The Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) is urging people affected by the recent flooding across the country to contact their insurers as soon as possible.
“It’s important to contact your insurer as soon as you’re safe if there has been any damage to your property, including your house, contents, vehicle, business or boat,” ICNZ chief executive Tim Grafton said.
Over the weekend, the flooding has caused havoc in pockets of New Zealand. A state of emergency was declared in Rotorua, where a stream in Ngongotaha burst its bank after the region saw the highest rainfall level for a single day on record.
Coromondel and South Canterbury have also experienced significant flooding.
The council calls on people to take measures, such as taking photos of damaged properties, to help insurers with assessment and help speed up the claims process.
“If property you’ve already photographed receives further damage, take more photos,” Grafton noted. “This is especially important if you need to move damaged or contaminated goods from your house for health and safety reasons.”
“Improving community resilience to extreme weather events is a priority,” Grafton said. “New Zealand needs to plan and adapt in ways that will reduce the impact of natural disasters, because every dollar spent in pre-disaster adaptation measures saves many more after an event.”
Provisional figures are expected to be available in mid-June, the council added.
