In short
- What you can claim usually depends on the law where the crash happened.
- Crash in NSW? You can claim under the NSW scheme, even if you live interstate.
- Interstate vehicle at fault in NSW? The claim may be managed for the Nominal Defendant. We can help you work out where to send it.
- Time limits differ between states, so act early.
The general rule
If you're hurt in a crash in another state or territory, even in a NSW-registered vehicle, what you can claim depends on the law where the crash happened. NSW statutory benefits are only for crashes in NSW.
Anyone injured in a motor crash in NSW can claim under the NSW scheme, including people who live interstate.
A crash in NSW, and an interstate vehicle was at fault
You can claim under the NSW scheme. If the vehicle at fault is registered outside NSW, the claim may be managed by a NSW insurer on behalf of the Nominal Defendant.
SIRA's CTP Assist line, 1300 656 919, can tell you where to send it.
A crash in NSW, and the interstate vehicle can't be identified or had no insurance
If the vehicle drove off, can't be identified or had no CTP insurance, the claim generally goes to the NSW Nominal Defendant. See hit-and-run or uninsured vehicles for what "due inquiry and search" means.
A NSW vehicle, and the crash was in another state
The law of the state or territory where the crash happened generally decides what you can claim for your own injuries. NSW statutory benefits don't apply.
Your NSW CTP insurance still covers injuries your vehicle causes to other people anywhere in Australia.
For the other state's claim process and time limits, check with that state's scheme.
If you live overseas
If you live outside Australia and get weekly payments, you'll generally need to send a Certificate of Fitness from a treating doctor every three months.
Time limits differ between states
For a crash in NSW, the insurer generally needs your claim within 28 days to back-pay weekly payments to the day after the accident, and you can claim up to 3 months after the accident. Other states and territories have their own rules and dates.
Don't wait while you work out which scheme applies. Ask early. See NSW CTP claim time limits.
How we help
We're an independent service focused on NSW CTP claims. If your claim belongs in the NSW scheme, we can help you find the insurer, get your claim ready and keep track of your dates. If it belongs in another state's scheme, we'll point you to where to start.
Rules change. This page reflects the rules as we understand them in September 2026. General information, not legal advice.
Other help
Services that can help alongside your claim
Legal advice for some questions, complaints about an insurer, disputes, interpreters and support lines, with what each one is for and how to reach it.
General information, not legal advice. Time limits apply. Get advice about your own situation.
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Frequently asked questions
Keep reading
Hit-and-run or uninsured vehicle
Claiming against the Nominal Defendant, and what "due inquiry and search" means.
Read moreFind your CTP insurer
Your claim generally goes to the insurer of the vehicle at fault. How to find it.
Read moreCTP claim time limits
Enter your accident date to see your 28-day and 3-month dates, then every other time limit.
Read moreHelp services: who to call
Who to call for legal advice on some questions, complaints, disputes and support.
Read moreIndependent help
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