Earthquake safety first, claims second says AA Insurance

Earthquake safety first, claims second says AA Insurance

Auckland, 23 July 2013 – AA Insurance is urging customers affected by Sunday’s magnitude 6.5 earthquake to focus on safety before making a claim.

“If you have sustained earthquake-related damage to your home, contents or car there is no rush to make a claim if there is no immediate need to – the first priority is the safety and welfare of you, your family, and your pets,” said Suzanne Wolton, AA Insurance Head of Customer Relations.

“While we’ve received nearly 130 claims (directly and via EQC) for home and contents damage so far – with the majority from the Wellington region – there have thankfully been no reports of severe damage or the need for urgent repairs. Claims have mainly been for flooding from burst pipes and water cylinders, as well as roof and chimney damage. While disruptive, fortunately they are not considered life-threatening,” Suzanne continued.

To date claim numbers have been lower than expected, but these may increase over the next few days with the possibility of further aftershocks and earthquakes. AA Insurance advises customers to be vigilant during this time, secure any breakables and valuables, and follow Civil Defence guidelines for their own safety – www.getthru.govt.nz.

If you encounter any damage or flooding in your home:

• Keep or take photos of any damaged items
• If possible, pack fragile items away until the aftershocks subside
• Keep clear of broken windows or roofs
• If there is water in light fittings, turn your lights off and call an electrician
• Take care when cleaning up broken glass or securing roofing
• If it is safe to do so, place a tarpaulin over any areas where the roof is leaking
• Remove any fallen debris from footpaths and walkways, if you can do this safely
• If floors are wet, lift furniture to prevent staining
• If possible, lift wet carpet to allow it to dry – don't use a heater, as this may shrink the carpet
• If your vehicle has been severely damaged do not attempt to drive it
• AA Insurance customers should call 0800 500 216 for any further information

“If you have minor or moderate earthquake-related damage to your home or contents, you should contact EQC in the first instance. You can lodge a claim by contacting EQC directly, or make a claim online via the EQC website,” said Suzanne.

“EQC will then let us know that you’ve made a claim with them. You have until 21 October to make your claims with EQC for any non-urgent repairs, so you have time to look after any critical matters first.

“Once you have your ECQ claim number, and you’re ready to make your claim with us, our experienced team will be here to give you the help you need to get things sorted quickly.”

However, if you have significant damage to your home or contents and may require temporary accommodation, please call AA Insurance as soon as you can. You should also contact AA Insurance if you have earthquake-related damage to your car, and we’ll get your claim sorted.

If you do need to leave your home, AA Insurance advises customers to take these steps - but don't risk your personal safety to do so:

• Turn off the power, gas and water. Contact your gas company if you can smell gas and turn off the gas at the meter outside your home
• Secure your home as well as you can
• Take your emergency getaway kit
• Take any easily portable valuables or documents with you, and secure your contents
• Make sure your pets are safe and keep them with you if you can
• Don’t drive unless you absolutely need to. If you vehicle has been damaged or suffered flooding it may be unsafe to drive.

ENDS

About AA Insurance
AA Insurance was launched in 1994 and is a joint venture between New Zealand Automobile Association and Suncorp.

AA Insurance employs around 580 staff servicing more than 300,000 customers and manages over 500,000 policies covering motor, home and contents insurance.

AA Insurance was named as New Zealand’s best workplace at the 2011 JRA Best Workplaces Survey, winning the overall award and the large company category. From 2008 to 2012 AA Insurance has consistently been a finalist.

AA Insurance was named winner of the 2013 Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customers for Home and Contents Insurance, and the 2012 New Zealand Insurance Industry Awards for Direct Insurance Company of the Year. It was also voted Most Trusted Insurer by New Zealanders in the Insurance Providers category of the 2012 Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brands survey, conducted by Catalyst Research.

AA Insurance Limited has an A+ (Strong) Insurer Financial Strength Rating given by Standard and Poor’s (Australia) Pty Ltd. For further information visit www.aainsurance.co.nz.
AA Insurance is proud to support youth charity Blue Light as its principle corporate sponsor.

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