Compulsory third party (CTP) insurers, Suncorp and QBE, have advised Queensland’s Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) that they are withdrawing their at-fault driver protection cover.
This follows Allianz and RACQ removing their at-fault driver protection cover, in 2021 and 2023 respectively.
Motorists may have begun receiving advice about this from their insurer, with any changes only coming into effect after a motorist’s next registration renewal date.
At-fault driver protection cover is separate to compulsory third party (CTP) insurance and is offered as a free add-on benefit to policies by insurers.
The withdrawal of driver protection cover does not affect CTP insurance policies and will not impact premiums in any way.
While CTP insurance does not provide benefits to drivers wholly at-fault in a motor vehicle crash, people with eligible injuries may still be able to access the National Injury Insurance Scheme, Queensland (NIISQ).
Since 2016, the NIISQ has complemented the CTP scheme by providing lifetime treatment, care and support to people who sustain eligible serious personal injuries in a motor vehicle accident, regardless of fault.
Queensland motorists with queries about changes to at-fault driver protection should contact their CTP provider (and use our insurer search to find their CTP insurer).
The Queensland Government is committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability and affordability of the CTP insurance scheme.
MAIC will continue working with CTP providers to ensure ongoing protections for motorists, in line with Queensland legislation.
Background:
Compulsory third-party insurance provides cover for people who are injured in motor vehicle crashes through no fault of their own.
At-fault driver protection cover has been used by insurers as an additional incentive to attract and retain customers. It is not a CTP insurance product and is not mandated by the Motor Accident Insurance Act 1994.
MAIC does not have powers to regulate driver at-fault cover. This product is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
The levy for administering the NIISQ is included as part of the overall cost of CTP insurance.
Compulsory third-party insurance schemes vary between different states and territories in terms of their coverage and the extent of statutory or common law benefits payable to injured people.
At-fault driver protection as a separate insurance policy is not offered by any licensed CTP insurer in any Australian state or territory.
Queenslanders pay the second-lowest CTP insurance premium in the country. There are additional insurance products that people can purchase to cover them for accidents, such as income protection.