“Contact us,” AA Insurance urges customers

“Contact us,” AA Insurance urges customers
We can help you process large, complex claims

Auckland – 9 September 2010 – AA Insurance is urging customers whose claims are likely to exceed the $100,000 EQC cap to contact them in the first instance, rather than the EQC, offering to help them process their claim.

“We advise customers with large claims to contact us first,” says Martin Fox, Deputy General Manager, AA Insurance. “We will give them information about their policy, which they will need to give the EQC. We’ll discuss the scale of the damage and help them decide if they need immediate repairs and we will arrange assistance with what the EQC doesn’t cover, such as temporary accommodation.”

The following items are not covered by EQC but are covered by AA Insurance ContentsCover:
• Temporary accommodation after an earthquake or natural disaster if the customer’s home is unfit to live in. AA Insurance will also find accommodation for pets, if necessary.
• Burglary, theft or vandalism after an earthquake.
• Jewellery, works of art etc.

“Where the cost of the claim is likely to be high and exceed the EQC limit, AA Insurance will do everything we can to help our customers,” says Mr Fox.

AA Insurance will help customers determine what damage is covered by EQC and what is not. AA Insurance will also provide clarity for customers on their contents insurance, for which the EQC provides up to $20,000 (+ GST) in cover and help them get the best outcome. The EQC will replace contents according to the cover given by the customer’s insurance. “This means that AA Insurance customers will get new for old replacement for damaged items, but others might want to check with their insurer because those on market value policies could be facing a much lower payout or replacement value than they were expecting,” says Mr Fox.

“There are some things the EQC doesn’t cover that your personal insurance might, such as temporary accommodation,” says Mr Fox. “If in doubt people should check their policy or alternatively ask their insurance agent or insurance company.”

The following are not covered by EQC:
1. Intangible property, for example, information stored on a computer;
2. Jewellery, precious stones, money, works of art, securities, documents or stamps;
3. Motor vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, or boats;
4. Burglary, theft or vandalism following an earthquake or natural disaster;
5. The costs of staying somewhere else temporarily after an earthquake or natural disaster;
6. Any bush, forest, tree, plant or lawn;
7. Animals, including livestock and pets;
8. Tennis courts;
9. Jetties, wharves or landings;
10. Roads, streets, drives or paths;
11. Retaining walls, bridges or culverts more than 8 metres from your home, or if they are on the main driveway, more than 60 metres from your home;
12. Dams, breakwaters, moles, groynes, fences, poles or walls, unless part of the building;
13. Drains, channels, tunnels or cuttings, unless part of the building;
14. Reservoirs, swimming pools, baths, spa pools, tanks or water towers, unless part of the building.

ENDS