Quick answer: interstate accidents and TAC

Living in Victoria does not automatically mean TAC will cover you if you are injured interstate.
The scheme that applies is usually determined by where the accident happened and the type of vehicle involved —
not just where you live.

However, there are many situations where TAC still becomes involved or coordinates benefits,
especially when Victorian-registered vehicles are involved or when interstate schemes refer matters back to Victoria.

How the TAC scheme normally works

TAC is Victoria’s statutory insurer for transport accidents. It is funded by the TAC charge attached to Victorian vehicle registrations.
It exists to provide injured people with medical treatment, income support and rehabilitation following transport accidents.

When accidents occur inside Victoria, TAC is usually the first and main scheme involved.
Once the accident crosses state borders, the situation becomes more technical.

When TAC may still cover interstate accidents

There are several circumstances where TAC may still apply even though the accident occurred outside Victoria:

• You were travelling in a Victorian-registered vehicle
• You are a Victorian resident injured while travelling interstate in limited circumstances
• The interstate scheme refers your claim to TAC under reciprocal arrangements
• You were injured as a passenger in a Victorian vehicle interstate

Each state operates its own injury compensation scheme, but reciprocal agreements often exist between schemes
to ensure injured people do not fall through the cracks.

How other state schemes interact with TAC

Every state in Australia runs its own accident compensation system:

• New South Wales – CTP Green Slip scheme
• Queensland – MAIC / CTP insurers
• South Australia – CTP Scheme
• Western Australia – Insurance Commission of WA
• Tasmania – Motor Accidents Insurance Board (MAIB)

If you are injured in another state, your claim will often initially fall under that state’s system.
But if you are Victorian-based, the interstate insurer may coordinate benefits with TAC or refer the claim back.
This is where professional guidance becomes invaluable.

Drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians interstate

Drivers

If you were driving your Victorian-registered car interstate and were injured,
the other state’s scheme may initially handle the claim — but TAC may ultimately coordinate your ongoing benefits.

Passengers

Passengers injured interstate are often surprised to learn that their entitlements may still trace back to the vehicle’s registration state.
If the vehicle was Victorian-registered, TAC may remain central to your claim.

Cyclists and pedestrians

Cyclists and pedestrians are usually covered by the scheme of the state where the accident occurred,
but if Victorian vehicles are involved, cross-border coordination can occur.

What you may be able to claim

Depending on which scheme applies, you may be eligible for:

• Medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Income support if you cannot work
• Psychological counselling
• Home assistance and mobility aids
• Travel costs related to treatment

The benefits themselves are similar across Australia, but the rules, payment rates and approval processes differ significantly.

Time limits you must not miss

Each state scheme has strict time limits. TAC generally allows 12 months to lodge a claim,
but interstate schemes may impose far shorter deadlines — some as short as 28 days to notify insurers.

This is one of the biggest traps for Victorians injured interstate — assuming TAC timelines apply automatically.

How to lodge an interstate TAC-style claim

1. Seek medical attention immediately and record accident details.
2. Obtain the registration details of all vehicles involved.
3. Determine which state’s scheme initially applies.
4. Lodge with the relevant interstate authority promptly.
5. If you live in Victoria, follow up regarding possible TAC involvement.

Evidence tips for interstate accidents

• Photograph the accident scene.
• Keep hospital discharge summaries.
• Collect witness details.
• Record your travel purpose and accommodation details.
• Keep all receipts for treatment and travel.

Can you pursue common law compensation?

In serious injury cases, you may be able to pursue common law damages against the at-fault party.
However, interstate common law claims are legally complex because jurisdictional rules differ across states.
The state in which the accident occurred usually determines which laws apply.

Special interstate scenarios

• Rental cars registered in another state
• Bus or coach travel between states
• Work-related interstate travel
• Crashes near state borders

These cases often require expert guidance to ensure the correct insurer is pursued.

FAQ’s

Can I claim TAC if I was injured in NSW but live in Melbourne?

Usually the NSW scheme applies first, but your Victorian residency and vehicle registration may bring TAC into the process.

Does my Victorian car registration protect me interstate?

It often does, but benefits are coordinated between schemes rather than automatically handled by TAC alone.

Do interstate claims take longer?

Yes — cross-border claims are typically slower and more document-heavy.

Final Thoughts

Being injured interstate is stressful enough without worrying about which compensation scheme applies.
While TAC does not automatically cover every interstate accident, Victorians are often still protected —
particularly when Victorian-registered vehicles are involved.

Melbourne Recommendation – Hymans Legal

If you live in Victoria and were injured interstate, it is critical to get advice early so you do not miss key deadlines or lodge in the wrong state.
For help understanding your rights, contact Hymans Legal.

Phone: 1300 667 116
Website: https://hymanslegal.com.au/

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