Eketahuna quake sparks flood of claims

MESS: Paul Dickens beginning the clean-up of his office at his Alfreton home after the earthquake.PHOTO/FILE

More than 2800 claims have been received by the Earthquake Commission following the 6.2 Eketahuna earthquake of January 20.

The EQC started assessment of earthquake-damaged houses on Tuesday.

It said early indications were that the most damaged properties were located near the epicentre, through Eketahuna, Pahiatua and Castlepoint, and have completed assessments of some of these more badly damaged properties in this area as a priority.

While most claims have come from Palmerston North (30 per cent) and, Manawatu, Masterton and Tararua districts (36 per cent), these areas suffered minor damage.

A timeframe for completing the assessment and settlement of claims is still being developed but EQC National Operations Manager, Barry Searle, said - where possible - the worst-damaged properties will be assessed first.

By February 18, there will be 20 teams of assessors deployed in the lower North Island to inspect earthquake damage.

He said if customers carry out temporary repairs, if possible they should take photographs of the original damage.

"Any reimbursement for temporary or urgent repairs is subject to EQC acceptance of a valid claim," Mr Searle said.

EQC inspection teams will deal with the building, land and contents claims during inspection unless the claim is for contents only, which is dealt with separately.

Building claims will be cash settled rather than EQC managing repairs.

He said EQC staff also carry a photo identification card, and call ahead to arrange assessments. If you are approached by someone purporting to be from EQC, ask to see their EQC identification.

All customers have three months, until the end of April 22, to submit a claim for damage from the Eketahuna Earthquake.

People can claim online at eqc.govt.nz/claims or call 0800 DAMAGE (326 243) or email on info@eqc.govt.nz. EQC covers earthquake damage to homes (up to $100,000 + GST), contents (up to $20,000 + GST) and a defined area of residential land.

Residents must have had a fire insurance contract with an Insurance Company on their home at the time of the event to make a claim for home and/or land damage.

The same applies to contents to make a claim for contents damage.