What Is the Motor Accident Injuries (MAI) Scheme in NSW?
In a Nutshell: The Motor Accident Injuries (MAI) scheme is New South Wales' CTP (Compulsory Third Party) insurance system. It provides fault-based injury cover — if you're injured in a car accident in NSW, you claim against the at-fault driver's CTP green slip policy. While not a "no-fault" scheme like Victoria's TAC, it does provide some benefits regardless of fault for the first 26 weeks.
MAI Scheme Overview
| Feature | MAI Scheme |
|---|---|
| Also known as | CTP Green Slip scheme |
| Regulated by | State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) |
| Type | Fault-based (with limited no-fault for first 26 weeks) |
| Started | 2017 (replacing the previous CTP scheme) |
| Cover type | Personal injury from motor vehicle accidents |
| What it covers | Medical costs, lost income, rehabilitation, impairment lump sums |
MAI Benefits — What You Can Claim
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical and treatment costs | All reasonable medical, hospital, ambulance, dental, and rehabilitation costs |
| Income replacement (first 26 weeks) | Up to 85% of pre-accident earnings (capped) — available regardless of fault |
| Income replacement (after 26 weeks) | Only if the accident was the other driver's fault |
| Permanent impairment | Lump sum for impairment >10% whole person impairment |
| Pain and suffering | Lump sum if threshold met |
| Death benefits | Funeral costs + dependency payments |
| Home care | Attendant care for severe injuries |
Fault-Based vs No-Fault Coverage
| Time Period | At-Fault Driver Injured | Not-At-Fault Driver Injured |
|---|---|---|
| First 26 weeks | ✅ Limited benefits (medical + income capped at lower rate) | ✅ Full benefits |
| After 26 weeks | ❌ Benefits cease (except ongoing medical in some cases) | ✅ Ongoing benefits (medical + income + lump sum) |
| Lump sum (impairment) | ❌ Not available | ✅ Available if >10% impairment |
⚠️ Warning: If you cause an accident in NSW, your CTP green slip covers the OTHER people injured — but YOUR cover for your own injuries is limited (medical for 26 weeks, very limited after).
MAI vs TAC (Victoria)
| Feature | NSW MAI (Fault-Based) | Victoria TAC (No-Fault) |
|---|---|---|
| Covers you if you cause the accident | ⚠️ Limited (26 weeks) | ✅ Full cover |
| Income replacement (at-fault) | Up to 26 weeks only | Ongoing |
| Lump sum (at-fault) | ❌ Not available | ✅ Available |
| Covers passengers regardless of fault | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Covers pedestrians/cyclists | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Covers fault driver's own injuries | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Full |
How to Claim on the MAI Scheme
| Step | Timeline | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | At the scene | Get medical treatment — tell the doctor it's a motor accident |
| 2 | Within 28 days | Report the accident to the at-fault driver's CTP insurer |
| 3 | Within 3 months | Lodge a formal claim form |
| 4 | Within 6 months | Submit medical certificates and supporting documents |
| 5 | Ongoing | Claim benefits as needed |
MAI Premiums (Green Slip)
| Vehicle Type | Typical MAI Premium (2026) |
|---|---|
| Small car | $450–$550 |
| Medium car | $500–$620 |
| Large SUV | $580–$720 |
| Motorcycle | $350–$500 |
| Ute / light commercial | $520–$680 |
💡 Insurers compete on price — you can save $100–$200 by comparing green slip providers when you register your car.
Key Takeaway
- MAI = NSW's CTP scheme — mandatory personal injury cover included with vehicle registration.
- NSW is a fault-based system — you claim against the at-fault driver's green slip.
- Limited no-fault cover: first 26 weeks of medical/income regardless of fault.
- After 26 weeks: no benefits for at-fault drivers; ongoing benefits for not-at-fault.
- MAI covers injury ONLY — no vehicle damage.
- Green slip prices vary between insurers — compare at greenslip.com.au.
- If you have questions about a claim, contact SIRA (State Insurance Regulatory Authority).
Last updated: July 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the NSW Motor Accident Injuries (MAI) scheme. CTP rules, benefits, and premiums are subject to change. Visit the SIRA website or Service NSW for current information.