What is Driver Protection Cover?

Driver Protection Cover is extra cover that NRMA Insurance automatically provides for eligible vehicles under their CTP insurance for NSW: it pays you a lump sum if you cause an accident (i.e., you’re at-fault) and suffer one of the “specified injuries”. It only applies for certain vehicles and certain injuries. 

Driver Protection Cover applies if the vehicle insured under the CTP policy is:
 

• a passenger-vehicle with seating for up to 9 adults (including driver) (a Class 1 vehicle) OR
• a goods-vehicle with gross vehicle mass (GVM) up to 4.5 tonnes
• Vehicles not covered include motorcycles, taxis, buses, ambulances, tow-trucks, self-drive hire vehicles and certain commercial vehicles. 

If you suffer one of the listed “specified injuries” as a direct result of an at-fault accident, Driver Protection Cover pays a predetermined lump sum. Please read the Driver Protection Cover Information Sheet for a list of all the “specified injuries” details.

The cover applies only when you are deemed at‐fault for the accident in which you suffered the injury. That means the accident is caused solely and directly by your vehicle driving, a collision or action to avoid a collision, or your vehicle running out of control—and you are found to be the responsible driver. 

Yes—some examples include:

• Accidents where the vehicle was unregistered, or the CTP policy expired
• If the driver is over the legal alcohol or drug limit;
• If the vehicle was being used for an unlawful purpose or racing;
• If you intentionally caused the accident.

Also if you later receive compensation for the same injury from another statutory scheme, you may need to repay. 

For the CTP Green Slip injury claim you should lodge a claim within 28 days of the accident, via the injury claim page.

For Driver Protection Cover: you must make your claim within 12 months of the accident and supply required documentation such as a claim form, medical certificate and details of how the accident happened. 

No. The CTP Green Slip covers injuries (medical costs and lost income) to people injured in an accident you cause; it does not cover vehicle damage, damage to other vehicles or property. For vehicle or property damage you might like to consider other insurance (e.g., comprehensive car insurance).

The CTP Green Slip remains with the vehicle and is transferred to the new owner when the vehicle changes hands. Similarly, for Driver Protection Cover the cover transfers to the new registered owner as part of the vehicle’s CTP policy, provided the vehicle remains eligible.