Compulsory third party insurance (CTP) is compulsory in South Australia and is paid when registering a vehicle but taking out private insurance is also recommended.
Insurance can protect you against costs and liabilities if you are involved in a crash or if your car is stolen or damaged.
If you decide to buy private vehicle insurance, shop around and find the deal that best suits your needs. Ensure that you know exactly what you are covered for, what your obligations are and how to make a claim.
Compulsory third party insurance
Compulsory third party insurance (CTP) provides compensation to crash victims where the owner or driver of a registered South Australian vehicle is at fault. It may also cover crash victims where a passenger is at fault.
CTP Insurance is compulsory in South Australia. You pay your CTP premium when you pay your vehicle registration.
CTP insurance covers for bodily injury only and not for damage to your vehicle or any other vehicles involved in the accident.
Third party property insurance
Third party property insurance may cover damage caused by you to another person’s property (eg. their car), but not your car. It is relatively inexpensive and can be arranged with an insurance company of your choice. If your vehicle is not covered, you may have to pay the repair costs for the other person’s vehicle if you are responsible for a crash, and these costs can be very high.
Comprehensive insurance
Comprehensive insurance may cover damage to your car, other cars, property, fire and theft. If you have taken out a loan to buy a car, you may be required to purchase this type of insurance.
For more advice on vehicle insurance go to the
Office of Consumer and Business Affairs.
See also… Buying a car