CTP Insurance Claims
How We Support Our Clients
At Safe2Go Driver Rehab, our mission is to restore your confidence and independence behind the wheel. We understand that every person’s experience following a motor vehicle accident (MVA) is unique—and so is their journey to recovery. That’s why our program is built on evidence-based practices, clinical collaboration, and a deep commitment to personalised support that respects your story and your pace.
The Purpose of the Driver Assessment
Our process begins with a comprehensive Driver Assessment, which includes both an off-road and on-road evaluation. This is not a test—it is a therapeutic assessment designed to establish your current functional capacity, identify areas of difficulty, and guide the development of a tailored rehabilitation plan.
The Driver Assessment:
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Considers medical, cognitive, physical, and emotional factors.
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Provides a clear baseline for safe driving behaviours.
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Informs the structure, frequency, and pace of future graded driving sessions.
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Supports clinical documentation and reporting aligned with SIRA guidelines to ensure all interventions are purposeful, measurable, and geared toward restoring pre-MVA function.
A Flexible and Individualised Approach
We work closely with allied health professionals, rehabilitation consultants, GPs, and insurance case managers to build a program that is collaborative, responsive, and clinically sound.
Using principles of graded exposure therapy and scaffolding, we gradually introduce tasks that increase in complexity, from simply sitting in the driver’s seat to navigating high-speed motorways—always at your pace and within your comfort zone. Each session builds upon the last, forming a structured pathway back to safe and confident driving.
We never push you to do something you’re not ready for. Instead, we co-create a plan based on what’s safe, supportive, and realistic.
Real-World Exposure, Real-World Results
We believe recovery must take place in the environments that matter most to you. That’s why our sessions focus on real-world exposure—whether that means driving to your child’s school, a local café, the supermarket, or your workplace. Reconnecting with familiar places is more than a driving goal; it’s a vital part of rebuilding routines, identity, and confidence.
We also accommodate specific needs:
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If you feel unsafe in smaller vehicles, we explore options and environments that help you understand safety features and handling.
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If you are concerned about vehicle control, we may arrange sessions on private tracks or open spaces where you can build trust in your ability without traffic stress.
Measuring Your Progress
We believe it’s important to track and reflect on your growth—not just to inform your team, but to empower you with a sense of achievement.
We use a combination of tools to measure progress:
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Client self-report forms at key points in the program to capture changes in perceived anxiety, confidence, and motivation.
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Instructor ratings after each session that reflect practical improvements in skills, judgement, and situational awareness.
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Clinical documentation and feedback provided in end-of-program summaries and reports to your insurer or rehab team.
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Collaborative reviews where we discuss how you’re feeling, what’s working, and where you may need more support.
This ongoing measurement ensures our sessions remain purposeful and that your goals remain the centre of your rehabilitation plan.
Innovative Support Tailored to You
At Safe2Go, we understand that trauma can result in deep and complex fears. That’s why we’re constantly seeking innovative ways to support our clients—beyond just the basics of driver training.
We aim to:
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Create a safe space inside the vehicle, using grounding techniques and pacing strategies.
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Incorporate psychoeducation about vehicle systems, safety features, and driving psychology to empower your understanding and reduce fear.
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Arrange exposure activities like visiting vehicle specialists or low-traffic driving environments to build trust in both yourself and your vehicle.
Whatever your concern—fear of driving, anxiety about intersections or busy roads, or uncertainty about physical ability—we are here to help you meet that challenge with real-world strategies and compassionate support.
Reclaim Your Freedom
Ultimately, our goal is simple: to help you feel free again.
Free to visit family and friends.
Free to go to work.
Free to live life on your terms.
We don’t just train drivers—we support people. People who have experienced trauma, loss, uncertainty, and fear. People rebuilding their lives from the inside out.
At Safe2Go, we walk beside you on that journey—at your pace, with empathy, transparency, and purpose. When you’re ready, we’ll be there with you on the road—helping you rediscover what freedom feels like.
Let us help you drive forward.
Understanding the Purpose of the Safe2Go Program: Avoiding Misinterpretation
At Safe2Go Driver Rehab, we deliver structured, goal-directed, trauma-informed driving rehabilitation in strict alignment with the SIRA Clinical Framework for the Delivery of Health Services. Our approach is designed to support client independence — not dependency — and is based on evidence-based, active treatment strategies.
Unfortunately, misinterpretations can sometimes arise when internal insurer reviews are not aligned with the nuanced nature of psychological injury recovery — as demonstrated in a recent case involving one of our clients.
Misinterpretation: “Dependency on Services”
In this case, an insurer determined that the client’s extended engagement in the program signified dependency on the service, citing Principle Three of the SIRA Clinical Framework:
“Failure to empower an injured person to become independent may result in dependency on treatment, which reinforces illness behaviour and can lead to persistent pain or long-term disability.”
However, this misrepresents the intention and design of our program. The client in question had PTSD directly caused by a motor vehicle accident (MVA). While the client also developed post-traumatic arthritis, it did not affect their driving capacity. Rather, the psychological injury (manifesting as hypervigilance, avoidance, and anxiety behind the wheel) was the sole barrier to regaining independent driving.
The program was never passive. It used:
Graded exposure
Real-time psychological reframing
Measurable confidence and anxiety metrics
Clear discharge criteria
Each session was structured to help the client transition to independence — not foster reliance.
SMART Criteria Compliance
Despite the insurer’s concerns, Safe2Go’s treatment plans do follow SMART principles:
Specific: Targeted driving-related anxiety and avoidance linked to PTSD
Measurable: Pre/post-session confidence ratings, anxiety scales, and route complexity
Attainable: Stepwise increase in road complexity based on client tolerance
Relevant: Directly related to MVA-psychological injuries as documented by allied health professionals
Time-based: Finite programs with blocks (typically 10 sessions) and re-evaluation points
In this specific case, the insurer denied further support despite evidence of recent gains and the client finally transitioning to higher-speed roads and semi-independent driving — a key milestone.
Clarifying Transport for NSW Medical Review Requirements
To ensure compliance with TfNSW medical review, our Occupational Therapist submitted a form stating the client required review every six months. Initially, the form had the “No” box ticked (interpreted as no further OT review), which is typically reserved for clients with progressive neurological degenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s, dementia). This was misinterpreted by the insurer as a reason to deny services.
We have since clarified this and updated the submission to reflect the true intent:
The client does not have a degenerative neurological condition.
The client does need structured OT driver reviews every six months solely to manage the psychological injury and remain TfNSW-compliant.
This update was procedural — not a reflection of deterioration or dependency.
Our Program Goals
Safe2Go’s mission is to restore independence safely, ethically, and in a trauma-informed manner. We work closely with OTs, psychologists, and GPs to ensure:
Clients progress at a pace suitable to their clinical profile
Active, measurable strategies are used
Clients are discharged once independent driving is restored
We encourage insurers and injury management teams to contact us directly with any questions about the structure, scope, or intent of our driving rehab services.
* Research has shown that car accidents can have long-term psychological effects on drivers, even after physical injuries have healed. According to a study published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, up to 50% of people involved in a motor vehicle accident may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. These symptoms can include anxiety, depression, and a fear of driving or being in a car.
In addition, a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health found that a significant number of people involved in car accidents reported a reduction in their quality of life due to physical and emotional distress. This can include a loss of freedom, difficulty returning to work, and financial stress due to medical bills and other expenses.
At Safe2go Driving Lessons, we understand the emotional toll that a car accident can have on drivers. We have been working with CTP insurance companies for many years to help drivers regain their confidence and get back behind the wheel. Our safe graded desensitization approach has been proven to be effective in helping drivers overcome their fears and anxieties.
While the number of lessons required can vary depending on the individual, we typically find that the average student can benefit from up to 20 lessons. By working with our experienced instructors, drivers can develop the skills and confidence they need to safely and comfortably get back on the road.
How it works – An occupational therapist (OT) who conducts a driver assessment in NSW with a mental disorder of PTSD will typically use a comprehensive and holistic approach to evaluate the individual’s driving ability. The OT will first review the person’s medical history, including the nature and severity of their PTSD symptoms, and conduct a clinical interview to assess their functional abilities, cognitive skills, and visual-perceptual abilities. The OT will then conduct an on-road assessment to evaluate the person’s driving skills, reaction times, decision-making, and awareness of potential hazards.
The assessment report is important to set goals for the injured person to return back to driving. It outlines the person’s strengths and weaknesses and makes recommendations for any modifications or adaptations needed to the vehicle or driving environment. The report is also used to develop a rehabilitation plan and set goals for the person to work on in order to improve their driving skills and regain their confidence on the road.
The benefit of safety for the injured person and the general public on the road cannot be overstated. If someone with PTSD is not assessed and receives the necessary treatment, they may be at risk of experiencing flashbacks or other symptoms while driving, which could lead to accidents and injuries. By ensuring that the person is fit to drive and that they receive the necessary training and support, the likelihood of accidents and injuries can be reduced, benefiting not only the injured person but also the general public on the road.
In some cases, a driver trainer may be involved in the assessment process. The driver trainer can provide input on the person’s driving ability and make recommendations for additional training or practice. After the assessment, the person may receive a series of driving lessons to help them work on specific areas identified in the assessment report. These lessons are designed to help the person regain their confidence and improve their driving skills, and to help them achieve their goals for returning to driving.
In summary, a comprehensive and holistic driver assessment conducted by an occupational therapist is crucial for individuals with PTSD to safely return to driving. The report sets goals for the injured person to work towards, outlines any necessary vehicle modifications, and includes recommendations for additional training or practice. The benefit of safety for the injured person and the general public on the road is significant, and driver trainers may be involved in the process to provide additional support and guidance.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can result from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. One such traumatic event is a motor vehicle accident (MVA). It is well-documented that individuals with PTSD may experience intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, and other symptoms that can negatively impact their ability to drive safely. Therefore, it is dangerous for someone with PTSD from an MVA to drive, and recommending them to solo drive without appropriate training can increase the risk of accidents.
Research suggests that individuals with PTSD have a higher rate of motor vehicle accidents compared to the general population. A study conducted by the US Department of Veterans Affairs found that combat veterans with PTSD had a significantly higher rate of motor vehicle accidents than veterans without PTSD. Another study conducted in Norway found that individuals with PTSD had a higher rate of motor vehicle accidents than those without PTSD.
Moreover, individuals with PTSD from an MVA may experience anxiety, panic attacks, and other symptoms that can make it challenging to focus on the road, respond to hazards, and make decisions in stressful situations. This can increase the risk of accidents and lead to further trauma.
In light of these concerns, it is important that CTP insurance companies become aware of the dangers involved in allowing individuals with PTSD from an MVA to drive without proper treatment and exposure. They should consider factors such as the severity of PTSD symptoms, the individual’s driving history, and the availability of appropriate treatment and training. CTP insurance companies can also support interventions that promote safe driving practices and address the mental health needs of individuals with PTSD.
Individuals with PTSD from an MVA may be at higher risk for motor vehicle accidents, and it is essential that they receive appropriate treatment and training before driving. CTP insurance companies should be aware of these risks and take steps to promote safe driving practices and support interventions that address the mental health needs of these individuals.
Industry Experience
Insurance companies we have dealt with are –
- Allianz Australia Insurance
- NRMA CTP
- GIO CTP
- SUNCORP CTP
- AAMI
- QBE
Sources:
- National Center for PTSD. (2017). Driving after a Traumatic Event. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_driving.asp
- Elhai, J. D., Ford, J. D., Ruggiero, K. J., Frueh, B. C., & Beckham, J. C. (2009). Motor vehicle accident involvement of veterans with and without combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 41(1), 115-119.
- Lien, L., Green, K. T., Thoresen, S., & Wentzel-Larsen, T. (2011). The mediating effect of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms on hazardous driving behaviors and traffic accidents in a population-based cohort of survivors of severe motor vehicle crashes. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 25(2), 232-239.
