By Jeremy Rochow
Published: Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Almost one in 10 South Australian motorists only have compulsory third party (CTP) insurance, RAA data has revealed. Here’s why it might leave them at risk on the road.
You’re on the road. It’s wet and slippery, and you’re driving behind a luxury car like an Audi or BMW. Suddenly, the driver of the car in front slams on the brakes.
The car in front is slightly too close, and while you try to brake in time, the wet road makes it harder to stop. You hear a loud bang and your bonnet and their boot crumple on impact.
You’ve had a rear-end crash. Thankfully nobody is hurt, but the two cars need to be towed and further investigation finds they’re both written off.
Unfortunately, you’re found to be at fault for the crash and the bad news doesn’t stop there. You only have CTP insurance – the one that comes with your registration.
This type of insurance may protect you against the financial impact of causing injury or death to other road users. It doesn’t cover any damage to your car or the other person’s vehicle or property.
South Australian car owners pay for CTP insurance automatically when they register a vehicle. According to RAA data, more than 120,000 South Australian motorists are only covered by CTP insurance. Why? There are plenty of reasons, but it could come down to cost or a lack of understanding what’s covered.
If you do have a crash and are found to be at fault, you may need to pay for the person’s car to be replaced and be left with a huge debt. While insurance might seem expensive at the time, the cost of not having it could be a lot more in the event of a crash. So, what are some other insurance options insurers may provide?
CTP Insurance
SA motorists who only have CTP Insurance.
Third party cover
If you’re found to be at fault, third-party cover may insure you against accidental loss or damage you cause to another car or property in a crash. However, you’ll still need to pay for repairs to your vehicle.
Third party, fire and theft cover
This type of car insurance may cover you if you’ve caused damage to other vehicles and property. It may also cover your vehicle if there’s damage caused by fire, or your car is stolen. However, it still doesn’t cover the expense of repairing your car if you cause a crash.
Comprehensive
This is the top level of car insurance coverage and may include cover for accidental damage to your vehicle, fire and theft, and damage to other people’s cars and property if you’re at fault. Comprehensive car insurance may also cover you if your car is damaged by some weather events including storms or hail.
RAA Car Insurance products are issued by RAA Insurance Ltd ABN 14 007 872 602. AFSL No. 232525. Limits apply. Consider the Product Disclosure Statements and Target Market Determinations available from the RAA website when deciding whether to purchase this product.