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The Earthquake Commission (EQC) is advising homeowners who suffered landslip damage from recent bad weather to lodge a claim.
EQC national manager Robyn Nation said it’s a good time for Kiwis to put in their claims - but the safety and welfare of family, friends and neighbours comes first.
“Anyone whose property was damaged by the weekend’s bad weather or further forecast heavy rain should talk with us,” she said. “While it’s good to have the claim lodged quickly, you have three months from when the damage occurs.”
Nation noted that storms are a regular occurrence, and EQC have had a number to deal with already this year.
“Unfortunately, some regions are being hit with the bad weather more than once and, in those instances, people need to lodge a claim for each event,” she said. “Our team is happy to help people through the claim lodgement process.”
Each EQC claim is assessed, and, depending on the type and extent of damage, this can involve a geotechnical engineer, valuer or other experts. EQC calls on customers who may or may not have all the information they might need to still lodge a claim and start the process. Its approach is to cash settle claims for land damage and it is the homeowner’s responsibility to arrange for the necessary work to clear or repair their land.
“We will consider a claim for financial costs involved in urgent repairs that might include clearing debris caused by a landslip or flood,” Nation said. “Our advice is to talk to us before you make any urgent repairs that mean you need to incur a cost.
“Either way, take lots of photos to help us understand your damage,” she added.
