14 November 2016
Karen Stevens, Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman, advises everyone affected by today's earthquakes, to take photos or videos of damaged property before you clean anything up, if it is safe to do so.
“It’s a really difficult time and people are stressed, but following these tips could help to avoid problems later on when you make your Earthquake Commission (EQC) claim.”
IFSO Scheme tips
1) Document the damage before you throw anything away. Take photos or videos of all damaged items.
2) Make lists of all the damaged items.
3) To make a claim, in the first instance, contact the EQC: 0800 DAMAGE (0800 326 243) See: http://www.eqc.govt.nz/claims/make-claim/contents-claim
4) Read your house and contents insurance policies to understand what insurance cover you may have under these policies in addition to the EQC claim.