Compulsory Third Party (CTP), called 'Green Slip' in NSW, is the personal-injury portion of your vehicle insurance. It pays compensation to anyone injured by the use of your vehicle in a fault-based state. CTP does NOT cover damage to vehicles or property; that requires separate comprehensive insurance.

Which states use CTP?

Fault-based CTP states: NSW, QLD, SA, WA . The ACT runs a hybrid scheme. Victoria, Tasmania and the Northern Territory run no-fault schemes (TAC, MAIB, MAC respectively).

How do I make a CTP claim?

1. Identify the at-fault vehicle's CTP insurer. 2. Get medical attention and a Certificate of Capacity from your GP. 3. Lodge the claim form with the insurer or via the state regulator (Service NSW, MAIC QLD, ICWA, CTP SA). 4. The insurer responds within set timeframes. 5. Provide medical and earnings evidence. 6. Settlement negotiations or proceed to court if needed.

How long do I have to make a CTP claim?

NSW: 3 months for the formal claim, 28 days for police report. QLD: 9 months from accident or 1 month from first consulting a lawyer (whichever is earlier). SA: 6 months. WA: 3-year general limitation.

What can I claim under CTP?

Past and future loss of earnings, past and future medical expenses, attendant care, equipment and modifications, and (subject to thresholds) general damages for pain and suffering. Catastrophic injuries are typically supported by separate lifetime care schemes (NSW LTCS, SA LSS, WA CISS).

Claim guide · Reviewed 4 May 2026

CTP claims explained: NSW, QLD, SA and WA (2026)

Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance is the personal-injury safety net in Australia's fault-based motor accident states. Here's exactly how it works, when to claim, and what you can recover.

What is CTP?

CTP (called "Green Slip" in NSW) is mandatory personal-injury insurance that you pay annually as part of your vehicle registration. It covers compensation to people injured by your vehicle (drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists). It does not cover vehicle damage, theft, or third-party property; those need separate comprehensive insurance.

Where CTP applies (vs no-fault schemes)

NSW, hybrid no-fault statutory benefits + fault-based common-law (under SIRA).
QLD, fault-based, no statutory cap on damages (under MAIC).
SA, fault-based + Lifetime Support Scheme for catastrophic.
WA, fault-based for general injuries + CISS for catastrophic (under ICWA).
VIC, TAS, NT, run separate no-fault schemes (TAC, MAIB, MAC).
ACT, hybrid scheme (defined benefits regardless of fault, common-law for serious injury).

How to lodge a CTP claim

Identify the at-fault insurer. Look up the registration with your state's CTP regulator.
Get medical attention. See your GP. Get a Certificate of Capacity / Fitness.
Report to police within state time limits (28 days NSW/QLD/SA).
Lodge the claim form with the insurer or via Service NSW (or state portal).
Provide evidence: medical records, payslips, tax returns, receipts.
Insurer response: liability admitted or denied within set timeframes.
Negotiate or proceed: settle, attend mediation, or proceed to court.

Time limits, state-by-state

NSW: Police report within 28 days. Formal claim within 3 months. More on NSW CTP →
QLD: 9 months from accident, or 1 month from first consulting a lawyer (whichever is earlier). More on QLD CTP →
SA: 6 months. More on SA CTP →
WA: 3-year general limitation. More on WA ICWA →

What you can claim

Heads of damage typically include:

Past and future loss of earnings, including superannuation.
Past and future medical, hospital, rehabilitation expenses.
Attendant care for serious injuries.
Equipment, home and vehicle modifications.
General damages (pain and suffering), subject to state-specific thresholds.
Out-of-pocket expenses (travel to treatment, etc).

Free legal advice options

NSW workers can access free legal advice for disputed CTP claims through the Independent Review Office (IRO) Approved Lawyers Scheme. MAIC Queensland offers free claim assistance for QLD claimants. SA and WA have similar dispute resolution processes. Submit your details and we'll match you with the right firm.