Motor injury insurance is expanding to cover those catastrophically injured in a motor vehicle accident in WA from   July 1
Why is Motor injuryinsurance being expanded?
Every year in WA an estimated 92 people will suffer a catastrophic injury in a motor vehicle crash. For half of these injuries, there is no one to blame, so people aren't covered through their existing Compulsory Third Party insurance. Previously, it meant families carried the financial load to take care of the injured person. The expansion of cover will deliver treatment, care and support for people who, from   July 1, have been catastrophically injured in a motor vehicle crash and are unable to successfully claim against the existing CTP scheme. WA is one of the last Australian states to implement expanded motor injury cover.
What is a catastrophic injury?
Catastrophic injuries are defined as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, multiple amputations, severe burns, and permanent traumatic blindness.
Why are only people with catastrophic injuries eligible for this expanded insurance?
The costs of providing treatment, care and support for people catastrophically injured in crashes are substantial and beyond the financial means of most families and individuals. People with non-catastrophic injuries can claim through the existing CTP scheme if they can find another driver at fault in the crash. People with non-catastrophic injuries who can't claim through the existing CTP scheme - because they were either at fault in the crash or couldn't find fault - can access public health and disability services and private insurance.
When will WA's expanded motor injury insurance take effect?
All motorists will be covered from   July 1.
Are people catastrophically injured before   July 1, and unable to prove fault, eligible for cover?
No, insurance cover is not retrospective.
Who can make a claim?
All people catastrophically injured in motor vehicle crashes in WA from   July 1. This includes drivers, passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists.
Will you be eligible if the accident occurs on private property? Catastrophic injuries from motor vehicle crashes occurring anywhere in WA will be eligible for cover if the vehicle involved is registered. Catastrophic injuries from crashes involving unregistered (but registrable) motor vehicles will be eligible, provided the crash did not occur on private property.
What am I covered for under the existing CTP insurance?
The cost of injury that you or your vehicle may cause to other people.
What is not covered by my CTP insurance?
The cost of my mistakes while driving, including medical and other costs, where I have been at fault in the crash or unable to identify another driver at fault.
What is the cost?
Motor injury insurance premiums will increase by a maximum of $99 per vehicle and motorcycle in the first year. The total cost of motor injury insurance for a family car will be $409. No additional insurance premium will apply to caravans and trailers. The additional cost for most tractors will be $25, while the premium increase for mopeds, farm firefighting vehicles and vintage cars will be $30.
Why is the cost $99?
Cost is based on providing lifetime treatment, care and support for about 44 people who will be catastrophically injured each year and currently unable to access insurance cover. The cost of that care is estimated at an average of $4 million for one person.
What about business vehicles?
Since 2003, business vehicles have paid higher premiums for motor injury insurance than private vehicles. Premium rates for business vehicles will be reduced to match the private usage rate. This will also simplify the registration process as motorists will not need to select whether the vehicle is primarily for business or private usage.
Why not apply premiums to drivers' licences?
Nowhere in Australia is it done like this. The insurance premium would need to be higher due to fewer drivers compared to vehicles in WA.
Why do I pay an insurance premium on every vehicle?
West Australians have one of the highest multi-car ownership levels in Australia. If motor injury insurance was applied to only one vehicle per multi-owner, the premiums would have to be higher.
Why should I pay for people who are reckless drivers?
People catastrophically injured need the same care irrespective of the cause of the crash. The principle of no-fault insurance is that people are covered even if no other driver is at fault.
What will be provided?
â-  Medical treatment â-  Rehabilitation â-  Respite care â-  Attendant care services â-  Domestic assistance â-  Aids and appliances â-  Prostheses â-  Education and training â- "Transport and homemodification For more information nowcovered.com.au
THE VICTIMS' VIEW KIM DYBING Nobody's elated about having to pay an extra $99 a year on their third party insurance, but gosh, if something like that had been around 25 years ago, life would have been much easier.
GREG WILLMOTT You wouldn't wish it on your worst enemy. Now people are actually going to be looked after with care, and get the surgery they need.
ROSLIND WITHAM I know this new scheme will be available for my children, family and friends - and myself if it was to happen again.
Read their full story at perthnow.com.au