Understanding CTP Claims Involving Vehicle Modifications in NSW
If you have been injured in a motor accident in NSW and require vehicle modifications such as hand controls, steering aids or adaptive seating to continue driving, your claim under the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme may include funding for these modifications. The Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 (MAIA) provides for reasonable and necessary modifications to a vehicle if they are directly related to an injury sustained in a motor accident. This support is part of the broader entitlement to treatment and care benefits and, in some cases, damages for future care needs.
How SIRA Assesses Vehicle Modifications in CTP Claims
The State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) assesses claims involving vehicle modifications based on medical evidence and a formal assessment of need. To qualify, the modification must be clinically necessary and directly linked to a permanent or long-term injury resulting from the accident. SIRA considers whether the modification is reasonable, appropriate and proportionate to the injury. For example, a driver with a spinal cord injury that limits hand function may require hand controls to operate a vehicle safely. The assessment is not based on personal preference but on medical reports, functional capacity assessments and recommendations from a rehabilitation specialist.
Early Steps to Take After an Injury Requiring Vehicle Modifications
If you believe you will need vehicle modifications following a motor accident, take the following steps as soon as possible:
- Seek medical treatment and ensure your injury is formally diagnosed and documented by a medical practitioner.
- Request a functional capacity assessment from a rehabilitation professional to determine your ability to drive safely.
- Contact your CTP insurer to notify them of your need for vehicle modifications and to request a formal assessment.
- Preserve all evidence, including medical reports, photographs of the vehicle, correspondence with your insurer, and any documentation from a mobility or driving assessment.
Delaying notification or failing to provide medical evidence may impact your claim. SIRA advises that claims should be reported promptly to avoid delays in processing.
What Types of Modifications Are Typically Covered?
SIRA generally covers modifications that are medically necessary and directly related to a permanent or long-term injury. Commonly approved modifications include:
- Hand controls for drivers with limited hand or arm function
- Adaptive seating systems to support posture and reduce pressure sores
- Steering wheel knobs or rings for improved grip
- Vehicle modifications to accommodate a wheelchair or mobility device
The cost of the modification must be reasonable and not exceed market rates for similar equipment. SIRA may require a quote from a licensed vehicle modification provider and may approve only a portion of the cost if it exceeds reasonable limits.
Legal Boundaries and Limitations on Vehicle Modifications in CTP Claims
Vehicle modifications are not automatically covered under CTP. The claim must demonstrate that the modification is directly related to an injury sustained in the motor accident. Modifications made before the accident, or for pre-existing conditions unrelated to the accident, are not compensable. Additionally, modifications that are purely for convenience or comfort, rather than medical necessity, are not funded.
SIRA does not fund modifications that are not required for safe driving or that would not be considered reasonable by a prudent person. For example, a vehicle upgrade to a higher performance model to accommodate a modification would not be covered. The focus remains on enabling safe and independent mobility following injury.
When Independent Advice May Be Useful
If your insurer denies a claim for vehicle modifications, or if you believe the assessment does not reflect your actual needs, you may seek independent advice. SIRA provides a process for reviewing decisions, and you may request a review by an independent assessor. In some cases, a formal dispute resolution process may be necessary.
A qualified rehabilitation professional or a solicitor with experience in CTP claims can help you prepare a submission that includes medical evidence, functional assessments and expert recommendations. This is particularly important if the injury involves a spinal nerve-root injury with neurological signs, as such injuries may qualify as threshold injuries under the Motor Accident Guidelines and affect entitlements.
Hypothetical Example: A Driver with a Spinal Injury
John was a driver when he was involved in a motor accident in Sydney on 15 May 2026. He sustained a spinal nerve-root injury that caused partial paralysis in his right arm and limited hand function. Following medical assessment, a rehabilitation specialist confirmed he could not operate a vehicle safely without hand controls. John submitted a claim under the CTP scheme and provided medical reports, a functional capacity assessment, and a quote from a licensed vehicle modification provider. SIRA approved the claim for hand controls, as they were deemed medically necessary and reasonable. The insurer paid the approved cost, and John was able to resume driving with appropriate support.
Next Steps and When to Seek Contact
Every claim depends on its own facts. The availability of funding for vehicle modifications depends on the nature of the injury, the medical evidence, and whether the modification is deemed reasonable and necessary. Time limits and procedural requirements may apply, particularly in relation to notifying the insurer and submitting evidence.
To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.