Update from AA Insurance on Christchurch hailstorms

Update from AA Insurance on Christchurch hailstorms

Auckland, 5 September 2012 – AA Insurance is urging customers affected by the severe hailstorms in Christchurch to contact them as soon as possible to make a claim and get the help they need.

A total of 70 claims have so far been received by AA Insurance for home and motor damage caused by the severe weather. AA Insurance estimates that figure will reach 100 over the next 24 hours as people return home to assess the damage to their homes and vehicles. The majority of claims have been made from customers in the central and northwest suburbs of Christchurch with around 85% of home claims being for damage to conservatories.

Other damage to homes includes breakage to glass and skylights causing water to leak onto carpets, while motor vehicles have seen damage to windscreens and bodywork from the hailstones. AA Insurance recommends that if customers need emergency assistance (such as a plumber or electrician), customers should get the job done and keep the receipt for when the claim is made.

“Our advice is that if you have suffered significant damage to your home, you should call your insurer and make a claim as soon as possible to ensure you get the help you need quickly,” said Head of Customer Affairs, Suzanne Wolton. “There is no deadline to when you can make a claim, however the sooner you lodge your claim, the sooner we can assess the damage and arrange repairs.”

As MetService has issued a heavy rain warning for the Canterbury area from Thursday, it’s vital that any urgent repairs to keep homes watertight and safe are carried out as soon as possible.

“We have contacted both our home and motor suppliers in the areas who are on stand-by to repair any damage,” said Suzanne. “We also have a dedicated team handling these storm-related claims in order to give our customers the help they need to eliminate any stress and process their claims quickly.”

AA Insurance advises its customers to:
• Keep clear of broken windows or roofs that may have suffered damage
• If there is water in light fittings, turn your lights off and call an electrician
• Take care when cleaning up broken glass or securing roofing
• If it is safe to do so, place a tarpaulin over any areas where the roof is leaking
• Remove any fallen debris from footpaths and walkways
• If floors are wet, lift furniture to prevent staining
• If possible, lift wet carpet to allow it to dry - don't use a heater, as this may shrink the carpet
• If your vehicle has been severely damaged do not attempt to drive it
• AA Insurance customers should call 0800 500 216, so we can assess the severity of the damage and arrange to have any damage to homes or vehicles repaired.

ENDS
About AA Insurance
AA Insurance was launched in 1994 and is a joint venture between New Zealand Automobile Association and Suncorp-Metway Limited.
AA Insurance employs over 550 staff servicing more than 250,000 customers and manages around 500,000 policies covering motor, home and contents insurance.
AA Insurance was named as New Zealand’s best workplace at the 2011 JRA Best Workplaces Survey, winning the overall award and the large company category. In 2008, 2009 and 2010 AA Insurance was a finalist in the medium-large workplace category.
AA Insurance Limited has an A+ (Strong) Insurer Financial Strength Rating given by Standard and Poor’s (Australia) Pty Ltd. For further information visit www.aainsurance.co.nz.
AA Insurance is proud to support youth charity Blue Light as its principle corporate sponsor.

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