From 28 April New Zealand will move into Alert Level 3 as part of its response to COVID-19. So, what does this mean for insurers?

As an essential service provider, insurers have been open and helping customers throughout the Level 4 restrictions. Our members responded quickly, scaling up their work from home capacity to protect their staff and to maintain their level of service to their customers.

With systems and process in place insurers have been well equipped to support their customers during these uncertain times and the unique challenges COVID-19 presents.

At Level 3 our members will remain open for business and to support their customers and suppliers while continuing to work remotely and maintaining necessary distancing and hygiene obligations.

The government has stressed that at Alert Level 3 we need to be even more vigilant. The sectors support will continue with measures already in place to manage the ongoing restrictions.

• All our members have processes in place should an assessor need to visit to physically assess a claim, with clear guidelines on distancing and health and safety measures.
• While non-essential repairs will now be able to be undertaken, strict sanitising processes will be in place for cars and properties and new contact tracing processes will be established.
• If you are a landlord and can’t access your property to complete your regular three-month inspections due to self-isolation or distancing measures, you can reschedule for the inspection to take place as soon as you can after restrictions change. Be sure to check with your insurer about any specific requirements you may need to meet.
• If you are quarantined or stuck abroad and are unable to return to your property within the timescales set out in your policy (normally between 30 – 60 days), insurers are continuing to take an understanding approach and ask you to contact them for advice.

For more information on life at Level 3, and the golden rules businesses need to abide by, visit the governments COVID-19 website.