The Earthquake Commission is calling on homeowners with properties damaged by the storm, flooding or landslips that occurred from the remnants of Cyclone Fehi to lodge a claim – however, their priority is to look after themselves, their families, and friends and take stock of what has happened to their properties.
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EQC staff will always carry photo identification and usually phone first if they need to visit your property,” the commission said.
“As is the case for private insurance policies, you will need to contribute towards the amount payable for the EQC claim. This contribution is called the excess and is deducted when your claim is settled.”
Households with EQCover, the insurance provided by the EQC, are advised to take reasonable steps after a natural disaster to preserve their insured property from further damage. These include:
- Turning off the water or gas if it could be leaking;
- Boarding up broken windows;
- Putting tarpaulins over holes in the roof or walls;
- Getting essential services like toilets and water systems repaired immediately.
“You should only do these things if it is safe for you to do so. If you can’t do the urgent repair yourself, you should arrange for a tradesperson to do the repair for you. Keep records of the urgent repairs (including copies of the bills from tradespersons),” EQC said.
“Any reimbursement for the cost of urgent repairs is subject to that cost being covered by a valid EQC claim. You could talk to EQC before you make repairs.”
While EQC said it may speed up the process if claims are filed quickly, homeowners have up to three months from the date of the natural disaster to lodge a claim.
Claimants may visit EQC’s website or call 0800 DAMAGE (0800 326 243).
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