What’s the difference between Third Party Property and CTP Insurance?

Navigating the various terms and insurance types in Australia can seem overwhelming. But learning about the difference between Compulsory Third Party (CTP) and Third Party Property Damage will help you make better decisions when choosing car insurance.

What is Compulsory Third Party insurance?

CTP covers drivers for liability for personal injuries sustained on the road — helping injured third parties cover the costs of their recovery.

Who gets CTP insurance when they register?

Across Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory, CTP is included in the price of a vehicle registration. This is sometimes given a different name in a registration breakdown. For example, Victoria’s CTP insurance is called the ‘Transport Accident Commission (TAC) charge’, as the TAC is the statutory insurer of third-party personal liability for road accidents in Victoria.

In New South Wales and Queensland, you need to purchase your CTP separately but this is included in your registration process in Queensland.

What’s the difference between Green Slip insurance and CTP?

Very little! In some parts of Australia, CTP is known by different terms. In New South Wales, CTP is usually called ‘Green Slip’ insurance. In the Australian Capital Territory, you might come across the phrase ‘MAI’ insurance. This refers to Motor Accident Injuries insurance.  

What is Third Party Property Damage Insurance?

What’s the main difference between Third Party Property and CTP? CTP insurance doesn’t cover you for any damage you cause to vehicles or property. This is where Third Party Property Damage — often shortened to Third Party — comes in.

In addition to covering damage you cause to other people’s cars and property while driving, GIO Third Party includes coverage for:

• damage to your car caused by uninsured drivers if you can provide their name, address and registration number (up to $5,000), and
• damage caused to other people’s vehicle or property by a caravan or trailer you’re towing.

Our Fire, Theft and Third Party Property Damage includes coverage for the above as well as:

• emergency repairs for a stolen car or damage from fire (including bushfire)
• hire car after theft for up to 21 days, and
• hire car after a not-at-fault incident.

What other types of car insurance are there?

If you’re looking for extra peace of mind, this is where comprehensive cover comes into play.

GIO’s Comprehensive Car Insurance covers you for:

• accidental loss or damage to your car from weather events, fire (including bushfire), theft, collision and more
• damage to other people’s property arising from the use of your car
• new car after a total loss for cars less than 2 years old
• hire car after theft for up to 21 days
• hire car after a not-at-fault incident
• choice of repairer.

Cover for your windscreen and window glass or a hire car can be added to your GIO Comprehensive Car Insurance policy, but are already included with GIO Platinum Cover. 24/7 Roadside Assistance can be added to Platinum or Comprehensive cover for an additional cost. Compare the advantages of GIO Platinum with Comprehensive insurance and Fire, Theft and Third Party Property Damage below.

Compare GIO Car Insurance

Read more:

• Don’t just set and forget! Five things to check on your car insurance at renewal time
• What is the future of electric cars in Australia?
• Car registration costs in Australia

Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.

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