Auckland – 24 February 2011 – AA Insurance is ready to assist customers in Christchurch with the effects of Tuesday’s earthquake.

“Our central Christchurch office is closed due to earthquake damage but we have a team of people ready to send to Christchurch to set up a temporary office as soon as possible,” says Chris Curtin, Chief Executive, AA Insurance. “We have staff available now to assist the people of Canterbury immediately and our focus is on helping those customers most affected. If you need emergency grants, temporary accommodation or urgent repairs call us now. We’re waiting to help.”

People can contact AA Insurance on 0800 500 216.

“For customers not in immediate need, there’s no rush to make a claim. The first priority is the safety and welfare of you, your family, and your pets.”

“As people return to their homes, they will start engaging insurers to help assess the damage and plan for the future. We are geared up for this.”

If your home is uninhabitable and you need to leave, take these steps – but don’t risk your personal safety to do so Don’t re-enter a severely damaged building if it seems unsafe.
• Turn off the power, gas and water
• Secure your home as well as you can
• Take any easily portable valuables or documents with you, and secure your contents as well as possible
• Make sure your pets are safe and keep them with you if you can

Please don’t drive unless you absolutely need to. If your vehicle has been damaged or suffered flooding it may be unsafe to drive.

“Our thoughts are with everyone in the Canterbury region during this extremely difficult time. We’re standing by you and we’re ready to help,” adds Chris.

“Be assured that AA Insurance has the financial strength to take care of our customers’ claims. The company has good reinsurance in place and a strong financial strength rating.”

ENDS

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