media release

3 July 2014

Cost of February Canterbury Storm Nearly $5 Million

The ‘supercell’ storm that hit Canterbury on 23 February 2014 resulted in $4.8 million of insurance payouts, according to the Insurance Council of New Zealand.

Provisional results initially put the figure at $3.3 million from the February storm that brought torrential rain, thunderstorms, lightning, a large hailstorm and reports of tornado damage to parts of Canterbury.

“The final tally confirms insurers paid out $4.8 million for storm-related damage, which further highlights the vital role insurance plays in helping New Zealanders recover from extreme weather events,” says ICNZ spokesperson Samson Samasoni.

“Almost $1.3 million was paid out in domestic claims, a further $1.3 million in commercial and more than 600 motor vehicle claims resulted in $2.2 million of insurance payouts,” he says.

ENDS