Family violence: Insurers boost support

Many insurance customers will soon be able to see how their insurer can support them if they are experiencing family violence.

As of July 1, 2020, subscribers to the General Insurance Code of Practice are required to have family violence policies available online for their customers.

Insurance Council of Australia CEO Rob Whelan said family violence policies were particularly important at present, with domestic violence support organisations reporting a sharp rise in cases during COVID-19.

Insurers are also fast-tracking their support for customers who are experiencing vulnerability, including financial hardship, with measures being implemented from today by Code signatories where possible.

Whelan said: “Insurers have seen the impact that the pandemic and the worst season of natural disasters on record are having on households and small businesses. They are concentrating on providing urgent services, including to customers experiencing financial hardship and vulnerability.

“To assist in this, insurers have brought forward by six months key provisions in the 2020 Code of Practice that deal with these important social and economic issues.

“Insurers are taking extra care with vulnerable customers. Customer-facing staff are working with them to arrange additional support, including flexible options for customers experiencing financial hardship, or referring them to external support agencies.”