Does CTP Cover Damage to Other Vehicles or Property?

In short, no, Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance in Queensland does not cover damage to other vehicles or property. This is a common misconception that can lead to significant financial stress for drivers involved in accidents.

What CTP Insurance Does Not Cover

CTP insurance in Queensland specifically excludes:

• Damage to your own vehicle
• Damage to other vehicles involved in an accident
• Damage to property, such as fences, buildings, or road infrastructure
• Theft or fire damage to your vehicle

What CTP Insurance Does Cover

While CTP insurance doesn't cover property damage, it does provide important protections:

• Medical expenses for people injured in motor vehicle accidents
• Rehabilitation costs for injured parties
• Compensation for loss of income due to injuries sustained in an accident
• Compensation for pain and suffering in serious injury cases
• Legal costs associated with injury claims

CTP insurance is designed to cover personal injury claims, ensuring that people injured in motor vehicle accidents can receive necessary medical treatment and compensation regardless of the at-fault driver's financial situation.

Tips for Handling Property Damage Without Comprehensive Insurance

If you've suffered property damage in an accident that wasn't your fault and don't have comprehensive insurance, consider these steps:

1. Collect evidence: Take photos of the damage and accident scene. Gather witness statements if possible.
2. Exchange information: Get the at-fault driver's details, including their name, address, phone number, and insurance information.
3. Report the accident: File a police report, especially if the damage is significant.
4. Get repair quotes: Obtain multiple quotes for repairing the damage to your vehicle or property.
5. Contact the at-fault driver's insurer: If the at-fault driver has comprehensive or third-party property insurance, contact their insurer directly to make a claim.
6. Letter of demand: Before moving to mediation or small claims court, you can try sending a letter of demand to the at-fault party.
7. Consider mediation: If there's a dispute about fault or compensation, consider using a free mediation service like the Dispute Resolution Centre offered by the Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General.
8. Small claims court: For disputes under $25,000, you can file a claim with the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) as a last resort.
9. Explore payment plans: If the at-fault driver is uninsured, try to negotiate a payment plan for them to cover the repair costs over time.

Remember, while dealing with property damage without comprehensive insurance can be challenging, there are options available to help you recover your losses. 

Always drive safely and consider the benefits of comprehensive insurance to protect yourself from unexpected expenses in the future.

Should You Seek Legal Advice?

For personalised advice and assistance if you’ve been injured in a road accident, contact Smith's Lawyers at 1800 960 482 or request a free case review online via the form below.

Injured in a car or road accident? Smith's Lawyers specialises in CTP claims for all road users, including drivers, motorcyclists, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Our risk-free service covers all of Queensland, from Brisbane and the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast, Logan, Ipswich, and regional areas like Cairns, Toowoomba, and Townsville. No upfront costs.