If you were hurt in a car accident on the way to or from work in Tasmania, two schemes can be involved: workers compensation and the motor accident scheme. Which one pays depends on the state’s rules, and getting it wrong can cost you time you do not have. Here is how it works in Tasmania, from the official sources.
Does workers compensation cover the drive to work in Tasmania?
In Tasmania, WorkSafe's guide says injuries while travelling between home and work are excluded, unless your employer told, asked or authorised a detour.
What about the motor accident scheme?
Tasmania Legal Aid says an injury from a motor vehicle accident may be covered by the MAIB. The MAIB lists cases where the injured person is covered by workers compensation as an exclusion.
The motor accident scheme in Tasmania: Motor Accidents Insurance Board (MAIB), a no-fault scheme.
What to do now
- If the police did not come to the crash, report it to a police officer in person as soon as possible (MAIB).
- Lodge an Application for Benefits (Form B) within 12 months of the accident. MAIB benefits are paid whether or not you caused the crash.
- If you may sue for damages, Tasmania Legal Aid says you have 3 years from the date of the crash.
If your employer’s scheme may also be involved:
- Tell your employer as soon as possible. Your employer must give you a Notice of Right to make a claim within 14 days.
- Get a Certificate of Capacity from a doctor.
- Give the claim form to your employer within 6 months of the date of your injury (WorkSafe Tasmania).
Free official help
- MAIB: 1800 006 224
- Tasmania Legal Aid: 1300 366 611
- WorkSafe Tasmania: 1300 366 322
- Tasmania Legal Aid: 1300 366 611
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General information, not legal advice. Claim Done is not a law firm. Checked against the official sources below on 22 October 2026. If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
Official sources
- WorkSafe Tasmania: How to make a workers compensation claim
- Tasmania Legal Aid: Injuries at work
- MAIB: How to make a claim
- MAIB: Who can claim
- Tasmania Legal Aid: Motor vehicle crash injuries