ISO offers quake residents advice on insurance

Damage from the September earthquake. Photo / Greg Bowker

Canterbury residents unhappy with the handling of their insurance claims after September 4`s 7.1 quake have been told to seek advice with the Insurance and Savings Ombudsman.

The Insurance and Savings Ombudsman, Karen Stevens, said the ISO was responding to rising concerns over the handling of quake insurance claims, by offering advice to clarify people's entitlements.

"We are offering people a hand in assessing whether their cover is what they thought it was. This will help clarify the basis for a complaint to the insurer," Ms Stevens said.

People unhappy with their claims should first write to their insurance provider saying they wish to make a formal complaint.

"If they are unhappy with the result, they can then make a complaint to us - it doesn't cost them anything and they don't need a lawyer," Ms Stevens said.

- NZPA