NEW Comprehensive No Fault Insurance Scheme for WA Motorists

3 May, 2016

FINALLY COVERED – Legislation has been passed ensuring that all WA motorists have insurance cover for catastrophic injuries from July 1, 2016.

The new Motor Vehicle (Catastrophic Injuries) Bill 2016 broadens the existing motor vehicle injury insurance scheme to provide lifetime care and support for people catastrophically injured in a motor vehicle accident, regardless of fault.

What is deemed a catastrophic Injury?

Catastrophic injuries include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, multiple amputations, severe burns and permanent traumatic blindness.

 How many West Australians does this help?

An average of 92 people are catastrophically injured on WA roads each year – 44 of which are deemed not compensable.

Will this scheme be applied retrospectively?

No

Will insurance premiums rise?

Yes. There will be a $99 increase on compulsory third-party premiums from July 1, 2016 (including GST and insurance duty) in the first year for each vehicle and motorcycle, with smaller increases for tractors, mopeds, vintage cars and farm firefighting vehicles. There will be no increases for caravans and trailers.

More Facts

  • Up until now, WA is the only state without a no-fault insurance scheme
  • About 1.8 million WA motorists – including drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, pillion passengers, cyclists and pedestrians – will be covered if they are catastrophically injured in a motor vehicle accident in WA from July 1, 2016
  • WA’s motor injury insurance, which includes expanded catastrophic injury insurance cover, remains cheaper than similar insurance covers in most other states

This is an important opportunity to assist members of the community who are devastated by the impact of road trauma, providing security to people who suffer such injuries, and to their families and loved ones.

See here for more information on Motor Vehicle Accident Claims