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60% Increase in EQC Claims
The Earthquake Commission (EQC) is seeing a 60 percent daily increase in new claims from the Canterbury earthquake, as the 4 December deadline for lodging new claims approaches.
"We are receiving over 1,000 new claims a day, up from 600 a day last week, as homeowners realise they only have two weeks until the cut-off date for lodging claims," says Ian Simpson, chief executive of the Earthquake Commission. "I would encourage anyone who hasn't yet lodged a claim to do so as soon as possible either by phoning 0800 326 243 (international call +64 4 978 6400 or +64 4 978 6401) or through our website www.eqc.govt.nz
"Don't wait to lodge your claim because of possible aftershock damage, as this can be added to an existing claim.
"EQC has now received a total of 121,426 claims - up from 115,413 the previous week. We have paid out on 17,453 building claims (up from 12,310 a week ago) and 12,432 contents claims (up from 8,197 a week ago) all adding up to a payout of $259 million (up from $188 the previous week).
"I do appreciate that many people with damage from the Canterbury earthquake are having to wait for assessment and repairs, but we are doing everything we can to make the process as quick as possible," Ian Simpson says.
"We are concerned that some damage was underestimated by a few homeowners at the time of lodging their claim and they may still be living in houses that aren't weatherproof. If you or anyone you know is living in a situation like this, please do let us know as soon as possible - as that's the last thing we would want."
Yesterday (Thursday 18 November), the first permanent repairs to homes in Canterbury by the EQC's project manager, Fletcher Construction, got underway. Fletcher Construction will be undertaking the repair work for around 60,000 homes with moderate to serious damage (repair cost of approx $10,000 - $100,000 + GST).
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For media information contact:
Jo Martin: Communications Adviser
Phone: (029) 978-6430
Email info@eqc.govt.nz