Impacted by the current severe weather events?

With severe weather-related events continuing, we want to assure you that your safety and responding to your claims is both our and the insurers top priority. 

The following information will provide some tips on what you can do to prepare, some guidance on ensuring your safety and details on how to lodge a claim.

• Clear drains and gutters
• Tie down and secure large items, such as bins and outdoor furniture that could lift in high winds - turn trampolines upside down and anchor if possible
• Consider moving furniture and electronic devises away from areas that are prone to flooding, as well as lifting curtains, rugs and bedding off the floor.
• Charge up your smartphones and tablets
• Bring pets indoors 
• Be ready to activate your household emergency plan – this includes having your emergency kit and sufficient supplies handy

• Do not go outside unless necessary
• Unplug non-essential electrical appliances in case of power surge. 
• In high winds, keep curtains, windows, shutters and doors closed, and stay away from windows and skylights that may shatter 
• Listen to your radio for evacuation notifications and be prepared to leave immediately if told to do so
• Stay off the roads, but if you need to drive – allow extra time for your journey and avoid driving at night. Ensure you have sufficient petrol in your car in case of diversion and keep warm clothes and a survival kit in your vehicles as a precaution. Always treat power lines as live, stay well clear and report any downed or damaged lines or electrical equipment.

Safety first!
The safety and wellbeing of you and your family is always top priority. Please note the advice and instructions from Civil Defence and other authorities, and stay out of any evacuated areas until it is safe to return.    

For more information on how to stay safe in a storm or flood visit the Civil Defence Website - https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/. If your life, health or property is in danger, call 111 immediately. 

If your home is adversely impacted, only return to it when it is safe to do so - making sure the building looks safe to enter and carefully checking the structure for damage, as well as gas, water or electrical lines and appliances. If due to flooding, water has entered your vehicle please do not drive it as it could be unsafe - airbags can deploy without warning, and the vehicle may stop functioning suddenly.

How to lodge claims:
If you need to lodge a claim we recommend doing so as soon as possible, documenting any damage (either photo or video) and creating a list of all the damaged items prior to attempting any clean-up effort. 

For those who are vulnerable, experiencing significant hardship, or in need of emergency repairs or accommodation, claims can be lodged by calling us. If calling afterhours, please select the option to transfer to your relevant insurer. Insurers may experience large call volumes, so you may incur a longer than usual call wait time. Your patience is appreciated, and they will answer as soon as they can.

Alternatively, claims can be submitted by email with a completed claim form and supporting documentation. Claim forms for your relevant policy and the correct phone line and email addresses are noted below:

Insurer actions
In times of widespread severe weather events, additional staff are called in to support with claim lodgement and triaging – with the initial focus being prioritising customers in urgent need. 

Insurers will have first responders on the ground as soon as possible to ensure you are safe to stay in your homes, or in the worst case, to have somewhere to stay. These teams will be lining up resources and suppliers to support with the assessment of damage, and to process repairs as quickly as they can. The safety of first responders will also be a priority, with some areas often not able to be accessed immediately.

• Insurance Council of New Zealand - https://www.icnz.org.nz/industry/media-releases/flood-advice-stay-safe-and-contact-your-insurer-early/
• Vero Insurance New Zealand Limited - https://www.vero.co.nz/wildweather.html  
• NZI - https://iagnz.custhelp.com/