Key takeaways
- CTP is compulsory but does not cover any vehicle or property damage.
- TPPD protects you from liability if you damage someone else's car — often for $300–$600 per year.
- Comprehensive is usually worth it when your car is worth more than $10,000.
Choosing the right cover level means matching protection to your car's value and your ability to pay for repairs out of pocket. Here is a plain-English breakdown of all four levels — and how to decide which one fits your situation.
On this page
The four cover levels explained
Every registered Australian vehicle must carry CTP insurance, which covers compensation for personal injuries you cause to other people. CTP does not cover property damage, your own car, or injuries to yourself. The three optional private products build on that foundation.
| What's covered | CTP | TPPD | TPFT | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Injury to others (CTP) | ||||
| Damage to other vehicles/property | ||||
| Theft of your car | ||||
| Fire damage to your car | ||||
| Collision damage to your car | ||||
| Storm, hail, flood, vandalism | ||||
| Uninsured driver (varies by policy) | Sometimes | Sometimes |
CTP is compulsory. Other cover levels are optional. Always check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for your policy.
Third-party property and fire & theft
TPPD covers the cost of repairing or replacing other people's vehicles and property when you are at fault — without it, one accident could leave you personally liable for tens of thousands. TPFT adds protection if your own car is stolen or catches fire. Both leave you unprotected for collision damage to your own vehicle.
- TPPD suits drivers with low-value cars who can absorb own-vehicle repair costs
- TPFT is a meaningful upgrade when theft or fire risk matters to you
- Neither covers hail, flood, vandalism, or at-fault collision damage to your car
When comprehensive makes sense
Comprehensive insurance closes all remaining gaps — your vehicle is covered for accidental damage regardless of fault, plus third-party property cover. For a car worth more than $10,000, the annual cost difference between TPPD and comprehensive is often modest relative to replacement value, though the exact gap varies by driver, vehicle, and postcode.
Tip
Uninsured and hit-and-run drivers
Some TPPD and comprehensive policies include an uninsured motorist extension — cover for damage to your own vehicle when another driver is at fault but uninsured or flees the scene. Conditions vary: you may need to identify the other vehicle, and claim caps may apply. Check the PDS before assuming you are covered.
Choosing by car value
The decision comes down to financial resilience. If you can replace your car out of pocket after a write-off, TPPD may be sufficient. For financed or mid-to-high-value vehicles, comprehensive is the standard choice. Always compare policies using the same excess and inclusions.
- Under $5,000 car value — TPPD or TPFT may be enough
- $5,000–$10,000 — TPFT or comprehensive depending on risk tolerance
- Over $10,000 — comprehensive is usually the best value
- Financed vehicles — lenders typically require comprehensive cover
General information only — not personal financial advice. Consider your own circumstances and read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before purchasing any policy. Moneyhero may earn referral fees from some providers when you switch through us; this does not change how results are ordered. How we compare
Frequently asked questions
Cover-type questions answered — what each level includes, what it misses, and how to decide.
Does CTP (Green Slip) cover damage to my own car?
No. CTP only covers personal injury claims for other people arising from accidents you cause. It does not cover property damage of any kind or injuries to yourself.
What does third-party property damage actually pay for?
TPPD pays for the repair or replacement of another person's vehicle and property when you are legally at fault. It does not cover your own vehicle, fire, theft, or single-vehicle incidents like hitting a kangaroo.
Is comprehensive insurance worth it for an older car?
It depends on the car's value. If the payout after excess is small relative to the annual premium, the case weakens. Many drivers keep comprehensive until the premium exceeds roughly 10–15% of the car's value per year.
What is an uninsured motorist extension?
Some policies cover damage to your own vehicle when hit by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver — provided you can identify them. Check the PDS for conditions and any claim cap.