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Claim guide · Reviewed 4 May 2026

TAC claims explained: Victoria's no-fault transport scheme (2026)

Victoria's Transport Accident Commission scheme is one of the most accessible compensation schemes in Australia. Anyone injured can claim. Here's how it works.

What makes TAC different

TAC is no-fault. Unlike CTP in NSW or Queensland, you don't need to prove someone else was at fault to access benefits. If you were injured in a Victorian transport accident, you can claim, even if you caused the crash. This is unique among major Australian schemes.

Who can claim

The TAC scheme covers anyone injured in a Victorian transport accident:

  • Drivers (including at-fault drivers).
  • Passengers in cars, taxis, rideshares.
  • Motorcyclists.
  • Cyclists hit by, or in collision with, motor vehicles.
  • Pedestrians.
  • Public transport users (tram, train, bus).

What TAC pays for

  • Reasonable medical and like expenses: Treatment, surgery, physio, psychology, dental, equipment, home and car modifications.
  • Loss of earnings: 80% of pre-accident weekly earnings (capped), payable up to 18 months in most cases.
  • Travel to treatment: Reimbursed at the TAC published rate.
  • Attendant care: Personal care and household help for moderate and serious injuries.
  • Impairment benefit: Lump sum for permanent impairment of 11%+ whole-person impairment.
  • Common-law damages: For serious injuries certified by the courts, pain and suffering plus economic loss damages.

The serious injury threshold

Common-law damages are where TAC payouts become substantial. Past and future loss of earnings, future medical and care costs, and pain and suffering damages can total six and seven figures for seriously injured people. To unlock them, you need either a 30%+ permanent impairment determination from the Medical Panel, or a "serious injury" certificate from the County Court.

Your matched lawyer organises the medical evidence, instructs experts, and runs the certificate application as part of the no-win-no-fee retainer.

Time limits

  • As soon as possible: Notify TAC, seek medical attention.
  • 12 months: Lodge formal TAC claim for full backdated benefits.
  • 18 months post-accident: Earliest commencement of common-law damages proceedings.
  • 6 years: Limitation period for common-law damages (3 years for children).

Find a Victoria TAC lawyer

Take the 60-second eligibility check and we'll match you with a Victoria-admitted lawyer who handles TAC and serious-injury common-law claims daily. See also our Victoria TAC state guide.

TAC claim FAQs

Plain-English answers about Victoria's TAC no-fault scheme and serious-injury common-law damages.

Reviewed by CompoCheck Editorial Team · Last updated

What is a TAC claim?
A TAC claim is a Victorian transport accident compensation claim made through the Transport Accident Commission. The scheme is no-fault, meaning anyone injured in a Victorian transport accident is eligible regardless of who caused the crash. The TAC pays statutory benefits including medical expenses, income replacement, attendant care and impairment lump sums.
Who is eligible for TAC?
Anyone injured in a transport accident in Victoria, including drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians, and public transport users (tram, train, bus). The scheme is funded by an annual TAC charge included in Victorian vehicle registration.
How do I lodge a TAC claim?
Call the TAC on 1300 654 329 or lodge online at tac.vic.gov.au. You'll need accident details, vehicle registrations, a Certificate of Capacity from your treating doctor, and a police report number where applicable. The TAC contacts you within a few business days.
How long do I have to lodge a TAC claim?
Lodge within 12 months of the accident for full backdated benefits. Late claims may be accepted with good reason but benefits may only run from the lodgement date. Common-law damages claims have a 6-year limitation period in Victoria.
What can I claim from TAC?
Reasonable medical and like expenses, loss of earnings (capped weekly amount, up to 18 months in most cases), travel to treatment, attendant care for moderate-to-serious injuries, and impairment benefit for permanent impairment of 11%+ whole-person impairment. For serious injuries, common-law damages can be pursued in addition.
What is a "serious injury" certificate in Victoria?
To pursue common-law damages on top of TAC statutory benefits, your injury must be certified as "serious" under Victorian law. This means permanent serious impairment of body function, permanent serious disfigurement, severe mental or behavioural disturbance, or loss of a foetus. Either a Medical Panel certifies 30%+ whole-person impairment, or the County Court grants a serious injury certificate based on medical evidence.

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