Global claims management group Crawford & Company has created a special round-the-clock claims support desk for insurers and brokers to ensure consistent handling of advice and any claims related to COVID-19.

The Claims Instruction and Technical Support Desk will form an important “nerve centre” to collect and disseminate the latest information on the impact of the virus as well as the insurance response to it.

Support is available 24/7 with representatives from around the world available for claims notification or private consultation to answer queries about the claims impact of COVID-19.

“At this point we believe insurance exposure remains low, but with travel bans imposed by many countries and companies the hospitality sector is likely to be impacted,” Crawford says.

Insurers and brokers are receiving a large number of enquiries, with many clients concerned about the health and economic impacts of the global pandemic, Crawford says in a statement.

“We want to give [insurers], brokers and corporates easy access to experts who are experienced in handling contingency, business interruption and casualty claims arising from such events,” CEO Rohit Verma said.