Aviva to provide free breakdown cover and courtesy cars for customers working for the NHS

Insurer Aviva has announced a new package of support measures designed to support customers working for the NHS, or those experiencing financial strain during the continued Covid-19 pandemic.

Existing Aviva customers who work for the NHS will receive free additional coverage if they have an Aviva, Quotemehappy or General Accident branded policy; this includes free breakdown cover, including when at home, as well as a free courtesy car for NHS staff if their car is involved in an accident.

The insurer is also offering priority repairs on motor claims for customers who are NHS employees, as well as free enhanced personal belongings cover for home contents customers, to protect NHS staff if their personal items are lost, damaged or stolen while working or commuting.

Financial support

Aviva has also acknowledged that some if its customers may be facing financial hardship as a result of the economical impacts of the coronavirus outbreak.

With this in mind, the firm will support its home, motor and personal van customers who have been furloughed but have not yet received any payments, are self-employed and are unable to work or trade because of the pandemic, or have been made unemployed at any point after 1 March by deferring monthly payments or spreading outstanding payments over the remainder of the policy term.

This will be applicable for customers who have their next payment date for an active policy more than 10 days ahead, but they have already made at least one payment previously.

Charitable giving

Alongside these practical measures, the insurer is also donating £5m to NHS Charities Together, to support the welfare and wellbeing for NHS employees, volunteers and patients, assist patients leaving hospital and help fund long-term mental health support for NHS workers.

The firm is also donating £10m to the British Red Cross, as well as supplying surplus stock of hand sanitisers, rubber gloves, antiseptic wipe pod refills and face masks to key worker organisations and charities.

Furthermore, Aviva employees who wish to volunteer full time for the NHS and British Red Cross will still receive full pay from the company.

Colm Holmes, global chief executive of general insurance at Aviva, said: “We are seeing extraordinary efforts, particularly from NHS workers who are on the frontline helping to keep us safe in the global fight against Covid-19. But we all have a part to play in defeating the virus. The funding for NHS Charities Together will help provide vital support to NHS workers, patients and communities and ensure that support reaches more people, quickly.”

Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, added: “We have pledged to raise £100m to help support NHS workers throughout the coronavirus crisis.

“Aviva’s donation will make a real difference to the amazing NHS staff, volunteers and patients who are on the front line. It’s important that these individuals know just how much the nation appreciates their efforts, and actions such as this show how much people care.”