Crashes, insurance and registration in Australian Capital Territory

By the end of this topic you can

• You can list the steps to take straight after a crash.
• You can state what details you must exchange.
• You can explain when and how to report a crash to police.
• You can describe what MAI insurance is and how it is paid.
• You can explain why a car must be registered before it is driven.

What you need to know and understand

• If you are involved in a crash causing injury, death or damage, you must stop.
• You must give your name and address, the owner's name and address and the registration number to the other drivers involved, injured people and owners of damaged property.
• By law, a crash in the ACT must be reported to police within 24 hours. ACT Policing's online collision report form gives you a report number for insurance claims.
• Call 000 if anyone is injured, there is a fire or other danger. For non-urgent police help, call 131 444.
• Report injured wildlife to Access Canberra on 13 22 81.
• MAI insurance replaced the old compulsory third party (CTP) scheme on 1 February 2020. It is included in your registration and you choose your insurer when you pay.
• MAI insurance covers personal injury. Damage to cars and property needs separate insurance, such as third party property or comprehensive cover.

At the scene: step by step

1. Stop safely and turn on your hazard lights.
2. Check for injuries. Call 000 if anyone is hurt or there is a fire or fuel leak.
3. If your car is blocking traffic and can be moved safely, move it to the side of the road.
4. Exchange the required details with the other people involved. Stay calm and avoid arguments about blame.
5. Take photos of the vehicles, the scene and any damage, and note the time and place.
6. Report the crash to police within 24 hours, using the online form or a police station, and keep your report number.

MAI insurance and registration

Every vehicle driven on ACT roads must be registered. In the ACT, MAI insurance is bundled with registration, so an unregistered car is also uninsured for injuries. Driving an unregistered vehicle can lead to serious penalties and leave you personally exposed if someone is hurt.

When you renew registration through Access Canberra you can pick your MAI insurer. If you bring a car registered in another state to the ACT, check the current steps for registering it here with Access Canberra.

Learners and P platers after a crash

• The same legal duties apply to you as to any other driver.
• Your supervisor should help, but you are the driver and must make sure the details are exchanged.
• If you were driving a family car, tell the owner straight away so they can contact their insurer.
• Write down what happened while it is fresh in your memory.

Common mistakes

• Driving off after a minor bump without exchanging details.
• Admitting fault or arguing at the scene instead of sticking to facts.
• Forgetting to report the crash to police within 24 hours.
• Thinking MAI insurance will pay for the other driver's damaged car. It covers injuries, not property.

Test yourself: Crashes, insurance and registration in Australian Capital Territory

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• ACT Hazard Perception Test