Overview
Injuries from motor vehicle accidents on New Zealand roads are covered by ACC's Motor Vehicle Account. This account is funded by levies paid by vehicle owners through registration fees and petrol tax. It covers anyone injured in a motor vehicle accident on a public road — drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
What is Covered?
ACC covers personal injury suffered in a motor vehicle accident on a public road in New Zealand. This includes:
- Drivers: The driver of any motor vehicle on a public road
- Passengers: Any passenger in a vehicle involved in an accident
- Cyclists: Injured in a collision with a motor vehicle
- Pedestrians: Struck or involved with a motor vehicle
- Motorcyclists: Same cover as other road users
Private car parks, driveways, and farm roads are generally not covered under the Motor Vehicle Account unless they are "places to which the public have access".
Motor Vehicle Levies
The Motor Vehicle Account is funded through:
- Vehicle licensing (registration) levy: Paid annually when you renew your vehicle's registration. As of 2025, this is approximately $113 per year for a petrol car and $55 for a diesel/electric car.
- Petrol tax component: Included in the price of petrol (approximately 10–12 cents per litre goes to ACC).
- Diesel and electric vehicle owners pay the levy directly through road user charges (RUC) instead of petrol tax.
Treatment for Motor Vehicle Injuries
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, the same ACC entitlements apply:
- GP visits are free
- Physiotherapy and chiropractic sessions are covered
- Emergency department and hospital treatment are covered
- Surgery (if needed) is covered
- Weekly compensation (if unable to work) is paid from the Motor Vehicle Account
- Rehabilitation services are available
- Lump sum for permanent impairment may be payable
What is NOT Covered?
ACC does not cover:
- Vehicle damage: ACC covers personal injury only — vehicle repair or replacement is not included (you need comprehensive car insurance for that)
- Property damage: Damage to fences, buildings, or other property from an accident is not covered
- Injuries on private property: Unless the public has general access (e.g., a shopping centre car park)
- Off-road vehicle accidents: Unless on a road or public access area
Claims Process
Making a claim for a motor vehicle accident is the same as for any other accident:
- Seek medical treatment — the health professional can lodge the claim
- Provide details about the accident (location, how it happened)
- ACC processes the claim under the Motor Vehicle Account
- You receive the same entitlements as any other ACC claimant