Claims for earthquake damage

During the clean-up

If possible, take photos of the damage before you clean-up. It’ll also pay to hang on to broken items rather than throwing them away. Keep a list of damaged goods, including perishable food that requires disposal. The claims process should run smoother if you can supply well-documented evidence of your loss.

Carry out emergency repairs to make sure your property is safe, secure and weather-tight. Keep receipts for these repairs. Under EQC cover, you must take reasonable steps to minimise damage following a natural disaster. However, you should only attempt repairs if it’s safe to do so.

Don’t start permanent repairs until your claim is settled.

EQC cover

Consumers with a home or contents fire insurance policy from a private insurer, such as AA Insurance, AMI Insurance or State Insurance, can lodge a claim with the EQC where damage to their home, land or contents has occurred as a result of the quakes.

The EQC’s cover for home and contents is usually capped at $100,000 (plus GST) and $20,000 (plus GST) respectively. You’ll have to rely on your private insurance policy if the cost of damage exceeds these caps.

EQC excess

Like a standard insurance policy, the EQC deducts an excess when settling claims. In practice, this means it won’t be worth claiming for minor property damage.

Home: EQC deducts an excess of $200 if your building claim is $20,000 or less; or 1% of your claim if it’s more than $20,000.

Contents: EQC deducts an excess of $200, regardless of the amount claimed.

Contacting the EQC

You have three months to lodge a claim with the EQC for damage caused by Monday’s quakes.

There are various methods for lodging a claim:

• Online: eqc.govt.nz/claims
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 0800 326 243

If you lodge a claim, you’ll be asked for details of your private home and/or contents policy. You can save time if you have your policy schedule on hand.