Anyone injured as a result of a motor accident in the ACT can make a Personal Injuries Application for defined benefits under the Motor Accident Injuries (MAI) Scheme. It does not matter who was at fault in the accident. The defined benefits available include:
- Treatment and care costs for up to five years;
- Income replacement payments for up to five years; and
- A quality of life payment if your injury is significant and permanent.
What happens when someone dies as a result of a motor accident?
A family member of someone who dies as a result of a motor accident in the ACT can make a Funeral Benefits Application and/or a Dependant Benefits Application under the MAI Scheme. The defined benefits available are:
- Payments to cover the costs associated with the funeral; and
- A lump sum payment to each of the deceased's dependants.
When do exclusions apply?
Exclusions from some defined benefits apply to people:
- That break the law; or
- Have self-inflicted injuries.
You cannot receive defined benefits under the MAI Scheme for a motor accident while you are also receiving benefits under a workers compensation scheme for that same motor accident.
The MAI Scheme does not cover damage to property caused by a motor accident. Please refer to our overview on the different types of motor vehicle insurance 1.7 MB for more information about the different types of motor vehicle insurance.
The MAI Scheme does not apply to motor accidents that occur outside of the ACT. Your MAI insurance policy will indemnify you for an accident that occurs interstate if another person is injured and you are at fault. However, if you are injured in the accident, what you receive in benefits or compensation for your injuries will depend on the applicable scheme in the State or Territory where the accident occurs. Any person travelling interstate may wish to consider taking out other forms of insurance to cover health costs associated with personal injuries, such as private health or travel insurance.