• 1.1This Part applies in relation to services referred to in subsection 4(1) of the Act.

  • 2.1The LSA will pay for the necessary and reasonable costs of modifications to a motor vehicle where, as a result of the Motor Vehicle Injury, a Participant reasonably requires modifications to travel as a passenger or drive a motor vehicle.
  • 2.2The modified motor vehicle remains the property of the owner.
  • 2.3A Participant is eligible for modifications to a motor vehicle if:
    • 2.3.1the Participant has a physical, sensory or cognitive disability, as a result of the Motor Vehicle Injury, which prevents them from safely driving, accessing or travelling as a passenger in an unmodified motor vehicle; and
    • 2.3.2the Participant owns or has access to a motor vehicle on a regular basis; and
    • 2.3.3the Participant has been assessed by an Appropriately Qualified occupational therapist as requiring modifications to a motor vehicle.
  • 2.4In determining whether Motor Vehicle Modifications are necessary and reasonable, the LSA will also:
    • 2.4.1consider if the modification would eliminate the need for a funded attendant carer to travel with the Participant; and
    • 2.4.2obtain advice on suitability of alternative transport options.

  • 3.1All Motor Vehicle Modifications require prior approval In Writing from the LSA.
  • 3.2The LSA will pay for the necessary and reasonable modifications to:
    • 3.2.1the Participant's own motor vehicle;
    • 3.2.2the Participant’s legal guardian's motor vehicle, in the case of a dependent child;
    • 3.2.3a shared-use motor vehicle where, prior to the accident, the use and costs of a motor vehicle were shared with a spouse or Family member;
    • 3.2.4a work motor vehicle if, prior to the Motor Vehicle Injury, the Participant had the use of a work motor vehicle, and the Participant has returned to work post-accident and requires the use of the work motor vehicle, subject to the LSA receiving permission In Writing from the owner of the motor vehicle.
  • 3.3As a guide, the motor vehicle to be modified should generally be less than 5 years old or have travelled less than 80,000 km and deemed roadworthy. Consideration will be given to older vehicles on a case-by-case basis, based on the following factors:
    • 3.3.1The vehicle being road worthy;
    • 3.3.2The vehicle being regularly serviced;
    • 3.3.3Availability of alternative vehicles in the market.
  • 3.4The LSA will fund the reasonable cost of an Automobile Association vehicle check, or equivalent, to support its consideration under Part 11, Rule 3.3.
  • 3.5The LSA may pay for modifications to more than one motor vehicle, if the LSA assesses such modifications as being necessary and reasonable.
  • 3.6If the Participant is to be the driver, the LSA will only pay for the cost of Motor Vehicle Modifications where the Participant’s doctor or a member of the treating health care team, such as a qualified driving assessor, has confirmed In Writing the Participant’s suitability to drive.
  • 3.7The LSA will only pay for modifications to a motor vehicle that are commercially available features, required as a result of the Motor Vehicle Injury and when the Participant’s motor vehicle does not already have them.

For example, automatic transmission or electric windows.

  • 3.8Modifications, other than minor modifications, must be completed in accordance with the applicable jurisdiction’s legislation in force at the relevant time.

For example, alternative controls for brake and accelerator, wheelchair hoist system, wheelchair restraining devices or wheelchair access ramp.

  • 3.9Minor modifications are those that do not alter the structure or safety of the motor vehicle.

For example, seatbelt buckle covers to enable a Participant to travel safely in a vehicle or panoramic mirrors and fish eye mirrors.

  • 3.10The LSA will also pay for the necessary and reasonable cost of:
    • 3.10.1the assessment conducted by an Appropriately Qualified occupational therapist of the need for Motor Vehicle Modifications;
    • 3.10.2training the driver in the safe and correct use of Motor Vehicle Modifications;
    • 3.10.3maintaining, repairing, transferring and replacing modifications; and
    • 3.10.4any additional insurance costs which are directly related to the Participant’s needs as a result of the Motor Vehicle Injury.
  • 3.11As a condition to approving the funding of Motor Vehicle Modifications, the LSA may require the Participant or Decision Maker or both, as the case may require, to obtain and maintain comprehensive car insurance. In these circumstances, the LSA will pay any cost difference in the insurance that is due to the modifications.

  • 4.1The LSA considers it reasonable to pay for modifications to a motor vehicle no more than every eight years, unless there is a change in the Participant's medical condition which prevents the Participant accessing the previously modified motor vehicle.
  • 4.2If the owner of a motor vehicle which has been modified by the LSA, wishes to purchase a replacement motor vehicle, the LSA may pay for the transfer of modifications that are not commercially available to the replacement motor vehicle if this is cost effective.
  • 4.3If the modified vehicle is being replaced by the Participant or Decision Maker or both, as the case may require, consideration in the purchase of a new vehicle should be given to the suitability of existing modification hardware to be re-fitted in the new vehicle where deemed suitable for the Participant’s use. The LSA may pay for the installation of existing vehicle modifications in the new vehicle if the LSA considers it to be necessary and reasonable.
  • 4.4When considering Motor Vehicle Modifications, the safety of the Participant and driver or passengers of the motor vehicle is the paramount consideration. The LSA will not pay for modifications to a motor vehicle that do not comply with the intent of the applicable Australian Standards, Australian Design Rules, Road Traffic Act 1961 (SA) regulations or any other applicable laws of the State or Commonwealth.

  • 5.1The LSA will not pay for:
    • 5.1.1costs normally associated with motor vehicle ownership, including running costs and servicing which are the owner's responsibility;
    • 5.1.2modifications to a motor vehicle for a circumstance or condition that existed before the Motor Vehicle Accident or that is not a result of the Motor Vehicle Accident;
    • 5.1.3the outright purchase of a motor vehicle;
    • 5.1.4significant modifications to a motor vehicle to travel as a passenger as well as being able to drive it.
  • 5.2The LSA will generally not fund major modifications to more than one motor vehicle.
  • 5.3The LSA may consider funding modifications in some circumstances, such as modifications for the purposes of returning to work, where the Participant may need minor modifications to more than one motor vehicle.

Page last updated: 16 September 2022