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You’ve been injured in a car accident in Victoria and heard people mention “TAC” — but not totally sure what it is? The Transport Accident Commission (commonly called the TAC) is Victoria’s no-fault insurance scheme that covers your medical costs and lost income after a transport accident, regardless of who caused the crash.
If you’ve been hurt on Victorian roads, understanding what the TAC is and how it works could be the difference between struggling financially during recovery and getting the support you need.
Key Insights
- What is the Traffic Accident Commission: The TAC (Transport Accident Commission) is Victoria’s government-owned insurance scheme for transport accident victims
- It’s a no-fault scheme – you’re covered even if you caused the accident
- Covers medical expenses, rehabilitation, income support, and more
- Funded through vehicle registration fees that all Victorian drivers pay
- You must report accidents and lodge claims within specific timeframes to access benefits
What is the TAC?
The Transport Accident Commission is Victoria’s statutory insurer for people injured in transport accidents. Established under the Transport Accident Act 1986, the TAC began operating on 1 January 1987 to ensure Victorians injured on our roads can access treatment and financial support during recovery.
When you register your vehicle in Victoria, part of the cost goes to the TAC. This means every Victorian driver contributes to a fund that protects everyone on our roads if they’re injured in a transport accident.
What makes understanding what the TAC is so important? Its no-fault nature. Unlike traditional insurance, where proving who caused the accident matters, TAC supports you regardless of fault. Whether you caused the crash, another driver did, or no one was at fault, you can still access TAC benefits if you meet the eligibility criteria.
How Does TAC Work in Victoria?
Understanding how the TAC works in Victoria starts with knowing it’s a compulsory insurance scheme. Every time a Victorian motorist registers their vehicle, they pay a TAC charge. This funding pool then supports anyone injured in a transport accident in Victoria.
When you’re injured in a transport accident, TAC pays for your immediate medical treatment, from ambulance costs to hospital care, GP visits to specialist appointments. You don’t need to wait for your claim to be approved to start treatment. Most hospitals and health providers bill TAC directly.
TAC operates on a “reasonable and necessary” basis. This means they’ll cover treatment that’s appropriate for your injuries and helps you recover. They also provide ongoing support – if your injuries mean you can’t return to work, TAC offers income support for up to 18 months, and potentially longer if you have serious ongoing incapacity.
What Does the TAC Cover?
The TAC covers a comprehensive range of costs associated with transport accident injuries:
Medical and Treatment Costs
TAC pays for ambulance transport, hospital treatment, GP and specialist appointments, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology services, and prescribed medications related to your injuries. If you need medical equipment like crutches, wheelchairs, or mobility aids, TAC covers these too.
Income Support
If your injuries prevent you from working for more than five days, you’re eligible for income support payments. For the first 18 months, TAC pays a percentage of your pre-accident earnings. If you’re still unable to work after 18 months due to serious injuries, you may receive loss-of-earning-capacity payments.
Rehabilitation and Support Services
TAC funds return-to-work programs, vocational retraining if you can’t return to your previous job, and attendant care if your injuries require daily assistance. They’ll also cover home or vehicle modifications if your injuries create permanent mobility challenges.
Impairment Benefits
If your injuries result in permanent impairment, you may be eligible for a lump sum payment. This recognises the long-term impact serious injuries have on your life.
Common Law Damages
For serious injuries, you may also have the right to pursue common law damages through the TAC. This is separate from no-fault benefits and requires proving the accident wasn’t your fault. TAC lawyers can help determine if you’re eligible for common law compensation.
Who Can Make a TAC Claim?
You can make a TAC claim if you were injured in a transport accident in Victoria, regardless of your role in the accident. This includes:
- Drivers of cars, motorcycles, trucks, or other motor vehicles
- Passengers in any vehicle
- Pedestrians hit by vehicles
- Cyclists involved in collisions with motor vehicles
- People injured getting on or off public transport (trams, trains, buses)
You’re also covered if you’re a Victorian resident injured in an interstate accident involving a Victorian-registered vehicle, or if you were a passenger or driver in a Victorian-registered vehicle involved in an accident outside Victoria.
There are some situations where TAC benefits may be limited or denied. If you were charged with drinking and driving or other criminal offences at the time of the accident, your eligibility for certain benefits may be affected. However, this doesn’t automatically disqualify you from all support – it depends on the specific circumstances.
Making Your TAC Claim
You should lodge your TAC claim as soon as possible after your accident, ideally within 12 months. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Get Medical Treatment
Your health comes first. Seek immediate medical attention and keep all records of treatment, including receipts and medical certificates.
Step 2: Report the Accident
If police attended the scene, get the police report number. If not, you’ll need to provide details of the accident when you claim.
Step 3: Lodge Your Claim
You can lodge online through the TAC website, call 1300 654 329, or ask your hospital to lodge on your behalf. You’ll need accident details, your personal information, and medical documentation.
Step 4: Complete the Authority Form
TAC requires an Authority to Release Information form. This allows them to access medical records and other information needed to assess your claim. Without this form, TAC can’t process your claim.
Step 5: Cooperate with Assessments
TAC may require independent medical examinations to assess your injuries and determine appropriate treatment and support.
The TAC must generally make a decision on your claim within 21 days of receiving all required information. If they request additional information, they have 14 days from receiving it to decide. If you’re struggling with making a compensation claim from the TAC, understanding the TAC terms you need to know can make the process less overwhelming.
Why Legal Help Matters for TAC Claims
Why do you need a lawyer for your TAC claim? Well, while TAC is designed to be accessible, having experienced TAC lawyers on your side can make a significant difference to your claim outcome. This is particularly true if your injuries are serious, if TAC disputes liability, or if you’re unsure about your entitlements.
Choosing the right TAC lawyer means finding someone with specific experience in transport accident law, someone who understands the medical evidence needed, and someone who’ll fight for your best outcome.
Our team at Henry Carus + Associates has extensive experience representing victims of transport accidents across Victoria. We know what it takes to secure fair compensation and can handle your claim while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation – we’ll evaluate your case, outline your options, and advocate for the support you deserve.
