HAWKESBURY motorists could see their green slip insurance drop by about $120, if the state government successfully pushes through legislation changes.
The state government has been mulling changes to the compulsory third party injury insurance, which NSW motorists must have, for some time.
The government introduced the bill to Parliament on March 8, with the aim to have the changes take place by December.
The government says that by cutting down on fraudulent claims and exaggerated injuries, it can deliver savings which would see the average green slip price drop from $650 to $528.
The government will change how injuries, caused as a result of car crashes, are assessed and how compensation is paid out.
All motorists injured in a crash, regardless of who is at fault, will be covered for six months.
During that time, they will receive weekly payments if they require time off work to recover. Medical and treatment expenses are also covered.
When injuries are seemed more serious, further cover will be applied.
A person with a ‘moderate’ injury, will initially receive two years of weekly income, while further legal action could see them entitled to a third year of benefits, as well as medical costs covered.
Someone with a ‘serious’ injury receives mostly the same as a moderate injury, however, can claim for up to five years.
Member for Hawkesbury and state Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said via a statement that currently 45 cents in every dollar goes toward injured motorists, and the government wanted to see that figure rise to 60 cents.
"The current scheme has become the least affordable in the country and just 45 cents in every Green Slip dollar is returned to those who need it most - injured road users. The rest is chewed up in scheme costs, including insurance super profits, legal fees and medical fees.
"The changes will not only stop the ongoing increases in average premiums, they will stop insurer super profits and actually reduce the cost of Green Slips for NSW motorists. This will provide a significant household saving to families in the Hawkesbury who often need to insure multiple vehicles every year," he said.
