The average CTP payout in Queensland depends on injury type, severity, and other factors. While up-to-the-minute 2025 statistics are not yet published, this guide uses the most recent available figures and explains how payouts are calculated, including the maximum CTP payout in Queensland.
This article provides general information and statistics relating to CTP payouts in Qld. It is not legal advice. If you require legal advice about a CTP payout, please contact us at Denning Insurance Law.
What can you claim on CTP insurance?
As a starting point, it is important to understand that every claim is different but that in most cases, an injured person can claim compensation under a number of “heads of damage”.
The amounts which an injured person may recover include:
- Reasonable and appropriate rehabilitation expenses
- General damages (pain and suffering)
- Special damages (out-of-pocket expenses such as treatment, medication, travel, equipment, aids)
- Gratuitous care
- Paid care
- Past and future loss of earnings
- Interest
- Lost superannuation benefits
- Legal costs
As the amounts which each person can differ, it’s important to seek legal advice about your potential entitlements, to ensure that you are properly compensated for your injuries. For advice about a CTP claim, contact us.
Average and Maximum CTP Payouts in Queensland – Latest Figues
For finalised claims from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, the Motor Accident Insurance Commission reports that average CTP claim payouts were as follows:
Below is a table which sets out the average CTP payouts in Qld from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, the Motor Accident Insurance Commission reports:
| Severity of injury | Average amount paid |
|---|---|
| Minor | $88,900 |
| Moderate | $195,600 |
| Serious | $372,800 |
| Severe | $698,700 |
| Critical | $859,100 |
Figures based on claims finalised from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 (latest available data).
According to data from the the Motor Accident Insurance Commission, the average amounts paid, under various heads of damage, on CTP claims finalised in the period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, are as follows:
| Description | Average amount paid |
|---|---|
| General damages (pain, suffering and loss of amenities of life) | $18,523 |
| Past and future loss of income | $85,445 |
| Care | $56,504 |
| Legal costs | $41,301 |
Figures based on claims finalised from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 (latest available data).
Maximum General Damages Payout in Queensland CTP Claims
For CTP claims in Queensland after 1 July 2024, the maximum amount for general damages is about $456,950. This applies to the most serious injuries (ISV 100) under the Civil Liability Regulation 2014 (Qld). Total payouts are much higher when you include other heads of damage such as lost income, medical expenses, and care.
List of CTP Payout Amounts Qld
The following is a list of recent CTP claim payouts, as awarded by the Queensland State Courts:
| Case name | Payout amount |
|---|---|
| Kickbusch v Lehane & Anor [2022] QDC 16 | $173,085 |
| Murphy v Turner-Jones & Anor [2022] QSC 40 | $200,776 |
| Bosk v Burgess & QBE Insurance (Australia) Ltd [2021] QSC 338 | $573,616 and €871,373 |
| Ketchell v RACQ insurance Limited [2021] QDC 307 | $479,884 |
| Allen v O’Donnell & RACQ Insurance Ltd [2021] QSC 63 | $2,499,399 |
| Seiffert v Chadwick and TAC [2021] QDC 8 | $456,640 |
| O’Brien v Merton & Anor [2020] QDC 299 | $41,560 |
| Hariharan v Vojtisek & Anor [2020] QDC 276 | $269,840 |
| McKay v Armstrong & Anor [2020] QDC 127 | $76,123 |
| Towell v Mooney & Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd [2023] QDC 130 | $285,122 |
The CTP claim payout amount made by a CTP insurer varies from claim to claim. So, it is important to seek expert legal advice as to your potential entitlements at the earliest possible stage.
Can you claim for a whiplash payout?
Yes. “Whiplash” describes a mechanism of injury. An injury described as “whiplash” can involve injury to the muscles, tendons and soft tissues of the neck. It is the most common type of injury claimed for by injured road users in CTP matters. The seriousness of a whiplash type injury varies from minor to moderate and the effects of these injuries can be long lasting for some people. For more information about whiplash injury claims, see our Whiplash Injury Compensation Claims Guide Qld.
Gratuitous Care Threshold in Qld CTP Claims
If family or friends provide you with unpaid help after an accident, you may be able to claim the cost of that care. In Queensland CTP claims, this is called gratuitous care.
To be eligible, the help must meet the 6-hour/6-month threshold in section 59 of the Civil Liability Act 2003 (Qld).
Eligibility checklist
Care is provided for at least 6 hours per week
Care is needed for at least 6 consecutive months
Care is directly related to your accident injuries
Care is normally provided by a paid service (e.g., cooking, cleaning, personal care, transport)
If the care you receive doesn’t meet all of these points, it won’t qualify for a gratuitous care claim.
Example scenario
After a motor vehicle accident, Sam’s sister visits daily to help him shower, cook meals, and drive him to medical appointments. She spends about 8 hours each week providing care, and continues this for 7 months while Sam recovers. Sam meets the threshold and can claim the value of his sister’s care, even though she wasn’t paid.
How do I know when to settle my claim?
A question that we are frequently asked is when someone should settle their CTP claim.
Our general advice to people is that it will probably be many months and up to two (2) years before accident related injuries are stable and stationary. If your injuries are not stable and stationary, you should not finalise your claim for any amount.
This is because there is no way of knowing what the long term impacts of your injuries will be and their may be other injuries of which you are unaware. You can still request reimbursement of your expenses in the short term, but please – do not offer to finalise your claim after you’ve just had an accident without seeking legal advice.
The CTP insurer said my claim is "closed" - what does this mean?
If you have been told by a CTP insurer that your claim is closed, you should seek legal advice. Some insurers tell injured Claimants this to avoid paying any further amounts on a claim.
This is sharp claims practice and almost certainly incorrect advice. “Closing” a claim is done with the click of a button, whereas properly finalising a claim requires an injured individual to sign a Release, agreeing to claim no further amounts.
If you have not signed a Release, you could be entitled to significant damages for your injuries, paid out in a lump sum.
The CTP insurer said I am only entitled to damages for "pain and suffering"
Some insurers tell injured, self-represented claimants that they are only prepared to make a payout in respect of “pain and suffering” or “general damages”.
However, most of our clients recover compensation under several heads of damage, proving this is information completely wrong and at worst, misleading.
To read CTP case studies from our former clients, click here. To learn more about pain and suffering payouts, click here.
Can you claim compensation for a deceased person?
Yes but it needs to be clear that another vehicle was at-fault (in whole or in part).
A spouse, de facto spouse, child or other dependant can submit a CTP claim in respect of an accident. This type of claim is described as a claim for dependency.
The claim can be started by any one of the dependants. Usually the claim is conducted by the estate of the deceased on behalf of the dependants. Damages for loss of dependency can be substantial.
How much is the payout for death in a car accident?
In a claim for dependency, CTP death payouts are (basically) calculated by:
- estimating the ongoing level of earnings that the deceased would have derived but for their death; and
- deducting an allowance for the amounts that the deceased would have spent upon themselves.
The loss of benefit of the deceased’s superannuation payments is also claimed together with interest. In addition to the loss of financial dependency, a claim for damages in respect of a deceased’s loss of domestic services is usually claimed.
Considerations
The potential damages payable to an injured person can be significant.
Each claim is different and it is important to engage an experienced lawyer to ensure that your claim is properly quantified and supported by expert evidence.
Injured individuals should seek legal advice before accepting an insurer’s offer of settlement. Generally speaking, a settlement cannot be re-opened, once finalised.
Why choose Denning Insurance Law?
Don’t settle for just any personal injury law firm – choose Denning Insurance Law, where you’ll get a complete and comprehensive service from one of Queensland’s only firms founded by a former in-house CTP lawyer. With our expertise in insurance law, we offer a unique advantage in handling your personal injury claim.
From CTP, to property damage insurance claims and navigating the National Injury Insurance Scheme, our highly experienced team will be with you every step of the way. We’ll ensure that you receive the full extent of your entitlements, so that you can focus on your road to recovery.
And with Principal Kate Denning being an Accredited Personal Injury Law Specialist, you can trust that your case is in the hands of a true expert. Read about just some of our previous case successes by clicking here and see for yourself why Denning Insurance Law is the right choice for your personal injury claim. Contact us today for a FREE initial consultation and take the first step towards securing the compensation you deserve.
Want more information about CTP claims?
Stay informed on the time limits and claim timeframes for Qld CTP claims with our helpful article “Qld CTP Claim Time Limit and Claim Timeframes.”
Navigate the CTP claim process with ease by reading our comprehensive article “Making a CTP Claim in Qld.” See how our expertise has helped real clients just like you by clicking through our inspiring case studies.
Make informed decisions and ensure the best outcome for your CTP claim by learning from our experience. Check out our articles and case studies today!
Our Frequently Asked Questions about CTP Payouts in Queensland
In Queensland, CTP payouts are based on injury severity, medical evidence, and other factors. These FAQs explain the most common questions about payout amounts.
What is the average CTP payout in Queensland?
The average CTP payout in Queensland depends on injury severity—ranging from approximately $82,100 for minor injuries to nearly $2 million for critical injuries
What is the maximum CTP payout in Queensland in 2025?
As at 1 July 2024, the Civil Liability Regulation 2014 (Qld) sets the maximum general damages for the most serious injuries (ISV 100) at about $456,950. The total a person could receive in 2025 would be higher once other heads of damage are included, but that figure isn’t published.
What factors affect my CTP payout?
Severity of injury, medical evidence, age, occupation, loss of income, and care needs all influence the final settlement.
How long does a CTP payout take in Queensland?
Simple claims may resolve within 6–18 months. Complex cases, especially with serious injuries or liability disputes, can take several years.
Can I claim for pain and suffering in a CTP payout?
Yes. Pain and suffering is part of “general damages” and is calculated using an Injury Scale Value (ISV) under Queensland law.
Is there a limit on lost income claims in a CTP payout?
Yes. The Civil Liability Act 2003 (Qld) caps weekly loss of earnings at three times the average Queensland weekly earnings at the time of the award.