Understanding Vehicle Modifications in CTP Claims
If you sustained a disabling injury in a motor accident in Greater Sydney and now require vehicle modifications such as hand controls, adapted steering wheels, or other driving aids, you may be entitled to claim these costs through the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme. The State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) oversees CTP claims in New South Wales and provides clear guidance on when and how vehicle modifications may be funded.
SIRA confirms that vehicle modifications are compensable under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 if they are necessary to enable the injured person to drive a motor vehicle following a disabling injury. This includes modifications that are required because of a permanent or long-term impairment resulting from the accident, such as loss of use of a limb, reduced hand function, or impaired mobility.
What SIRA Considers When Assessing Modification Claims
SIRA’s approach to vehicle modifications is based on the principle that CTP compensation is intended to restore a claimant’s capacity to drive safely and independently, where possible, after a motor accident. The assessment focuses on whether the modification is:
- Necessary for safe and effective driving
- Reasonable in cost and design
- Supported by a medical or driving assessment
SIRA does not fund modifications that are purely for convenience, comfort, or lifestyle enhancement. The modification must be directly linked to a functional impairment caused by the accident. For example, hand controls may be approved if a claimant has lost use of one hand due to a spinal injury, but not if they are used to improve driving ease for a minor, non-disabling condition.
Practical Steps and Evidence Required
To support a claim for vehicle modifications, you must provide evidence that demonstrates the need and the appropriateness of the modification. This includes:
- A medical report from your treating practitioner or a specialist confirming the nature and permanence of the injury
- A driving assessment from a qualified driving rehabilitation professional, if required
- A detailed quote from a licensed vehicle modification provider outlining the type, cost, and installation process
- Documentation showing that the modification is not available through other government or community support programs
SIRA may request a pre-approval assessment before authorising the modification. This is common for complex or high-cost modifications, such as full hand control systems or vehicle lifts.
How the Rules Apply in Greater Sydney
The rules for vehicle modifications apply uniformly across NSW, including Greater Sydney. SIRA’s guidelines do not vary by region, but claimants in Greater Sydney may face additional considerations due to higher vehicle costs, greater availability of modification providers, and more frequent use of public transport. However, the legal standard for approval remains the same regardless of location.
In Greater Sydney, claimants often seek modifications to maintain employment, access medical appointments, or retain independence. SIRA recognises that mobility and transport access are critical to recovery and reintegration into daily life. Therefore, claims for modifications that support these outcomes are more likely to be approved if supported by strong medical and functional evidence.
Time Limits and Procedural Requirements
You must notify your CTP insurer of your intention to claim for vehicle modifications as soon as possible after the accident. While there is no fixed deadline for submitting a claim for modifications, delays may affect the insurer’s ability to assess and approve the request, particularly if the modification is not urgently needed.
SIRA advises that claims for modifications should be submitted within 12 months of the accident, unless there are exceptional circumstances. This timeframe ensures that assessments are made while medical and functional information is still current. If you are still undergoing rehabilitation or have not yet obtained a driving assessment, you may still submit a claim, but you must provide a clear timeline for completing the required assessments.
Disputes and Review Options
If your claim for vehicle modifications is denied, you may request a review from the CTP insurer. If the insurer upholds the decision, you can apply to SIRA for a review under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017. SIRA may refer the matter to an independent review panel if there is a dispute about the medical or functional evidence.
You may also seek assistance from a legal practitioner or a community legal centre to help prepare your submission. SIRA does not provide legal representation, but it does offer guidance on how to submit a formal review request.
Hypothetical Example
A 42-year-old driver in Sydney’s western suburbs was involved in a motor accident in October 2024. The accident caused a spinal cord injury resulting in partial paralysis of the right arm and reduced grip strength. After six months of rehabilitation, a specialist confirmed that the injury was permanent and that the claimant could not operate a standard vehicle safely. A driving assessment recommended hand controls and a modified gear lever.
The claimant submitted a claim for these modifications through their CTP insurer. The insurer approved the request after reviewing a medical report, a driving assessment, and a quote from a licensed modification provider. The modifications were installed in February 2025, and the claim was settled under the treatment and care benefits category.
Next Steps
Every claim depends on its own facts. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.