EQC Media Release Deadline May 23

EQC Media Release Deadline May 23

MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release: 1 May 2011

The Earthquake Commission (EQC) is urging people with damage to their properties from the earthquake on 22 February, who have yet to make a claim, to lodge claims immediately. The deadline for claims for that event is Monday, 23 May.

EQC has received more than 305,000 claims from all the earthquakes and associated aftershocks since the first event on September 4 last year. This includes more than 121,000 from the February event.

EQC Chief Executive Ian Simpson says the Commission received a spike in claims in the final weeks before the September deadline last year and he is expecting a similar situation this time.

“It’s understandable that people will have waited till near the deadline before submitting a claim, with the pressure that people in Christchurch have been under, but with just three weeks remaining I urge people to make their claims now,” Mr Simpson said.

“People who cannot access their property to make a complete claim, must lodge a claim by May 23 anyway.”

“Details of their claim will be researched when they receive a full assessment at a later date,” said Mr Simpson.

As a result of the rapid assessments of properties in Christchurch and surrounding areas following the 22 February earthquake, more than 12,000 households were identified as being over the $100,000 EQC cap. Of that, EQC has completed 7,000 full assessments of those properties.

The 5.3 aftershock which hit Christchurch on 16 April is being treated by the EQC as a new event for insurance purposes. People whose properties suffered new or worsened damage need to make a new claim. They have until 18 July to make a claim for that event.

EQC has also received 124 claims from the Hawke’s Bay storm last week. This is expected to grow significantly however. The EQC’s insurance covers landslip damage to dwellings and there is also some cover for land damaged by storm or flood
ENDS

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