Last updated · General information, not legal advice
Overview
Losing a family member in a car accident is one of the hardest things a family can go through, and the last thing anyone wants to think about is a claim form. It's worth knowing that support exists: CTP insurance covers reasonable funeral expenses regardless of fault, and close relatives who depended on the person financially may be able to claim ongoing compensation. There's no need to work through this alone or immediately — dedicated support services exist specifically for families in this situation.
Key points
- Funeral expenses are generally covered regardless of fault
- Financially dependent close relatives may be able to claim ongoing compensation
- This generally depends on the deceased not having been mostly at fault
- Lodge within 3 months where possible; claims must generally be made within 3 years
- CTP Assist (1300 656 919) can arrange a Principal Liaison Coordinator — you don't need to navigate this alone
Your situation
Work out where you stand
How we help
There's no charge and no pressure — a free claim check can simply explain what support exists, in plain language, whenever your family is ready to look at it. Where an independent lawyer would help, particularly for a dependency claim, we'll connect you with someone experienced in this area. For immediate support, you can call CTP Assist on 1300 656 919 and ask for a Principal Liaison Coordinator, or email fatalitysupport@sira.nsw.gov.au, whether or not you take anything further with us. None of this needs to be sorted out alone, and it doesn't always need a lawyer straight away — CTP Assist's support services exist specifically to help families through this, whatever you decide about a claim.
What this means
CTP insurance generally covers reasonable funeral expenses regardless of who was at fault in the crash, including the cost of transporting the person to near their usual home; the deceased's legal personal representative, usually a close family member, can apply. Close relatives who were financially dependent on the person who died — a spouse or de facto partner, parent, child, or sibling, for example — may be able to claim compensation for the lost financial support and domestic services the person provided, generally depending on the deceased not having been mostly at fault. Claims are best lodged within 3 months of the accident where possible; later claims need a satisfactory explanation, and there's a general 3-year limit.
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules depend on your accident date and circumstances, and they change — check the current scheme rules with SIRA and get advice about your own situation.
