Insurance Commission of WA: Protecting Western Australians

The Insurance Commission of Western Australia (ICWA) is a statutory corporation that serves as the primary provider of motor vehicle injury insurance and risk management services to the Western Australian government.

Who is Covered by ICWA?

ICWA provides personal injury insurance to passengers, drivers, and pedestrians involved in motor vehicle accidents in Western Australia. It covers anyone who suffers injuries in accidents caused by the negligence of another driver, irrespective of their age, gender, or driving history. In addition, ICWA provides coverage to drivers of government-owned vehicles, such as police cars and emergency services vehicles.

ICWA is also responsible for administering the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Compensation Scheme, which provides support and compensation to people who are injured in motor vehicle accidents that occur on Western Australian roads. The scheme covers a range of expenses, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, loss of income, and other damages caused by the accident.

What Does ICWA Do?

ICWA’s primary role is to provide insurance coverage to those who suffer injuries in motor vehicle accidents in Western Australia. It also works to promote road safety and prevent accidents by providing risk management services and support to government agencies and other stakeholders.

ICWA’s services include:

  • Personal injury insurance coverage for passengers, drivers, and pedestrians involved in motor vehicle accidents;
  • Management of the MVA Compensation Scheme;
  • Management of the Government’s self-insurance schemes;
  • Risk management advice and support to government agencies and other stakeholders;
  • Regulation of the compulsory third party insurance scheme; and
  • Investigation of fraudulent insurance claims.

What is the MVA Compensation Scheme?

The MVA Compensation Scheme provides support and compensation to people who are injured in motor vehicle accidents that occur on Western Australian roads. The scheme covers a range of expenses, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, loss of income, and other damages caused by the accident.

ICWA administers the scheme on behalf of the Western Australian government. To be eligible for compensation under the scheme, an injured person must prove that the accident was caused by the negligence of another driver. The scheme also provides coverage for accidents caused by uninsured or unidentified drivers.

Claims Process

To make a claim under the MVA Compensation Scheme, an injured person must complete an application form and provide evidence of their injuries and the circumstances of the accident. The application must be lodged with ICWA within six months of the accident.

ICWA will investigate the claim and may request additional information or evidence before making a decision. If the claim is accepted, ICWA will provide compensation to cover the cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost income.

Compensation Limits

The amount of compensation available under the MVA Compensation Scheme is subject to limits. As of July 2021, these limits are:

Item
Limit
Medical expenses
$500,000
Rehabilitation expenses
$200,000
Lost income
85% of pre-injury income
Non-economic loss
$500,000

If the injured person was partly at fault for the accident, the amount of compensation may be reduced in proportion to their level of fault.

Regulation of the Compulsory Third Party Insurance Scheme

ICWA is responsible for regulating the compulsory third party (CTP) insurance scheme in Western Australia. CTP insurance is mandatory for all motor vehicles registered in Western Australia and covers the cost of compensation for people who are injured or killed in accidents caused by the driver of the insured vehicle.

ICWA’s role in regulating the CTP scheme includes:

  • Setting premiums;
  • Investigating and resolving disputes;
  • Monitoring compliance with the CTP regulations;
  • Managing the CTP claims process; and
  • Providing advice and support to insurers and claimants.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Insurance Commission of Western Australia?

The Insurance Commission of Western Australia (ICWA) is a statutory corporation that provides personal injury insurance to passengers, drivers, and pedestrians involved in motor vehicle accidents in Western Australia. It is also responsible for administering the Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Scheme and regulating the compulsory third party insurance scheme.

2. Who is covered by ICWA?

ICWA covers anyone who suffers injuries in motor vehicle accidents caused by the negligence of another driver in Western Australia. It also provides coverage to drivers of government-owned vehicles.

3. What is the Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Scheme?

The Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Scheme provides support and compensation to people who are injured in motor vehicle accidents that occur on Western Australian roads. It covers a range of expenses, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, loss of income, and other damages caused by the accident.

4. What is the compulsory third party insurance scheme?

The compulsory third party (CTP) insurance scheme is mandatory for all motor vehicles registered in Western Australia and covers the cost of compensation for people who are injured or killed in accidents caused by the driver of the insured vehicle.

5. How do I make a claim under the Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Scheme?

To make a claim under the Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Scheme, an injured person must complete an application form and provide evidence of their injuries and the circumstances of the accident. The application must be lodged with the Insurance Commission of Western Australia within six months of the accident.

6. What are the compensation limits under the Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Scheme?

The amount of compensation available under the Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Scheme is subject to limits. These limits are reviewed annually and as of July 2021, they are:

Item
Limit
Medical expenses
$500,000
Rehabilitation expenses
$200,000
Lost income
85% of pre-injury income
Non-economic loss
$500,000