Ombudsman issues insurance advice

“After the severe weather subsides and people have ensured the safety of themselves and their whānau, many will face the daunting task of cleaning up the damage,” says Karen Stevens, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman.

“There are a few things that we recommend people do if they are planning on making an insurance claim,” Stevens told Rural News.

She says that before any clean up, a list along with photographs and/or videos needs to be made of damaged items.

“They should mark and photograph the highest point of the flooding, and if their property was damaged in an earlier flooding event, they should record the new damage.”

Stevens says people impacted by the storm should contact their insurers as soon as possible and ask what their policy covers and what they need to do to make a claim.

“If they can’t stay in their home, they should talk to their insurer about whether they have an allowance for temporary accommodation.”

She says insurers will be busy, so if you can’t get through by phone, an online claim form is normally available.

“If they have a broker or adviser, they should start the process with them,” she says.