum payment for permanent impairment. The process varies by state, but generally, you’ll need to meet a minimum percentage of impairment to qualify for compensation.
- Receive your settlement offer: once your injuries have stabilised — meaning they’re unlikely to improve with time or further treatment — the insurer will calculate your final compensation. This is a lump sum payment covering the full impact of the injuries on your life. Depending on your situation, this may include medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Negotiate and attend court (if necessary): before accepting the insurer’s offer, it’s essential to get strong legal advice. A lawyer will review the settlement offer to ensure it covers the full extent of your injuries and future needs. If the offer is less than you deserve, we can step in and negotiate for a higher settlement. If the insurer still refuses to pay what your claim is worth, we won’t hesitate to take your claim to court.
How much compensation can I expect?
If you were at fault for the accident, you will receive basic compensation that includes:
- Lost income (if your injury means you’re unable to work).
- Hospital, medical and rehabilitation expenses.
- Domestic care, whether provided by a professional or friends and family.
If you were not at fault, your compensation may also cover:
- Loss of future earning capacity.
- Future medical expenses.
- Reduced life expectancy.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Pain and suffering.
This is why strong evidence is crucial. Without proof for each of these categories (known as ‘heads of damage’), you might not get the full compensation you deserve.
When putting together your claim, a lawyer will gather detailed evidence for each specific head of damage. This ensures your compensation accurately reflects the severity of your condition and its impact on your future.
Do time limits apply to my claim?
Importantly, you’ll need to submit your claim within your state’s time limit:
| NSW, QLD, SA, WA, TAS and NT | 3 years from the accident date |
| VIC | 6 years from the accident date |
| ACT | 13 weeks to 3 years depending on the type of claim |
To learn more, head to our complete guide to motor accident time limits.
If you’re already past the time limit, don’t worry — you still have options. Just get in touch with a lawyer as soon as you can. We have a detailed understanding of the time limit exceptions in each state and can apply on your behalf.
What happens if my claim is denied?
If your claim gets denied or you’re not happy with the outcome, you can ask for a review or file a complaint with your state’s motor accident compensation scheme. It’s a good idea to get expert legal advice before starting this process, even if you handled your initial CTP claim on your own.
With over 25 years in CTP insurance law, we know exactly how insurers work and what it takes to get a denied claim overturned. Our lawyers will handle everything for you, from filing the review and gathering strong new evidence to countering the insurer’s claims. Over the years, we’ve gotten hundreds of denied claims approved.
What evidence do I need for my claim?
The type of evidence you need for your claim depends on many factors, including the severity of your condition and whether you’re able to return to work.
Generally speaking, you’ll need to collect:
- Pay slips (usually from the last 12 months).
- A certificate of capacity from your GP.
- Your medical treatment records.
- Witness statements.
- CCTV footage of the accident.
- Photos of all injuries, car damage and the accident scene.
This is by no means a complete list — just some of the most common types of evidence used in claims. Our general rule with evidence is ‘more is more’, especially when you’re claiming someone else caused the accident. Without enough evidence, it can be hard to show who’s responsible, and you might not get the full CTP compensation you deserve.
We understand that gathering this evidence can be stressful and costly, but we’re here to make it easier.
With over 25 years’ experience, our lawyers know exactly what evidence is needed to support your CTP claim and will gather it for you. Plus, we’ll cover the cost of all medical assessments and expert reports, so you’re never a cent out-of-pocket.
How we can help you
If you’re injured in an at-fault accident, it’s pretty simple to lodge your CTP claim and get basic compensation. But if the accident wasn’t your fault, you deserve more than just basic compensation — you need something that covers the full physical, emotional, and financial impact of your injury. That’s where we come in.
Our lawyers use proven legal strategies and expert evidence to establish liability in even the most complex cases. We’ll also find your additional claims, like common law damages and TPD. This ensures you get the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Voted ‘Compensation Law Firm of the Year in Australia 2020,’ we’re industry leaders with the expertise to take on even the biggest insurers.
Contact us today for free advice on your CTP insurance claim. Find out how much you could receive and whether you’re eligible for additional benefits.
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