Three months to lodge EQC claims from today’s earthquakes

Monday 14 November

People have three months to lodge EQC claims from today’s earthquakes

People who have suffered damage to their home, land or contents from the earthquakes overnight have three months to lodge their claim with the Earthquake Commission (EQC).

EQC chief executive Ian Simpson says that people have plenty of time to make a claim, after taking care of themselves, their families and friends.

“It can take some time for the picture regarding claims to emerge as people come to terms with what’s happened and had a chance to take stock of what’s happened to their properties,” Mr Simpson says.
 
“EQC senior managers met this morning, and we will be monitoring the situation as it unfolds,” Mr Simpson says.

Making homes safe

If people need to take action to make their home safe, sanitary, secure and weather-tight, they should also record the work done, take photographs where appropriate, and keep a copy of any bills paid. Reimbursement for temporary or urgent repairs is subject to EQC’s acceptance of a valid claim. Please remember that any work needing to be done now will form part of a future claim.

Lodging a claim

There is plenty of time to lodge a claim. People are encouraged to spend time today taking stock, and prior to cleaning up, photographing damage as appropriate. When lodging a claim within the next three months, people can do it online at www.eqc.govt.nz/claims, or via email on info@eqc.govt.nz. Alternatively you can also lodge a claim by calling 0800 DAMAGE (326 243). The EQC call centre is open 7am to 9pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 6pm on Saturdays. More advice on what to do after an earthquake can also be found on www.eqc.govt.nz/get-help-now-.

Customers must have a home or contents fire insurance policy with an insurance company on their home at the time of the earthquakes to make a claim for home, contents and/or land damage. It is helpful if customers have the details of their insurance policy at hand when they contact EQC.

EQC covers earthquake damage to homes (usually up to $100,000 + GST), contents (usually up to $20,000 + GST) and a defined area of residential land.

Home owner security

Please note EQC staff will always carry photo identification and usually phone to arrange an assessment of your property should it be required.

Ends

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