Allianz Utilises VR Tech to Aid Driving Phobia Recovery
Allianz has partnered with the Sydney Fear Clinic to provide Virtual Reality (VR) treatment to help those with driving fear.
Claims regarding psychological harm brought on by auto accidents have increased significantly, according to the insurer’s Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance branch. Over the course of four years, these claims have climbed by 61%, from 24% in 2020 to 38% in 2024. With 41% of claims, anxiety and depression are the most common psychological ailments. Acute stress (23%), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (22%), and nerve shock (7%), are next in line.
After an accident, those who have acquired a phobia of driving might benefit from the VR treatment programme. It offers a safe setting where patients may progressively regain their comfort and confidence when traveling. The pilot phase, which has already spread to other places, has included more than 100 patients.
Kim, a 62-year-old Newcastle resident who took part in the programme, described how the treatment assisted her in overcoming PTSD after a terrible vehicle accident. Her car rolled and struck a tree after she was rear-ended. With the help of the psychologists at the Sydney Phobia Clinic who offered encouragement, the programme greatly facilitated her recuperation. Kim made significant improvement in only a few sessions and soon regained her confidence to drive.
Thea Hobbins, General Manager of Strategic Delivery and Innovation at Allianz, underlined the significance of treating mental health as part of injury rehabilitation. According to her, bodily injuries are more noticeable right soon after a vehicle collision. Sometimes, however, the true challenge is mental rather than physical. She claims that the goal of the latest initiative is to help our clients get beyond the largest obstacle of all: mental health.
The Sydney Phobia Clinic’s principal psychologist, Dr. Corrie Ackland, was excited about the collaboration with Allianz. Intending to assist more people in overcoming their fear of driving and getting back on the road, she expressed delight about the partnership with Allianz. She highlighted the novel aspect of the treatment, which exposes patients to real driving situations, enabling them to face and progressively conquer their anxieties. The treatment helps patients regain their driving abilities, lowers their anxiety levels, and eventually gives them the confidence they need to return to their regular lives by mimicking different situations.
The University of New South Wales’ independent evaluation verified the programme’s beneficial effects and noted notable advancements in participants’ psychological healing. They were able to continue their pre-accident activities and regain their independence thanks to the treatment.
Allianz is expanding the initiative via the oVRcome VR headset and smartphone-based subscription service to increase accessibility. Individuals in rural and regional locations are the target audience for this service. Pilot programmes are already in place in South Australia and Queensland, and it has been implemented in collaboration with the Fear Less phobia clinics in Wollongong and Sydney.
More than 4 million policyholders get a variety of personal, business, and corporate insurance offerings and services from Allianz Australia. The business is also one of Australia’s major workers’ compensation insurers, supporting workers’ compensation insurance for approximately one-quarter of the top 200 ASX firms.
