Compulsory third party (CTP) insurance is one of those dull but necessary realities of driving a car in Australia that many of us probably barely think about. That is, until we need to.
It could be why some drivers in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) may still not know that the old CTP scheme changed to the Motor Accident Injuries (MAI) scheme in February 2020,1 or – if they do know – they might not be sure what that change actually means.
The quick version: Like the old CTP scheme, MAI insurance is compulsory and doesn’t cover damage to cars or property,2 but it has changed how people injured in a motor accident can access support in the ACT by making it fairer, faster and more comprehensive.1
But what exactly does ACT MAI insurance cover? What isn’t included? Who is eligible for benefits? And do you still need other car insurance too? To help demystify this type of third party insurance and its connection to vehicle registration and other types of cover, we’ve answered these questions and more in this helpful guide to MAI insurance.
What is MAI insurance?
The Motor Accident Injuries (MAI) Scheme is the ACT’s CTP scheme,2 administered by the Motor Accident Injuries Commission (MAIC).3 As we mentioned, this new scheme replaced the previous Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance Scheme on 1 February 2020.1
On that date, all ACT CTP insurance policies were automatically changed to MAI insurance policies – so there’s no need to panic if you don’t remember making the switch!1
So, why the change?
The new scheme expanded coverage so that more people could access motor vehicle accident compensation in Canberra and the ACT. Under the previous scheme, only people injured by a third party (at-fault driver) were covered.1 Now, anyone injured in a motor vehicle accident can seek compensation under the MAI Scheme, including the at-fault driver, other drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists.4
The MAI scheme seeks to offer:1
- Equitable coverage for every road user
- Fairer access to treatment and care for people injured in a car crash
- Comprehensive, ongoing support for people who most need it
- Quick and clear benefits to help people get on the road to recovery sooner.1
How is MAI insurance different from CTP insurance?
MAI car insurance is the name for CTP insurance in the ACT.2
CTP insurance is compulsory across Australia, but it’s managed by each state and territory individually and may go by different names. For instance, while this type of cover is called CTP insurance in South Australia and Queensland, it’s known as Green Slip insurance in New South Wales – and, of course, MAI in the ACT.2
Is it compulsory to have MAI insurance in Canberra and the ACT?
Yes, you’re legally required to purchase MAI insurance for ACT vehicles.4 And you don’t just need MAI insurance for a private car – any business cars you own will need cover too.5
Thankfully, MAI insurance is included with your car’s registration fee, so as long as your vehicle is registered, you’ll typically be covered.6
If you’d like to make sure, you can check a car’s registration status online via the Access Canberra website.
What does MAI insurance cover?
If you’re injured in a car crash – even as a passenger or a pedestrian4 – you may be eligible for a range of defined benefits under ACT MAI insurance.7
Firstly, the MAIC states that you may be able to access payments for hospital bills, medical treatment and other care, including:7
- Ambulance transport
- Medical treatment
- Dental treatment
- Rehabilitation
- Aids, prostheses and appliances
- Care services, such as nursing, personal assistance or home services
- Modifications to your home, transport, educational facility or workplace
- Education and vocational training
- Respite care
- Funeral expenses.7
If you miss paid employment because of your injuries, you may be eligible for income replacement as well.7
And, if your injuries are of a permanent nature, you could receive a quality of life benefit. You can apply for this type of payment from six months after your accident to four years and six months after the accident, once your injuries are stable. You’ll have to apply directly to your MAI insurer, who’ll then refer you to an independent medical examiner for assessment.7
Dependant benefits are also available to eligible children, domestic partners or former domestic partners of deceased persons.7
What does MAI insurance not cover?
If a driver is convicted of a serious offence or multiple driving offences, they may not be able to claim MAI insurance or may only receive limited benefits.8 For example, if a driver in a motor accident is charged with drink driving, they may not be eligible to claim for MAI motor accident insurance in the ACT.2
And remember, MAI car insurance is there to cover personal injuries, so it won’t cover you against damage to your own or other people’s vehicles or personal property. If you think you might benefit from this kind of additional cover, you may want to consider a third party or comprehensive car insurance policy in addition to CTP.9 We’ll explore these options in more detail later on.
Who is covered by MAI insurance if there’s a motor vehicle accident?
Under the MAI scheme, anyone injured in an accident can claim motor vehicle accident compensation, including:4
- The driver, even if they were at fault
- Other drivers
- Passengers
- Pedestrians
- Pillion riders (motorcycle passengers)
- Cyclists.4
MAI insurance also covers you for car crashes where no one is at fault, such as if you hit a kangaroo or other animal while driving.8
Is MAI car insurance included in my ACT registration fee?
Yes, as mentioned, your ACT vehicle registration fee includes the cost of your MAI insurance – you simply select your preferred MAI insurance provider when you’re registering your vehicle and pay the fee.6 Registration fees in the ACT can vary based on several factors, including vehicle type and use, but all drivers receive the same level of MAI cover, regardless of how much they pay.5
Buying or selling a car? If the car is already registered in the ACT, transferring car ownership will automatically put the MAI insurance policy in the new owner’s name.10
How long after an accident can MAI insurance provide benefits for?
If you lodge a MAI motor vehicle accident claim and it’s approved, your MAI insurer can cover the cost of necessary and reasonable medical treatments and care for up to five years from the date of the motor vehicle accident. If eligible, income replacement benefits can also be made for up to five years from the accident date.7
The scheme may also cover funeral costs up to a fixed amount, which is adjusted annually.7 As of 1 October 2025, the maximum funeral benefit is capped at $18,580.11 Dependant and quality of life payments are also made in a lump sum.12
Do I still need comprehensive or third party car insurance if I have ACT MAI insurance?
There’s no legal requirement to have car insurance beyond your MAI CTP policy. However, there are some solid reasons why you may want to consider taking out an additional type of car insurance.13
“While MAI insurance covers injuries caused in a crash, it doesn't cover damage to other people's vehicles or property,” says Marni Jackson, Youi's Head of Product – Vehicle and Lifestyle.
“That’s where Third Party Property Only insurance can come in handy. If you’re at fault in an accident, it can help cover the cost of damage you cause to someone else’s car or property, potentially saving you from a significant out-of-pocket expense.”
For drivers who want cover that extends beyond damage caused to others, higher levels of insurance may also be worth considering.13 “For example, a Third Party Fire & Theft policy also covers your car if it’s stolen or damaged by fire,” says Jackson.14
“For broader cover again, comprehensive car insurance can cover a wider range of insured events. For example, it might help if your car was written off in an accident and you needed a payout to help fund a replacement vehicle, or if you’re still paying off your car and want to avoid being left with a loan but no car to show for it.
“It could also help you avoid the costs of repairing or replacing your car if it’s damaged in a flood, storm or other natural disaster.13,14
“Whilst Comprehensive insurance offers the broadest cover, it is the most expensive of the three. Having three levels of cover gives you different options to find the one that suits your situation and budget,” says Jackson.
Looking for a policy that covers you where your MAI insurance leaves off? Explore our range of you-shaped car insurance options to see if one is the right fit for you or start a quote today.
1Source: ACT Government Motor Accident Injuries Commission – Your MAI insurance, n.d.
2Source: CHOICE – What is CTP car insurance?, August 2025
3Source: ACT Government Motor Accident Injuries Commission – About the MAIC, n.d.
4Source: ACT Government Motor Accident Injuries Commission – Learn about your MAI insurance policy, n.d.
5Source: ACT Government Motor Accident Injuries Commission – How MAI insurance premiums are set, n.d.
6Source: Canstar – Compulsory third party (CTP) insurance: what you need to know, May 2026
7Source: ACT Government Motor Accident Injuries Commission – What types of support are available, n.d.
8Source: ACT Government Motor Accident Injuries Commission – How does Motor Vehicle Accident Insurance work in the ACT?, n.d.
9Source: Canstar – Car Insurance ACT, August 2026
10Source: CHOICE – How to find the best car insurance policy, n.d.
11Source: ACT Government Motor Accident Injuries Commission – Indexation of Benefits Guide, April 2026
12Source: ACT Government Motor Accident Injuries Commission – Who is eligible for the MAI Scheme, n.d.
13Source: Canstar – Do I need car insurance in Australia?, May 2025
14Exclusions and limits may apply. Where you have increased your cover or reduced your excess within 72 hours of a flood, storm, hail or bushfire occurring, cover will be limited to the amount that was effective prior to the change. Loss, damage or legal liability caused by, resulting or arising from a flood, storm, hail or bushfire during the first 72 hours of your policy first being purchased is excluded unless certain conditions apply. Available with Comprehensive and Third Party Fire & Theft policies. For full details, see the PDS, TMD and your policy schedule.
