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Earthquake Update from EQC
Earthquake Update from EQC
7 September 2010
As at late morning today EQC had received 21,800 claims for damage to residential property in Canterbury from Saturday’s earthquake. The total figure will be at least 100,000.
Based on the likely number and the nature of the claims the total cost to EQC of the disaster is likely to be at the upper end of the $1b-$2b range previously advised.
“Many people have been unable to lodge a claim so far due to over-loading of the lines as well as insufficient numbers of call centre staff to receive claims.
“We are rapidly increasing numbers of lines and call centre staff and expect that the problem will ease over the next few days,” says the chief executive of the Earthquake Commission, Ian Simpson.
The best option for lodging a claim is likely to be EQC’s website (www.eqc.govt.nz).
“We are now recommending that those with more minor claims delay contacting us for a few days at least and a week or so if possible. However we do want to hear as soon as possible from those with more major claims such as those involving serious structural damage and those where the habitability of their home is in question.
“Commission staff are identifying those claimants with uninhabitable or non-weatherproof homes as their claims are lodged and will deal with these as a matter of priority.
“Also, many people are calling back within two or three days after they have lodged a claim saying that they have not received a confirmation and this is adding considerably to the overload. Claimants should receive written confirmation within a week.
“We have seven EQC personnel on the ground at present looking at uninhabitable and non-weatherproof homes largely to help set priorities for the field office staff. However, they are also identifying and inspecting some homes where damage is clearly in excess of the EQC maximum cover of $100,000+GST with a view to EQC starting to make pay-outs by early next week.
“By Friday we will have 36 trained personnel in the field and the first field office open. A second office should be open two three days after that and then a third a week after that. We expect that there will eventually be more than 10 field offices each with around 40 staff comprising loss adjustors, estimators, engineers and support staff. The offices will be at various locations throughout the region,” Mr Simpson said.
EQC continues to issue advice on what should and should not be done about any damage and mess.
- If possible, take photos before moving anything or tidying up. That makes assessment of the claim easier.
- If you are able to, essential services, like toilets and water systems can be repaired - but people should keep everything the repairer replaces, and keep a copy of the bill.
- Spillages or crockery and glass breakages can be cleared up, but don’t throw anything not perishable away yet. Ruined or spilt food and other perishables can be disposed of, but people should list the items as they bury, burn, or dump them.
EQC also says that people should check local papers and television, radio and the internet including EQC’s own website (www.eqc.govt.nz) for updates.
END
Further information:
Jo Martin Communications Adviser
Phone: (029) 978-6430
(04) 978-6400
Fax: (04) 978-6431
Email: info@eqc.govt.nz
Website: www.eqc.govt.nz