If you’ve been injured in a car accident, motorcycle accident, or another transport-related incident in Victoria, you may be entitled to support through the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).
The good news is, you don’t need to prove anyone was at fault to access it.
The TAC is a ‘no fault’ scheme, which means its purpose is simple: to help Victorians get back on their feet after an accident, covering things like medical treatment, income support, and rehabilitation.
That said, knowing you’re entitled to support is one thing, but knowing how to make a road accident claim is another.
The process involves specific forms, timeframes, and evidence requirements, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you’re already dealing with the stress of recovery.
This guide walks you through exactly how to make a TAC claim in Victoria — what you need to lodge a claim, common mistakes that can slow things down, what to expect along the way, and when to seek legal advice.
Wherever you are in the process, this article will help you understand your eligibility for subsidised support.
What is a TAC compensation claim?
Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is a Victorian Government-owned organisation that operates a ‘no fault’ insurance scheme designed to compensate you for any personal injuries suffered in a road accident.
If approved, TAC will pay for reasonable costs associated with your medical treatment, rehabilitation, disability support, and income assistance for any person/s injured in a motor vehicle accident.
The Victorian Government funds this scheme through premiums collected during yearly vehicle registration.
The role of TAC is to promote road safety in Victoria by addressing the economic and social costs associated with road accidents.
They partner with other departments of government to run campaigns that encourage safe road habits, while supporting those injured by vehicle accidents.
What does TAC cover?
| Cover | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical & treatment costs | All reasonable and necessary treatment, surgeries, GP appointments, hospital bills, ambulance coverage etc. |
| Rehabilitation | Physiotherapy, chiropractic care, psychology, dental, and necessary medical equipment (e.g. wheelchairs, crutches, and vehicle/home modifications) |
| Income support/ Weekly payments | Weekly payments to cover wages lost from injury → up to 80% of your pre-accident earnings |
| Travel expenses | Reimbursement for travel to medical-related appointments (including for family if necessary) |
| Impairment Benefit | One-off, tax-free, lump sums if your injury meets specific whole-person impairment thresholds |
| Fatalities | Funeral expenses and financial dependency for the family of someone who has died. |
| Common law damages | If another party/s negligence caused your injuries, and they reach “serious injury” thresholds → potential to sue for pain and suffering and loss of earning capacity |
How to claim TAC in Victoria : Step by step guide
Before understanding how to lodge a TAC claim, you must first ensure the accident has been handled properly and all necessary information has been gathered.
These details are crucial before reaching out to the Transport Accident Commission.
A lack of information will affect your eligibility to claim benefits regardless of circumstances.
At the site of the accident :
- Exchange details with the party/s involved (name, phone number, driver’s license details, and address)
- If there are witnesses, collect their details as well (this could be crucial for your claim)
- Take photos of damage, log date and time, and record any hazards (obstructing objects, hazardous weather, changes in road conditions)
After the accident :
- In Victoria, you are legally required to contact the police if anyone is injured, if there’s property damage and the owner isn’t present, or if the other party/s fails to stop or won’t provide their details (call 000, visit your local police station, or report it via their website)
- Seek medical attention (even minor injuries can signal a larger concern. Medical records also confirm that the accident caused your injury)
- Report to your vehicle insurance provider (follow their instructions for filing a claim and provide all relevant details)
- Notify the Transport Accident Commission (if you are eligible to initiate a claim)
- Seek legal advice (if the accident involves complex circumstances, disputes or injuries)
Fulfilling these steps following your accident will ensure you’re in the best possible position to file a claim with TAC Victoria.
How to lodge a TAC claim?
Lodging a TAC claim is relatively straightforward as long as you have the appropriate documentation and information required for the lodgement to pass.
You will need to provide TAC with documentation, such as:
- Medical/hospital details (discharge summary, medical certificate, letter from your GP or a medical professional).
- Accident information (description and details)
- Your details (driver’s license, contact information, bank details, employment details)
- Details for the party/s involved (contact details)
- Police report number (not required for public transport accidents)
*TAC may contact your GP, employer, or witnesses if they deem it necessary
You can call the Transport Accident Commission or file your claim via their website. Once you’ve lodged your claim, TAC typically responds within 21 days in regards to its status.
Make sure you’ve ascertained your entitlements accurately, as you could be eligible for benefits towards medical and rehabilitation services, as well as lump sum compensation.
TAC will send you a claim summary that covers all details and information initially provided when filing the claim.
Ensure these are correct and review all attached documentation for accuracy.
If you catch any errors, contact TAC immediately to rectify them.
Once TAC determines if you’re eligible for a claim, they will send necessary forms to be submitted to your healthcare provider.
Returning these forms allows your healthcare provider to bill the TAC directly for any of your approved treatments or services.
You will also have to fulfill documentation to be compensated with income support, and any other benefits approved by TAC.
Who can make a TAC claim?
There are numerous factors that could influence your eligibility to claim from the Transport Accident Commission.
Firstly, you can only claim from TAC if the incident was caused by, or involved, a motor vehicle (car, truck, tram, bus, or motorbike).
You may be eligible for a TAC claim in Victoria if you were injured as a :
- Passenger
- Driver
- Cyclist
- Pedestrian
- Motorcyclists
- Public transport user
Both Victorians and non-Victorians are eligible for a TAC claim if :
- The accident occurred in Victoria
- The accident occurred interstate and involved a Victorian-registered vehicle
- You witnessed a transport accident in Victoria
- You suffered a psychological injury from being informed that a loved one was involved in an accident
Reasons why your claim was declined by TAC
It’s important to note that every situation is different.
What may be the cause of another’s rejected claim, may be unrelated to your situation.
However, there are common issues that arise when filing a claim through TAC.
- Evidence – A lack of proper medical records or injury details can instigate a rejection
- Disputes – TAC may question if the injury was accident-related
- Delays – TAC may contact you, delaying the claim, requiring more documentation
- Limits – TAC may only approve some medical treatment and income coverage
- Confusion – You may apply for a claim without realising what you’re entitled to
Make sure you do your research and collate as much documentation as you can before filing a claim.
Missing even the smallest detail could be the reason your lodgement gets rejected.
How long after an accident can you make a TAC claim?
If you’re lodging a claim with the Transport Accident Commission in Victoria, you generally need to do so within 12 months of the accident.
However there are some circumstances where this timeframe will be reconsidered.
Under reasonable grounds, TAC may accept claims up to 3 years post-accident.
If the accident involves a fatality, the victim’s family typically has up to 2 years to lodge a claim.
Factors that may make you eligible to a delayed claim :
- Delayed onset of symptoms
- Connection to the accident was not obvious (unsure if injury was related)
- Physical or mental incapacity (severe injuries, surgeries, or mental health struggles)
- Being a minor (under 18, TAC extends timeline until your 21st birthday)
- Difficulty securing medical evidence (experienced unavoidable delays with documentation)
- Lack of awareness (you were unaware of TAC or your eligibility to make a claim)
Can you claim TAC after a car accident if you were at fault?
Yes.
Victoria’s Transport Accident Commission scheme is ‘no fault’, meaning fault does not influence your eligibility to receive compensation.
The scheme is a support service, provided to any person injured during a motor accident, regardless of who was at fault.
However, while the person at fault is still eligible for basic support, entitlement to lump-sum payouts is restricted.
You are still eligible for income support, medical expenses, and an impairment benefits. However, you are not entitled to common law damages.
When to seek legal advice
If you are unsure or confused about filing a TAC claim, a lawyer can help to clarify and simplify the process for you.
Legal advice can also be helpful if your claim gets rejected, your financial support is incorrect, or you disagree with the final decision.
In terms of damages, if you are experiencing long-term or serious injury, you willmay need a Serious Injury Certificate.
A lawyer will ensure your application correctly matches the detailed medical, legal, and lifestyle requirements.
This article is general information about the Transport Accident Commission in Victoria, and is not legal advice.
Your circumstances may differ, speak with a personal injury lawyer about your specific claim if unsure.
