ACT Motor Accident Injuries Scheme Reform 2020
The new Motor Accident Injuries (MAI) scheme will come into effect on 1 February 2020. Certain benefits will be payable to people who are injured in a motor vehicle accident.
What’s changing?
Under the new scheme, Canberrans will receive fairer, faster and more comprehensive support if they are injured in a motor vehicle accident.
Everyone who is injured in a motor vehicle accident will be entitled to receive treatment, care and lost income benefits for up to five years – no matter who was at fault. This is different to the current scheme, which only covers people injured by an at-fault driver (ie, third parties).
CTP versus MAI
To reflect the change, the name of the scheme is changing from Compulsory Third Party Insurance to Motor Accident Injuries Insurance (MAI Insurance).
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident which occurred before 1 February 2020, the old CTP scheme will apply. However, if the accident happened on or after 1 February 2020, the MAI scheme will apply.
What these changes mean for you
You don’t need to do anything to update your existing cover for the new scheme.
Your existing ACT CTP insurance policy attached to your motor vehicle will automatically become a MAI Insurance policy from 1 February 2020. You won’t need to pay a new premium unless your registration is due to expire on or after 1 February 2020.
Why we’re committed to the change
We believe in making CTP/MAI Insurance more accessible for all Australians, which is why we support this reform. Reforms to the scheme will prioritise the rehabilitation and support of all people injured in a motor vehicle accident within the ACT.
The new scheme delivers:
- fair coverage for all road users
- equitable access to treatment and care for people who are injured
- quick and transparent benefits to get recovery underway as soon as possible, and
- comprehensive and ongoing support for those who need it most.
Where can I find out more?
You can find out more about the new Motor Accident Injuries scheme on the Motor Accident Injuries Commission website. More information about the benefits application process under the new scheme will be available from 1 February 2020, when the scheme is in operation.
