IAG will give its broker partners access to free counselling and training as part of a range of measures designed to help intermediaries through the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

The insurer says the move follows in-depth consultation with brokers.

“This is a difficult time for everyone, and we’ve been speaking to many of our broker partners to understand the challenges they’re facing because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” EGM Business Distribution Steve Marshall said.

“We’re pleased to introduce a series of initiatives to help brokers through these challenging times – including mental health and wellbeing programs, professional development and business support measures.”

The measures include:

- Free and confidential counselling. IAG has partnered with Assure to offer brokers and immediate family members access to a free confidential coaching and counselling service that is available 24/7.

- Lifeline Accidental Counsellor training workshops. IAG has partnered with Lifeline to give key broker partners the opportunity to participate in an ‘Accidental Counsellor’ workshop that aims to help those dealing with distressed customers.

- CGU ‘Business as Unusual’ webinar series. CGU has announced a speaker series for brokers called ‘Business as Unusual’, featuring high-profile Australians including former Prime Minister John Howard and businessman Mark Bouris.

- NIBA webinar series. CGU has partnered with the National Insurance Brokers Association to provide Continuing Professional Development accredited learning and development opportunities for brokers.

- Digital marketing boost. IAG will offer key broker partners a fully-funded digital marketing campaign with independent digital agency, OneAffinti.

As insuranceNEWS.com.au has previously reported, IAG was the first of several insurers to launch support measures for SME customers, including the option to defer premium payments for six months.

This caused concern for some brokers who were worried about the impact on their own operations.