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Homeowners, whose properties suffered damage from the storm hitting the south of the country this week, are being urged to contact the Earthquake Commission (EQC) and lodge a claim.
“Our message to people in the affected areas is to always put their well-being first after these storm events,” EQC head of response and recovery Robyn Nation said. “There is plenty of time to lodge a claim with EQC and the priority is for people to look after themselves, their families and friends, and take stock of what’s happened to their properties.”
Potential claimants have three months to lodge an EQC claim from the time that the storm, flood or landslip damage occurred. The team from EQC assesses each claim, and, depending on the type of damage, can involve a geotechnical engineer, valuer or other expert. EQC’s approach is to cash settle claims for land damage and it is the homeowner’s responsibility to arrange for the necessary work to clear or repair their land.
“We have seen a number of storms hit different parts of the country this year and unfortunately some regions have had such bad weather more than once,” Nation said. “These events travel through the country and can seriously impact a number of local communities.”
EQC urges customers with or without all the information they might eventually need to provide, to still lodge a claim and start the process. Those who need to make any urgent repairs, meanwhile, are advised to take photos of the damage and keep records and receipts of any costs incurred - EQC noted it can consider reimbursement as part of a claim.
