IAG today reaffirmed support measures for struggling customers hit by COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria and NSW.

The measures were introduced last year to help Australians suffering financial hardship as a result of enforced lock-downs introduced to cut the spread of the potentially deadly disease.

The support includes access to temporary premium relief, the option to change premium payments from annual to monthly instalments for no additional cost, waiving cancellation and administration fees for customers who cancel their policies, and access to a free and confidential phone counselling service.

The measures are available to home, motor and small business customers of IAG brands including NRMA Insurance, CGU, SGIO, SGIC and WFI.

IAG also welcomed the latest support from the federal and state governments.

“For many households and businesses, this is a very tough time and access to this additional government support is critical to help them through the current pandemic restrictions,” IAG MD and CEO Nick Hawkins said.

“We have a dedicated team available to help tailor our support to ensure our customers have the right help at this time and to help get them back on their feet.

“IAG has helped more than 68,000 customers with financial support during COVID-19 and we will continue to be there for our customers and the community as we help support each other through this.

“This is an evolving situation, and we will continue to be here for our customers across the country through the pandemic and beyond. We encourage customers to contact us to discuss the support available as soon as possible.”

IAG says it strengthened support for customers experiencing vulnerability, including financial hardship, ahead of the new General Insurance Code of Practice, which came into effect on July 1.

It also says that commercial customers, including small businesses, which have the relevant business interruption cover and have been affected by COVID-19, may lodge a claim.