The ACC Alternative is an income protection service for self-employed people, based at 3/46 Acheron Drive in Riccarton, Christchurch. It protects income from accidents, illnesses and mental health conditions, and it is set up as an alternative to ACC's accident-only cover for the self-employed. Customers can reduce their ACC accident-only cover and add comprehensive income protection, so they keep an income if they cannot work because of an illness or an accident. The business says that in most cases this gives three times the cover for around the same cost as standard self-employed ACC cover.
The service covers a wide range of trades, including electricians, plumbers, drainlayers, roofers and builders, as well as medical professionals, IT specialists, consultants, freelancers, farmers, orchardists and small business owners. The ACC Alternative is administered by Avon Financial Services, which the site describes as a nationwide Kiwi-owned insurance brokerage. The site also says that people who are off work for six months or more are 2.6 times more likely to have been unwell than hurt in an accident. Calls can be made to 0800 001 815 to speak with an accredited adviser. Three other insurance brokers sit within 0.1 km, Maitai Insurance Brokers, Adelphi Insurance Brokers and Blue Star Insurance, so the Riccarton area has a cluster of insurance advisers.