Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme

Cyclone Gabrielle - Consumers – Insurance Claims

Cyclone Gabrielle has caused havoc around the North Island. Flooding, landslips, gale force winds and displacement of communities have resulted in the Government declaring a National State of Emergency at 8.43 AM on Tuesday, 14 February 2023. This is an unprecedented weather event and is likely to give rise to many thousands of insurance claims.

6 IMPORTANT THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE INSURANCE:

1. Customers need to be patient, particularly where they may have claims unrelated to the flooding and cyclone; the most urgent cases will be dealt with as a priority. If you do not have an urgent claim, expect it to be processed after urgent claims – realistically, this may take many weeks or even months.
2. Insurers will continue to work hard to settle claims and will prioritise those most in need when doing so.
3. We understand from ICNZ that insurers have already brought in as many staff as possible to continue to be able to service their customers.
4. Demand for assessors, tradies and related materials and other goods is already incredibly high. The 27 January flooding and now the devastation from Cyclone Gabrielle has put enormous pressure on supply chains and transport routes.
5. Insurers are expecting thousands and thousands of flood and Cyclone claims, likely to be the most claims in a natural disaster event since the Canterbury earthquakes in 2010/2011.
6. It is in the best interests of customers and insurers alike that claims are settled quickly. You can help by not ringing your insurer if it is not urgent – contact them online. Make the claim process as easy as possible by having a good photographic record of any lost or damaged contents and vehicles, and any damage to your house. Any other documents showing purchase and/or ownership should also be provided if you have them.

Check out our webpage - Natural disasters - after the event

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