Natural disasters like earthquakes, storms and floods can cause damage and devastation, and the aftermath can be incredibly stressful and upsetting. If you have insurance, following the tips below can help you get the best outcome.
Our Information Sheets in our Document Library have quick guides to common issues. Consumer tips and case examples are included.
Our Glossary explains the meaning of technical terms used in tips and cases.
It’s understandable to want to clean up after a natural disaster, but first read this webpage. This will help you get the right information to send to your insurer for your claim to be paid.
Always consider your safety first. Listen for warnings and instructions. Take extra care on the road. Take steps to prevent damage before a storm, e.g. tie or buckle down heavy items like trampolines, and unplug sensitive equipment in case of a power cut.
Contact your insurer as soon as you can, ask about what your policy covers and what you need to do to make a claim. Ask them to confirm this in writing. Understanding what you need to do can help prevent problems later.
Check out the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) Fair Insurance Code that explains what insurers do at claim time and what they expect you to do when you make a claim.
The IFSO Scheme has seen many cases where people don’t have the evidence to prove their items were damaged during a storm, flood or earthquake. Before you clean up or throw damaged items away, record the damage. Make a list and take photos or videos, and read the NHC’s website which explains about natural disaster insurance and how to make an insurance claim.
Read your insurance policy to ensure you know what you are and are not covered for; the steps you need to take to make a claim; and benefits such as temporary accommodation cover. The best time to understand your insurance policy is before you need it.
Temporary accommodation cover is offered under some policies. Most benefits like this only cover you if, at the time of the damage, you were living in the house and had to move out because of the damage. If this applies to you, ask your insurer about temporary accommodation cover under your house or contents policy.
Most general insurers are members of the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) and subscribe to the Fair Insurance Code - a code* developed by the ICNZ, which sets out "the standard of service member companies must provide to their customers. These obligations are in addition to those imposed by the law". (*The code describes how your relationship with your insurer should work, including what you need to tell them and how they need to respond.)