Evidence and Records for Travel and Accommodation Costs in NSW CTP Claims
Where a person's only injuries resulting from the accident are threshold injuries, weekly benefits and treatment and care generally cease after 52 weeks (ss 3.11 and 3.28).
If you've suffered a motor accident in New South Wales and need to claim travel or accommodation costs through the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme, you must keep detailed records to support your claim. The NSW Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 and SIRA guidelines outline what evidence is required to substantiate these expenses. This article explains the specific documentation needed, how to maintain it, and when to seek legal advice.
What Evidence is Required for Travel and Accommodation Costs?
Under the CTP scheme, you can claim reasonable travel and accommodation expenses related to medical treatment for your injury. To support these claims, you must provide:
- Medical records confirming the necessity of travel or overnight stays (e.g., appointment letters, discharge summaries, or treatment plans)
- Receipts or invoices for travel expenses, including taxi fares, bus tickets, or car rental costs
- Accommodation records such as hotel receipts, booking confirmations, or proof of overnight stays
- A travel log documenting the purpose, date, and duration of each trip to medical appointments
- Witness statements or accident reports if the travel or accommodation was necessitated by the accident
SIRA guidelines emphasize that expenses must be 'reasonably necessary' and directly related to your treatment. For example, if you need to travel 50km for a specialist appointment, you must show that the distance was not reasonably achievable by public transport or personal vehicle.
How to Maintain Records for Your Claim
To ensure your claim is processed smoothly, keep all records organized and up-to-date. Create a file containing:
- A chronological list of all medical appointments and the reason for each trip
- Copies of all receipts, invoices, and booking confirmations
- Notes on any communication with your insurer or SIRA
- Proof of income to demonstrate how travel/accommodation costs impacted your financial situation
Digital copies of these documents are also important, as they can be submitted to SIRA or your legal representative. If you're unsure whether an expense qualifies, keep the receipt and note the connection to your injury.
Time Limits and When to Seek Advice
The CTP scheme has strict time limits for claims. Most benefits, including travel and accommodation payments, are limited to 52 weeks after the accident if your injuries are classified as 'threshold injuries' under the Motor Accident Guidelines. If your claim involves long-term or severe injuries, you may need to seek legal advice before the 52-week period expires to explore options for extending benefits.
Disputes over the reasonableness of travel or accommodation expenses can also arise. If your insurer rejects a claim, you may need to provide additional evidence or consult a solicitor to challenge the decision. SIRA encourages claimants to submit all available documentation to support their case.
Example: Documenting Travel for Specialist Treatment
Consider a scenario where a claimant needs to travel 200km for a specialist MRI scan. To support this claim, they must:
- Show the scan was not available at their local hospital
- Provide a doctor's note confirming the necessity of the trip
- Keep receipts for travel costs (e.g., taxi fares, overnight hotel stays)
- Log the date and purpose of the trip in a travel diary
This example illustrates how detailed documentation can strengthen a claim under NSW CTP rules.
Next Steps for Claimants
If you're unsure whether your travel or accommodation expenses qualify for CTP compensation, start by gathering all relevant records. Time limits apply, so act promptly to ensure your claim is processed before deadlines expire. For personalized advice, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form to request contact about your circumstances.