EQC claim numbers for February storm

12 February 2018

EQC claim numbers for February storm

The Earthquake Commission has so far received 60 claims for damage caused by the remnants of Cyclone Fehi earlier this month, with 53 of them from the South Island and the remaining seven from the North Island.

Chief Customer Officer Trish Keith says there is still time for people to make a claim and anyone whose property has suffered damage should do so.

“Many people whose property has been damaged may not have lodged an EQC claim before and therefore may be unaware of the process for doing so, and what they could be entitled to receive. If your residential property has been damaged by the storm, then get in touch with us, and we have a team that can help.”

To make a claim with EQC for natural disaster damage, you must have a home or contents insurance policy that includes fire cover (most do) with a private insurance company when the natural disaster damage occurred.

Mrs Keith says an EQC team met with West Coast homeowners at information sessions in Westport, Hokitika and Franz Josef last week and a team member will be at the Tasman community meeting in Mapua tomorrow night.

The Tasman community information session is being organised by the Tasman District Council and will be held at the Mapua Community Centre at 6pm on Tuesday (13 February).

“The sessions are a great way for EQC, along with the local council and other organisations, to provide people with claim information and discuss what support can be provided. They are also a chance for people to ask questions and be provided with information specific to their own needs.

“Pockets of the Nelson/Tasman region were particularly hard hit by the storm, with 38 claims received so far for the combined area. EQC has also received six claims for the West Coast region, and anticipates this number to increase as people take stock.”

Mrs Keith says that although some customers may not have all the information as to the damage to their property, they should still lodge a claim and EQC will work with them through the process.

EQC covers storm or flood damage to the land around a home. Private insurers cover storm or flood damage to the home and contents. EQC also covers landslip damage to the home, land or contents.

An EQC claim can be lodged within three months of the damage occurring, with the priority after any event being for local residents to look after themselves, their families, and friends and take stock of what’s happened to their properties.

“It’s important that local communities understand how they are covered by EQC in a natural disaster. The information sessions give us a valuable opportunity to meet with customers and support the community. We strongly encourage anyone who may need to lodge claim, to come along and talk with EQC and representatives from the other organisations that are attending,” says Mrs Keith.

Claims can be lodged online at www.eqc.govt.nz/claims, via email on info@eqc.govt.nz, or by calling 0800 DAMAGE (0800 326 243). The EQC call centre is open 7am to 9pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 6pm on Saturdays and more information is available on EQC’s website at www.eqc.govt.nz/get-help-now-claims.

More information is available at https://www.eqc.govt.nz/news/cyclone-fehi-advisory

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