IAG has announced the extension of its COVID-19 customer support measures until the end of the year.

As insuranceNEWS.com.au has reported, IAG was the first insurer to launch such a package, deciding to go it alone rather than participate in the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission approved scheme that includes Suncorp, QBE and Allianz.

Measures available to NRMA Insurance, CGU, SGIO, SGIC, and WFI home, motor and small business insurance customers experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 were due to end on September 30, but have been extended until December 31.

IAG says it has made changes to more than 80,000 policies across all brands to help customers through the pandemic.

Measures to help customers are aimed at their specific circumstances and include access to premium reductions, as well as premium deferrals of up to three months for home and motor customers and up to six months for small business insurance customers.

Pay by the month instalments have also been offered for no additional cost, as have reduced or waived excess amounts in the event of a claim.

Travel insurance customers have been offered refunds if unable to travel due to COVID-19, and small businesses that need to close premises have been able to maintain full insurance cover on the premises with no changes to their premium.

“It has been an incredibly challenging year for all Australians, and we know that for many people the impacts of COVID-19 will last for some time to come,” IAG CEO Australia Mark Milliner said.

“We don’t know when this pandemic will end, but we want to ensure we can continue to help our customers who are experiencing financial hardship for the foreseeable future.

“Our team can provide a number of solutions to our customers based on their circumstances and we encourage our customers to contact us or their broker if they need help to discuss the options that are available to them.”

IAG says all customers experiencing financial hardship can contact their insurance brand or broker “to discuss what other options may be available to them”.

Customers can also access a free and confidential phone counselling service provided by Assure, an independent psychological services organisation.