Accident Compensation Corporation
New Zealand’s government agency responsible for administering the country’s accident compensation scheme.
Last updated August 25, 2026
Overview
The Accident Compensation Corporation, commonly known as ACC, is a statutory agency of the New Zealand government that administers the country’s accident compensation scheme. The scheme is based on a no-fault approach, so eligibility for support generally does not depend on proving that another party was at fault. ACC manages accident-related claims and supports medical treatment, rehabilitation, return-to-work services and, where eligibility requirements are met, income compensation and other assistance. It is not a conventional commercial insurer or a listed financial company, but part of New Zealand’s public social protection and health-support system. Its institutional foundation dates to the nationwide accident compensation arrangements introduced in the 1970s.
History
New Zealand established a nationwide accident compensation system in the 1970s and created a statutory body to administer compensation, treatment and rehabilitation services. The Accident Compensation Corporation became the operating institution for that system. Unlike a conventional personal-injury process that relies primarily on proving fault through litigation, the New Zealand model is designed to provide coordinated support with less dependence on fault determination. Over time, ACC’s work has covered injuries arising from employment, road use, domestic activities and leisure, together with treatment, rehabilitation and income-related support for eligible people. ACC continues to operate as a public agency within the New Zealand government system, managing claims and arranging accident-related services.
- 1974
Products and positioning
Accident compensation scheme1974
ACC’s nationwide accident compensation scheme provides claim handling, treatment, rehabilitation and, where eligible, income-related support for accidental injuries. It is the organisation’s core public service rather than a single commercial insurance product.
Sources
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