Published: 9 February 2023
Extreme Weather Events: Claims Tips & Assistance
Your safety is our top priority. If you are impacted by flooding, we’ve shared safety guidelines and claims tips you can follow to help reduce the risk of damage and ensure a smooth recovery.
Climate change is having a very real impact on the lives of New Zealanders as the frequency and severity of extreme weather events intensifies. Due to rising global temperatures, New Zealand is susceptible to the cumulative effects of rising sea levels, warmer seas and tropical weather systems.
Data from the Insurance Council of New Zealand paints a worrying picture. The first 8 months of 2022 delivered 10 natural hazards and extreme weather events across New Zealand, resulting in $355 million in insurance losses, a record high and 62% increase from 2019. *
Already in 2023, the Auckland Anniversary Weekend Storms and Cyclone Gabrielle have caused widespread and significant damage across the North Island.
- Treat all flood water as contaminated.
- Provided it is safe, place items off the ground and above any water line and salvage any items that might be able to be repaired. Wear protective clothing such as gloves and appropriate waterproof footwear.
- Do not operate any vehicles or electrical appliances that may have been damaged by flood water.
- Do not make any non-essential repairs to your home.
- Clean stormwater gutters and drains
- If you’ve experienced damage to your home, contents, motor vehicle or commercial property, start the claim process by using our Online Claim Form. It will only ask you to complete the questions that are relevant to your loss and it’s easy to attach photos and/or videos of the damage.
- Make a list of the items that are damaged within the claim form, including plenty of photos and/or videos showing the damage and the individual damaged items.
- If your vehicle has been submerged or partially submerged in flood water, please do not try to start or drive the vehicle. There may be water damaged electrics and potential contamination issues. Arrange for your vehicle to be towed to your local repairer to inspect.
- Remember not to dispose of any items as an Assessor may need to view these.
- You can use the My Rothbury App to receive claims updates and to access your policy details.
Our Brokers and Claims Advisers are here to help. If you need any claims assistance, please call us on 0508 768 428.
* Insurance Council of New Zealand: https://www.icnz.org.nz/natural-disasters/cost-of-natural-disasters