New Motor Accident Guidelines commence

1 April 2023

The new Motor Accident Guidelines (the Guidelines) commenced on 1 April 2023. SIRA regularly reviews and updates the guidelines to ensure the CTP scheme is functioning optimally and continues to support the objectives of the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017. These objectives are to encourage early and appropriate treatment and care, to achieve optimum recovery of persons from injuries sustained in motor accidents and to maximise their return to work or other activities.

The Guidelines describe and clarify expectations that apply to respective stakeholders in the scheme and are divided into eight parts, including premium determination, claims management, permanent impairment and dispute resolution.

It is a condition of an insurer’s licence to comply with the Guidelines.

Key changes in version 9.1 of the Guidelines include terminology changes required following legislative amendments last year. These changes include increased access to benefits from 26 to 52 weeks for certain cohorts and changed the term ‘minor injury’ to ‘threshold injury’ following stakeholder consultation.