Back to Christchurch Earthquake
Insurance Earthquake Update
Updated 30 April 2012
Important information
- Emergency repairs
- General claims questions
- ASB claims
- EQC claims
- Insurance cover information
- Temporary accommodation and living expenses
Update on our rebuild and repair programme
With the aftershocks moving offshore and most of the land zone decisions made, we’ve accelerated our rebuild and repair programme for 2012.
From 1 February, IAG has been working in:
- areas of Christchurch classified TC1
- some parts of TC2
- north-west Canterbury
- green-zoned Port Hills areas (where there is no damage to the land or retaining walls), and
- Banks Peninsula.
We chose these areas as this is where we have the most certainty around land condition and believe there is a lower risk of any repairs or rebuilds being substantially damaged in any future earthquakes.
With our repair and rebuild programme underway, our target* is to:
- begin building 85 new homes per month
- commence 47 major repairs per month (repairs over $100,000)
- complete 470 non-EQC repairs (paths, driveways, swimming pools, patios etc) per month.
For those customers with TC3 properties, IAG is waiting for land remediation plans before any detailed work programmes can be developed. Talk to your claims case manager for further information.
As we expand our work zone further we will keep our customers informed on where we will be working.
* The target number is the combined monthly target for all IAG brands
IAG’s latest underwriting position
Our general insurance underwriter, IAG New Zealand Limited (IAG), has revised its position regarding new home insurance policies in the Canterbury region. While there are still some restrictions, this will allow more customers to move forward with their plans.
Home Insurance
IAG’s current position for insuring undamaged properties in Canterbury:
- IAG is considering requests for new cover in the Ashburton and Hurunui districts.
- If you’re buying a property that is currently insured by IAG in the Selwyn and Waimakariri districts, or outside the red zone in Christchurch City, IAG is considering requests for new cover.
- IAG is not considering new cover in the residential red zone.
Contract Works
At this point, IAG are considering requests for new Contract Works coverage for new and existing IAG customers in the Ashburton and Hurunui districts.
In Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri , Contract Works coverage is only being considered in limited circumstances for existing IAG customers. Please call for further details.
Customers whose homes are being repaired or rebuilt by IAG as part of a claim will have their Contract works insurance provided as part of the claims process. Any questions should be directed to the earthquake claims case manager in the first instance.
Please call us on 0800 200 252 to discuss your individual circumstances.
IAG’s position regarding new home and contract works insurance in the region is being regularly reviewed and we will provide regular updates as changes are made to this position.
General claims questions
Q. Am I covered for earthquake damage to my property?
A. If you have ASB Home or Contents insurance you will automatically get cover from the EQC. Refer to the EQC website at http://www.eqc.govt.nz/ for further details. ASB Home & Contents insurance provides cover over and above the EQC limits.
Q. Should I lodge a claim with ASB or EQC?
A. The following table is a summary of what is covered by ASB’s insurance policies and what is covered by the EQC. In many cases you will need to lodge a claim with both ASB and the EQC.
| Covered by EQC | Covered by ASB’s insurance policies |
|
• Private dwelling – up to $100,000 + GST |
Cover under the ASB Home Comprehensive policy: • House damage above $100,000 + GST (subject to the maximum entitlement and exclusions under your policy) • Permanent driveways and bridges which provide sole and immediate access to the dwelling • Permanently plumbed swimming and spa pools that are not covered by EQC • Paving and other permanent artificial surfaces • Loss of rent when your home cannot be occupied (to a maximum of $11,250) Cover under the ASB Classic Contents policy: • Contents damage above $20,000 + GST (subject to the maximum entitlement and exclusions under your policy) • Contents that are not covered by EQC (subject to policy limits and exclusions) such as jewellery, money, works of art, documents which can be redeem for cash • Reasonable additional living expenses after the earthquake if it is necessary to live somewhere else due to damage to your home (to a maximum of $11,250). Cover under the ASB Basic Contents policy: • Contents damage above $20,000 + GST (subject to the maximum entitlement and exclusions under your policy) • Contents that are not covered by EQC (subject to policy limits and exclusions) such as jewellery, money, works of art, documents which can be redeem for cash • Reasonable additional living expenses after the earthquake if it is necessary to live somewhere else (to a maximum of $5,000). If you have an ASB Vehicle policy (full cover and third party, fire and theft policies): • Motor vehicles If you have an ASB Caravan & Trailer policy: • Caravans and trailers If you have an ASB Boat policy: • Boats For a more complete description of what is covered by ASB Insurance, refer to your applicable policy document, check our website www.asb.co.nz or phone us anytime on 0800 200 242. |
| Note: Neither ASB or EQC cover any jetty, wharf or landing. | |
Q. My car suffered some earthquake damage, what do I do?
A. Motor Vehicles are not covered through the EQC, so please lodge your claim through the ASB claims team on 0800 200 242.
Q. I lodged a claim after an earlier earthquake, and now there is further damage to my home & contents as a result of an aftershock. Do I need to lodge another claim?
A. For claims covered by ASB Insurance, please call us on 0800 200 242 and we’ll advise whether a new claim is to be lodged.
For claims covered by EQC, separate earthquake events have been recognised on the following dates:
- 4 September 2010
- 19 October 2010
- 14 November 2010
- 26 December 2010
- 20 January 2011
- 4 February 2011
- 22 February 2011
- 16 April 2011
- 30 April 2011
- 10 May 2011
- 6 June 2011
- 13 June 2011
- 21 June 2011
- 9 October 2011
- 23 December 2011
Customers who have suffered new damage as a result of any of these events will need to lodge a new claim with EQC. You have three months from the date of the event to lodge your claim.
ASB claims
Q. How do I lodge a claim with ASB?
A. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 200 242. You can also refer to this handy document to get started on your contents claim, and claims not covered by EQC.
Q. How long do I have to lodge a claim?
A. Although ASB’s policies have no maximum claim period, we encourage customers to lodge a claim with us as soon as possible, even if you are unsure of some of the details.
Q. How do ASB Home & Contents policies help customers who have lost everything?
A. ASB Home & Classic Contents policies have a stress payment benefit of $1,000 which is available to customers who have suffered a total loss. Customers with both Home & Classic Contents policies may be able to claim on both benefits, a total of $2,000. Call the ASB claims line on 0800 200 242 for further information.
In addition customers who are totally displaced may be eligible for a one-off emergency claims advance of a total of $1,000 for food, clothes and extra accommodation costs. Please note this advance will be deducted from a combination of your alternative accommodation allowance and your contents insurance claim. Where practical, we ask that you retain receipts and provide them to us if requested.
Q. I lodged a claim under my ASB Contents insurance policy as a result of the September 2010 earthquake. Now my replaced or repaired items have been damaged again as a result of a subsequent earthquake, can I claim again?
A. Yes you can. Once your contents are restored or replaced, your sum insured is automatically reinstated.
Q. Will an excess be deducted for my ASB policy when the EQC has already deducted an excess?
A. The ASB insurance claim is separate to the EQC claim so there is a separate excess to pay - however customers who have a claim on both home and contents and have standard excesses will only have to pay a single excess for their ASB cover (the higher excess of the two).
Q. Does my ASB contents policy cover personal items that were at a friend’s house at the time of the earthquake?
A. Yes, your contents are covered while they are at your home or while they are temporarily anywhere else in New Zealand.
For any further questions, please contact ASB Insurance on 0800 200 242.
EQC claims
Q. How do I lodge a claim with EQC?
A. If you have any questions at all about lodging a claim with the EQC, you should contact them in the first instance. Details are available on the EQC website http://www.eqc.govt.nz
Claims can be lodged online at http://www.eqc.govt.nz/ or customers can call EQC on 0800 326 243. The EQC lines are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. It will help if you provide your ASB policy number. Once the claim is lodged, EQC will outline the next steps in the process.
Q. Is there a maximum period for lodging claims?
A. EQC requires claims to be made within 3 months of the event.
Q. I’ve called the EQC and lodged a claim, what happens next?
A. The EQC will appoint an assessor or loss adjuster and they will make direct contact with you as soon as they can.
Q. What if I can’t get through to the EQC?
A. You can also lodge your claim online at http://www.eqc.govt.nz/. The EQC will accept claims up to 3 months after the date of the event.
The above answers are based on information obtained from EQC, but their accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. For full details, contact EQC.
Insurance cover
Q. My home has been damaged and is due to be demolished. Do I need to retain my insurance cover?
A. We encourage all customers to continue insurance cover for homes that have been affected by the earthquake.
ASB Home Insurance can cover further damage to the dwelling, such as to outbuildings, retaining walls, fences, and paths. It also covers any liability arising from accidental loss or damage to anyone else’s property - an example of this could be if your fence fell into your neighbour’s property and damaged their deck. You may also be eligible for temporary accommodation cover if you are living in the damaged home and there is a future event.
In recognition of the reduced coverage we are offering customers a premium discount – call us on 0800 200 252 for further details.
Q. I need to move my contents to another location, do I need to change the “situation of risk” on my contents?
A. Please call if your contents are being moved into storage, or permanently to a new location.
Temporary accommodation and living expenses
Q. Do ASB Home & Contents policies assist with additional accommodation and living expenses?
A. Yes, ASB Contents policies can cover reasonable additional living expenses of up to $5,000 for ASB Basic cover and $11,250 for ASB Classic cover if it is necessary for you to live elsewhere due to damage to your home.
ASB Home policies also provide cover for the loss of rent, or a rent equivalent if you occupy your home, up to $11,250. Customers with both home & contents policies may be able to claim on both of these benefits. Call the ASB claims line on 0800 200 242 for further information.
Q. Does my accommodation allowance cover me if I’m staying with friends or family?
A. Alternative accommodation is paid for additional costs incurred for the affected policy holder. This includes rental costs (in addition to any existing rental amount that would otherwise have been paid by a tenant), or other temporary accommodation costs, such as motel accommodation where temporary rental properties are unavailable. Your policy allows for reasonable additional living expenses (as a direct result of a loss to your home). If there are additional costs actually incurred by staying with friends or family (e.g. rent / board) this may be covered - please phone our claims team on 0800 200 242 to discuss.
Q. I have ASB Home & Contents insurance and claimed for accommodation and living expenses after the September earthquake. Am I covered for further accommodation and living expenses incurred as a result of the February earthquake?
A. Yes further cover is available if you have incurred additional accommodation and living expenses due to damage from the 22 February earthquake.
Your ASB Contents Insurance policy covers reasonable additional living expenses up to $11,250 for Classic Contents, or $5,000 for Basic Contents.
Your ASB Home Insurance policy will provide cover up to $11,250 if your home was reoccupied prior to the February earthquake.
Please contact the ASB claims line on 0800 200 242 for further details.
Important Note: The information contained in this update is of a general nature and is intended as a guide only, outlining some of the benefits provided by ASB Home, Contents and Private Motor Vehicle Insurance. Exclusions apply. For full details of coverage, consult your policy wording. ASB Insurance is underwritten by IAG New Zealand Limited, a member of the Insurance Council of New Zealand Inc.
