NZ insurer reports surge in claims after Auckland storm

A week’s worth of claims were received in just one evening by one insurer following the damaging hurricane which slammed into Auckland.

According to AA Insurance, its claims team is expecting an even more significant increase in calls to lodge home and motor claims related to storm damage in the coming days. However, the extent of the cost and damage remains unknown.

“Claims have included trees falling on roofs, windows being sucked out of houses and roofs collapsing,” AA Insurance customer relations manager Amelia Macandrew said.

Macandrew is urging people who need urgent assistance, including repairs, to keep their homes watertight and warm and to get in touch with the insurer.

“We also want to hear from customers who have been able to assess the damage to their home, contents or car,” she added.

During extreme weather events, safety should always be the priority for people who are affected. Here are some tips, as outlined by AA Insurance, that brokers can pass on to clients:

• Make sure you, your family and pets are safe first – there is no rush to make a claim for your home or contents;
• Get in touch with your insurer if you need to make a claim or need urgent repairs;
• Do not attempt to inspect or repair any damage until it is safe to do so;
• Keep damaged items if it is safe to do so, or take photos – this is useful to confirm what needs replacing;
• If your vehicle has been damaged or suffered flooding it may be unsafe to drive;
• Check if everything is working in your fuse box, reset alarms and clocks, and re-stock your emergency kit;
• If your home is without power, turn your appliances off at the wall in case of a power surge.