Publications
Media Statements
Fiordland Earthquake Damage Claims
1 December 2004
The Earthquake Commission has received 370 claims for damage following last week's magnitude 7.3 earthquake, centred off the southern Fiordland coast.
Lance Dixon, the Commission's insurance manager, says the Commission has sent a small team to Invercargill to facilitate claims assessment for EQC.
"Our assessors will be out inspecting damage late this week."
"We expect to have most preliminary inspections completed before Christmas. However, this will depend on the final number of claims received and when they are lodged," he said.
"While the 'quake hasn't generated a large number of claims, it gives us the opportunity to test some of the processes we have in place to manage major natural disasters."
Mr Dixon says people should check their houses for possible damage. "The Earthquake Commission Act allows people up to 30 days to make a claim. If you do find damage you can lodge your claim by calling EQC free on 0800 326 243," he said.
Holders of current home and/or contents insurance automatically have EQC cover for damage caused by earthquakes.
"Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week."
"People with holiday homes will need to make sure they have checked their properties as well, since they are also covered by the Commission's insurance.
"It is best to ring us yourself rather than getting your broker, agent, or insurance company to call. We will ask each caller who they are insured with and for their idea of the extent of damage. While they're on the phone we'll let them know whether someone will call to help them with their claim, or whether they will be sent a form to complete.
"People who are unsure of their insurance situation, or don't remember who they're insured with, should call us too. We will do all we can to check their insurance details for them."
People who need further advice about this can call EQC on the same free phone number, 0800 326 243 (0800 DAMAGE).