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Insurers are reminding people affected by Saturday's earthquake to get their claims in as soon as possible.
State Insurance general manager Mary-Jane Daly said people shouldn't hold off on submitting claims just because they think they may discover more broken items later.
"Call your insurer, lodge your initial claim and then you can work through it. If there are other things that come up, then take photos or keep evidence of it and talk to your insurer."
State, the country's largest insurer, has received more than 1500 queries already.
"As soon as you're in a position to have an initial assessment of where you're at, and you've got your family safe and your property safe, then you should speak to your insurer and get the process rolling," Daly said.
People struggling with paperwork are being urged to call their insurance company or visit a sales site.
Daly said State Insurance had a limited ability to send out assessors, but they would deal with critical situations.
She also suggested there was good advice on the government's Get Through website.
Homeowners who have damaged properties should also lodge their claims with the Earthquake Commission.
By last night the number of insurance claims filed with the Earthquake Commission had topped 4000 and there are estimates the total cost of damage to the city could be as much as $2 billion.
The commission said insurance cover applies to holiday homes as well as to permanent homes and people with house and contents insurance will automatically have the commission's cover.
Claims can be lodged by calling EQC's free phone number 0800 326 243 (0800 DAMAGE) or online. The phones are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Chief Executive Ian Simpson said people have up to three months to lodge a claim but once lines cleared people should contact them as soon as possible.
"It is best for people to contact EQC themselves rather than getting their broker, agent or insurance company to call. We will ask who they're insured with and for an idea of the extent of damage. Once the claim is lodged, an outline of the next steps in the claims process will be sent out," he said.
Simpson said people who are unsure of their insurance situation, or don't remember who they are insured with, should also contact them.
The commission has advised people keep their paperwork in order.
"If you are able to, essential services, like toilets and water systems can be repaired - but people should keep everything the repairer replaces, and keep a copy of the bill," Simpson said.
"Spillages or crockery and glass breakages can be cleared up, but don't throw anything not perishable away yet. Ruined or spilt food and other perishables can be disposed of, but people should list the items as they bury, burn, or dump them."
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentgordy said on 2010-09-09 @ 13:59 NZDT: Report abusive post
Im my 51 years on this earth I have never felt so pertrified..my first thoughts was we had been hit by a nuclear bomb and it was Armageddon. Never ever want to experience it again
schicken said on 2010-09-08 @ 19:15 NZDT: Report abusive post
I thought the same thing initially. However, another quake big enough to close or shift the cracks further is likely to be heard first and all the kids will most likely be fine. If a child does get swallowed up, I'm probably not going to have huge empathy for the media coverage or their parents, but until then, let the region have a little bit of fun. Education about health risks regarding contaminated water may be a good idea for all. :)
thinkaboutit said on 2010-09-06 @ 23:06 NZDT: Report abusive post
More great coverage tonight TVNZ especially highlighting the situation at individual community levels where people reported they felt abandoned. All credit to those organising themselves into community working groups at this level despite this. Arguably the recovery process would be greatly enhanced if these community groups were psychologically and practically supported by establishing official coordination centres at individual community levels.
Madeleine Ware said on 2010-09-06 @ 17:31 NZDT: Report abusive post
You're making some good points here. Perhaps some of the donations could be towards purchasing and setting up storage of these sorts of things. Individuals are also responsible for making their own preparations. I clean and keep old 3L juice bottles filled with water. Every now and then I water my house plants with one and refill it to refresh it.
Madeleine Ware said on 2010-09-06 @ 17:25 NZDT: Report abusive post
Why are they buying water? Aren't there several tankers about the city giving it away?