How do I know if my car is insured?
If your car is registered, it will be covered by Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, which is mandatory in Australia. CTP insurance is also referred to as Green Slip insurance in NSW or Motor Accident Injuries insurance in the ACT.
In addition to CTP insurance, car owners can take out an optional insurance policy for extra financial protection. It’s easy to identify your CTP insurer, as this is tied to your car's registration and can usually be checked through your state or territory's transportation department website.
Checking the status of any additional policy requires knowing which provider you’re with. You can usually checked it through your insurance provider’s website or by reaching out over the phone.
How do I check if my car has Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance?
To find information on your car’s CTP insurance, visit the website of your state or territory’s vehicle registration department and provide your car’s licence plate number or its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Checking your vehicle’s registration and CTP insurance is generally free of charge.
How compulsory insurance is provided differs between states and territories. Some allow the person registering the car to choose their provider, while others have statutory bodies that issue the insurance.
Here’s a rundown on where you can check your vehicle’s CTP insurance and registration, as well as some information on the providers your car might be covered by:
- Australian Capital Territory: Providers include AAMI, Apia, GIO, and NRMA Insurance. You can check insurance and registration through Access Canberra.
- New South Wales: Providers include AAMI, Allianz, GIO, NRMA Insurance, QBE, and Youi. You can check insurance and registration through Service NSW.
- Northern Territory: Provided by the Motor Accidents Compensation Commission (MACC) through the insurance provider TIO. You can check insurance and registration through NT.gov.au.
- Queensland: Providers include Allianz, QBE, and Suncorp Insurance. You can check insurance and registration through Transport QLD.
- South Australia: Providers include AAMI, Allianz, NRMA Insurance, QBE, and Youi. You can check insurance and registration through EzyReg SA.
- Tasmania: Provided by the Motor Accidents Insurance Board (MAIB). You can check insurance and registration through Service Tasmania.
- Victoria: Provided by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). You can check insurance and registration through VicRoads.
- Western Australia: Provided by the Insurance Commission of Western Australia (ICWA). You can check insurance and registration through DoTDirect.
Keep in mind that some state and territory vehicle registration department websites may not tell you who your provider is specifically and some may note the provider on your bill.
How do I know the expiry date of my compulsory car insurance?
The expiry date of your CTP insurance will generally be the same as your car’s registration expiry date. It’s a legal requirement to purchase both at the same time in most states and territories.
How do I check if my car has optional insurance?
If you have optional car insurance, you can check the details of your policy via your insurance provider’s website, usually through an online account, or by contacting them directly.
You would have received information about your policy when taking it out and you may also be able to refer to this. Communication from your provider should include a member or policy number that you can reference should you wish to contact it directly for more information.
Your insurance provider should also send you a letter or email in regards to your insurance renewal well in advance of it expiring (providing they have your correct contact details).
What types of car insurance exist in Australia?
Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance is a mandatory form of car insurance that protects you financially if you hurt or cause a fatality in an accident. The ACT’s Motor Accident Injuries (MAI) insurance is slightly different as it covers everyone injured in a road accident, regardless of who was at fault. You have to purchase CTP insurance when you register your vehicle, or before registration in the case of NSW drivers.
Third party property damage covers you if you cause damage to someone else’s property (their vehicle, house, or driveway, for example). It’s often the cheapest form of optional car insurance and provides the lowest level of cover.
Third party fire and theft covers your car if it’s damaged by fire or stolen by thieves. This type of policy also includes the cover provided by third party property damage insurance.
Comprehensive car insurance provides the coverage of third party fire and theft policies, as well as covers your own vehicle for accidental damage, regardless of who was at fault, and damage caused by other insured events (like floods, storms and hail). This is usually the highest and most expensive level of cover.
Is my car automatically insured when I renew the registration?
Your vehicle will usually be automatically covered by compulsory insurance when you renew your registration. Other types of car insurance are optional and not included as part of your registration; you’ll generally need to purchase and renew these policies separately. The insurance provider you choose for your optional car insurance does not have to be the same one that provides your CTP cover.
Should I check my car insurance on a regular basis?
Yes, especially if you have any doubts about whether or not you’re insured, or if you’re planning to buy or sell a vehicle.
Compulsory insurance
Checking the registration and CTP status of a vehicle is a good idea if you’re thinking of buying or selling a used car, especially on the private market. Some sellers choose to sell their car just as the registration is expiring to save on renewal fees, while some buyers are attracted to cars that come with a few months left on the registration.
If you’re test driving a car that’s not your own, it’s important to know that you as the driver are responsible for ensuring the car is registered and covered by a CTP insurance policy. If you’re involved in an accident during your test drive and found to be at fault, you could be up for the legal fees and medical costs of anyone who’s injured.
Other types of insurance
You may also want to regularly check the details of your optional car insurance policy, such as its expiry date and cover limits. That way you’ll know when your renewal is due and can take the time to compare your options. If your car insurance policy is due for renewal soon, you might consider switching providers. Many providers offer deals and discounts for new policy holders.
Canstar also rates car insurance providers across Australia based on a sophisticated methodology as part of our Car Insurance Star Ratings and Awards. You can also compare comprehensive car insurance policies by using Canstar’s comparison tables. It’s important to read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) of any policy you’re considering before making a purchase.
