Flood-Damaged Goods - Don't Throw Them Away

Flood-Damaged Goods - Don't Throw Them Away

Bay of Plenty farmers should keep anything damaged by floods until the items have been seen by insurance assessors, says Shelley Dew Hopkins, Manawatu-Rangitikei Provincial President of Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc).

Ms Dew Hopkins knows about the effect of floods on possessions, having helped farmers through the lower North Island storm event in her roles as Federated Farmers Provincial President and Rural Recovery Coordinator.

"Some people may want to dispose of flood-damaged possessions as soon as possible, but insurers advise that these goods should be kept until they can be properly assessed.

"Photographing or videoing damaged goods is a good idea, but retention is best. Assessors need to see the damaged goods for claims to be handled as quickly as possible.

"If ordered to dispose of an item for health reasons, do so, but first take a photograph. Similarly if you must slaughter stock for compassionate reasons, a photograph of the hurt animal will help with the insurance process.

“Insurers should realise that some farmers may not have access to a working camera, for some days if not weeks.

"Farmers should lodge their claims as soon as possible. If clarification on their insurance policies is needed, farmers should talk to their broker first, and then to their insurer,” says Ms Dew Hopkins.

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