A TV commercial by the NZ Government-owned Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) telling viewers “you’re covered” has been deemed misleading.

The NZ Advertising Standards Authority upheld several complaints that not everyone applying to the ACC is covered for compensation claims.

But ACC CEO Jan White says the $NZ2.3 million ($2.04 million) advertising campaign is just one in a series designed to educate the public about available services and is not “intentionally deceptive”.

“Our intent with the particular advertisement was simply to ensure that New Zealanders knew that the ACC is there to help them if they are injured, on a no-fault, 24-hour, nationwide basis.”

Insurance Council of New Zealand CEO Chris Ryan says he doesn’t have a strong view on the advertisements and is more focused on reintroducing competition to accident insurance.