Motor vehicle modifications
Motor vehicle modifications are changes made to your vehicle to improve your safety and independence.
When you return home following a motor accident, it is important that you have access to suitable transport.
If you have injuries that make it difficult for you to drive, changes may be needed to help you to get in and out of your vehicle, drive, load mobility aids or be transported safely while someone else drives.
Motor vehicle modification benefits are provided in accordance with the Motor Accidents (Compensation) Act 1979 and the Motor Accidents (Compensation) Regulations 1984.
The MAC Scheme may fund necessary and reasonable alterations to a motor vehicle where the vehicle is owned and regularly used by you or your primary carer.
TIO MAC will take into consideration the following:
- the nature and severity and permanency of your motor accident injuries
- the expected benefits for your safety, independence, and mobility
- the extent and cost of modifications
- how often you use the motor vehicle and whether there are other suitable transport options available.
Your TIO MAC case manager will arrange for an occupational therapist to assess your necessary and reasonable needs for motor vehicle modifications for safety and to maximise your independence and mobility.
An occupational therapist will conduct an assessment and work with to you determine your needs and make recommendations to TIO MAC as to what modification are needed.
What type of modifications can help?
Some examples of motor vehicle modifications that may be considered are:
- a ‘spinner know’ attached to the steering wheel to assist with turning
- hand controls that operate the accelerator and brake
- hoist to enable wheelchair access and restrains to secure the wheelchair
- changes to the parking brake, rear vision mirrors, seatbelt or indicators
Talk to your TIO MAC case manager
The process for motor vehicle modification requests can be quite complex and there are a lot of considerations necessary.
Your TIO MAC case manager will keep you informed of the progress of any formal requests for motor vehicle modifications.
After TIO MAC has all the necessary information and costings to assess the request, you will receive a formal letter advising of the decision to approve or not approve the requests.
