The following information is to provide you with examples of what the NDIS may fund. It’s important to note that this is only a guide to assist you make an informed decision. Only your My NDIS Contact, an NDIS Delegate, or the explicit written information in a current NDIS plan serves as the source of truth. The NDIS considers requests based on whether the support is related to your disability and whether it meets the NDIS Reasonable and Necessary Guidelines.
Overview
This article provides guidance on how vehicle-related expenses are considered under the NDIS. It outlines which vehicle expenses may be funded, which require NDIS approval, and which are generally not covered by the NDIS. This information ensures compliance with NDIS Operational Guidelines and helps participants and providers make informed decisions.
Vehicle Expenses Overview
The NDIS can fund some vehicle-related supports if they are reasonable and necessary and directly related to a participant’s disability. However, many general vehicle expenses are considered day-to-day living costs and are not covered.
Supports Requiring NDIS Approval
The following vehicle-related supports require explicit NDIS approval and must be outlined in the participant’s plan or approved by an NDIS delegate:
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⚠️ Mechanical repairs for NDIS-funded vehicle modifications
Repairs directly related to assistive vehicle modifications funded by the NDIS to ensure safety and usability. -
⚠️ Gap insurance for NDIS-funded vehicles
This may be considered to cover shortfalls in insurance where the vehicle includes approved modifications for the participant’s disability. The vehicle should be a NDIS funded vehicle.
For more details, see:
NDIS Operational Guidelines: Would We Fund It?
Vehicle Expenses Not Funded by the NDIS
The NDIS does not fund general vehicle-related costs that are considered everyday expenses for all Australians. These include:
- ❌ Purchase of Vehicles
This includes all types of vehicles: motor vehicles, motorbikes, bicycles, scooters, watercraft, and recreational vehicles. - ❌ Vehicle Registration
Standard registration costs for any type of vehicle are not funded. - ❌ Car Insurance & Excess Insurance (Including novated leases)
The NDIS does not cover standard vehicle insurance or any associated excess payments. - ❌ Mechanical Repairs (except for NDIS-funded vehicle modifications)
Routine maintenance or repairs of vehicles are not considered disability-specific. - ❌ Automotive Tools
Tools for vehicle repair or maintenance are not NDIS-funded. - ❌ Car Wash and Car Detailing
These are considered standard vehicle upkeep and not disability-related.
For a full list of supports not typically funded, visit:
NDIS: Supports Not Funded
Quick Reference Table
| Expense Type | Funded by NDIS? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical repairs for NDIS-funded modifications | ⚠️ Requires NDIS Approval | Only for approved modifications |
| Gap insurance for NDIS-funded vehicles | ⚠️ Requires NDIS Approval | Must relate to NDIS-funded vehicle |
| Vehicle purchase (cars, bikes, scooters, etc.) | ❌ Not Funded | Considered general living cost |
| Vehicle registration | ❌ Not Funded | Everyday cost |
| Standard car insurance & excess | ❌ Not Funded | Not related to disability |
| General mechanical repairs | ❌ Not Funded | Unless linked to NDIS-funded modification |
| Carwash & detailing | ❌ Not Funded | Day-to-day living expense |
Related NDIS Operational Guidelines
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NDIS Pricing Arrangements:
View the latest NDIS Price Guide -
Would We Fund It?:
NDIS Funding Decisions -
Supports Funded by the NDIS:
Supports Funded and Not Funded
Key Takeaways
- NDIS funding for vehicle expenses is only available where the expense is directly linked to the participant’s disability and is considered reasonable and necessary.
- Most routine vehicle costs, including purchasing a vehicle, insurance, registration, and maintenance, are not funded by the NDIS.
- Always refer to the participant’s plan and seek NDIS approval where required for vehicle-related supports.