What Is TAC In Victoria And How Does It Work?

What is TAC in Victoria and How Does It Work?

First-person introduction:
I still remember the first time a friend told me, “If you’re ever in a car accident in Victoria, the TAC takes care of you.” At that moment, it honestly sounded a bit too good to be true. Who was this mysterious TAC, and why were they so generous? Well, fast forward a few years—and a few clients later—and I’ve learned exactly how the TAC works, why it exists, and how incredibly important it is for anyone injured on Victorian roads. If you’re like I was and want to truly understand what the TAC does, how claims work, and what support you’re entitled to, this guide will walk you through everything in plain, relatable language.

What Is the TAC?
Why the TAC Exists in Victoria
How TAC Works After an Accident
Who Is Covered by TAC?
What TAC Pays For
How to Make a TAC Claim
Common Mistakes People Make With TAC Claims
Serious Injury Certificates & Common Law Claims
When to Speak to a Lawyer
Final Thoughts

What Is the TAC?

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is Victoria’s government-backed insurer that provides support and compensation to people injured in transport accidents. The key thing to understand is this: the TAC is funded through your car registration fees. This means if you’ve paid Rego in Victoria, you’ve already contributed to the system that protects road users.

A “transport accident” includes:

Car accidents
Motorbike accidents
Truck accidents
Public transport injuries
Pedestrians hit by vehicles
Cyclists hit by vehicles

The TAC does not require you to prove fault to receive medical and support benefits. This is the backbone of the “no-fault” insurance model.

Why the TAC Exists in Victoria

The TAC was created to balance fairness, safety, and financial sustainability. Before the TAC, injured people needed long, expensive court battles just to access medical treatment. Today, the TAC system helps get you medical support immediately and deals with compensation more efficiently.

The three core goals of the TAC are:

Provide financial and medical support for injured people.
Reduce road trauma by funding road safety campaigns.
Manage accident-related compensation costs in a sustainable way.

How TAC Works After an Accident

Here’s the basic flow after a transport accident in Victoria:

1. The Accident Occurs

This may involve any registered vehicle in Victoria or another Australian state if a Victorian-registered vehicle is involved.

2. You Report the Accident

You lodge a claim with the TAC, often within 12 months (although extensions may apply).

3. TAC Confirms Your Claim

Once approved, TAC begins funding your medical and rehabilitation services.

4. Benefits Begin

TAC may pay for treatment, income payments, and more—depending on the severity of your injuries.

5. Serious Injury Consideration

If your injuries are long-term or life-altering, you may be eligible for a common law lump sum claim.

Who Is Covered by TAC?

The TAC covers a wide range of people beyond just drivers. You may be covered even if you weren’t the one driving, or even if no one was at fault. Coverage includes:

Drivers
Passengers
Cyclists
Pedestrians
Motorbike riders and pillion passengers
Public transport passengers
People injured in accidents caused by unknown or unregistered vehicles

Even Victorians injured interstate can sometimes be covered, depending on the vehicle’s registration.

What TAC Pays For

The TAC can support you in multiple ways after an accident. Their cover can be broken down into four major benefit categories:

1. Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits

This includes:

GP appointments
Specialist consultations
Hospital bills
Physiotherapy
Chiropractic treatment
Psychology appointments
Occupational therapy
Surgery
Medication

2. Income Support

If you can’t work due to your injuries, TAC can pay a portion of your pre-injury income (up to 80%). They may also help with return-to-work planning.

3. Travel Expenses

You may be reimbursed for travel to and from medical appointments.

4. Home and Personal Support

In some cases, TAC pays for:

Home help
Support workers
Equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, aids)
Home modifications
Vehicle modifications

For the most severe cases, TAC may even fund long-term care arrangements.

How to Make a TAC Claim

Making a TAC claim is relatively straightforward, but accuracy is important. Here’s the standard process:

1. Lodge Your Claim

You can lodge online or by calling the TAC. You’ll need:

Your personal details
Date and location of the accident
Police report number, if applicable
Your Medicare details
Employment information

2. TAC Assesses the Claim

The TAC reviews the evidence and either approves or rejects your claim. Most legitimate claims are approved quickly.

3. Begin Treatments Immediately

Often, medical providers can bill the TAC directly so you don’t have to pay upfront.

4. Maintain Documentation

Keeping receipts, medical certificates, and treatment plans is essential—especially if your injuries worsen or becomes long-term.

5. Consider Legal Advice

Many people don’t realise they may be eligible for a significant lump-sum compensation payment if they suffer a “serious injury.” A lawyer can help you understand your rights early in the process.

Common Mistakes People Make With TAC Claims

Even though the TAC system is designed to be simple, people still run into avoidable problems. Here are some common mistakes:

Not lodging a claim quickly enough — delays can cause complications later.
Not reporting symptoms early — the TAC may dispute them later.
Stopping treatment too soon — gaps in treatment can damage the credibility of your claim.
Assuming the TAC will pay everything forever — benefits can be capped or reviewed.
Not challenging TAC decisions — you can appeal or get legal help.
Not exploring common law claims — many people miss out on large lump sums.

Serious Injury Certificates & Common Law Claims

If your injuries are long-lasting, life-changing, or extremely severe, you may be eligible for a Serious Injury Certificate. This is the gateway to a common law claim—a lump sum payment for pain and suffering, and sometimes economic loss.

You may qualify if you have:

Permanent impairment
Significant psychological injuries
Major physical injuries
Restricted ability to work long-term

These claims require evidence and submissions—this is where an experienced TAC lawyer is essential.

When to Speak to a Lawyer

Many people don’t realise how much compensation they may be entitled to. The TAC system is complex, especially once you enter the realm of serious injury or disputed decisions. A skilled lawyer can:

Review your TAC file
Challenge unfair TAC decisions
Maximise medical and financial benefits
Prepare and lodge common law claims
Negotiate on your behalf
Identify entitlements you may not know exist

For Melbournians, working with a local firm familiar with Victoria’s TAC landscape is crucial.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the TAC is essential if you’re injured on Victorian roads. Their system is designed to provide quick access to treatment, financial support, and long-term assistance where needed. But navigating TAC can be overwhelming—especially if your injuries are serious or the claim becomes complicated.

If you need tailored advice, want help with a dispute, or believe you may have a common law claim, speaking to an experienced TAC lawyer can make all the difference.

For expert guidance, you can reach out to the team at Hymans Legal or call 1300 667 116.