This depends on how the claim is settled. If you're getting repairs done, you'll need to pay any applicable excess to the repairer or supplier. In the case of a cash settlement, the excess will be deducted off the total amount you are paid out. To find out more about your excess, please check your policy schedule and wording.
An event like this has a big impact on assessors and tradespeople, so although we'll be working as quickly as we can, it will take some time to get through all the assessments. Urgent assistance for those whose homes are unliveable, are experiencing vulnerability, or those who are in high-impact areas will be prioritised.
Your policy excess
If your policies are in the same name, with the same brand, insured with the same address, and you make a claim on two or more policies for damage caused by the same event, you'll pay just one excess - whichever is the highest. We call this “one incident, one excess” and it applies to your personal insurance policies only, such as your home, contents, vehicle, or boat policies. Our Claims teams will discuss this with you when it's time to pay your excess.
NHCover excess
An additional excess will apply if you need to make an NHCover claim, which your Claim Manager will discuss with you prior to settlement. Have a read through our Understanding your NHCover Claim factsheet for more information.
In most cases where your bank is listed as a financially interested party on your property title (such as through your mortgage), we are required to pay your claim settlement to them directly. To access these funds for your repairs, you will need to discuss next steps with them. Your bank may release the funds to you in stages as you rebuild/repair. We recommend you talk to them about how this process works.
Natural Hazards Cover (NHCover) is provided by the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC, previously the EQC/ Earthquake Commission) for residential buildings and defined areas of residential land. It insures houses for up to the first $300,000 (+GST) as well as some areas of residential land against loss or damage from earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity, hydrothermal activity, and tsunami. It also insures some residential land (within limits) against storm and flood damage. (Note, private house insurance does not cover residential land).
To make things simpler for you, we manage the NHC component of your claim too, which means you don't need to make a claim with NHC. We have a special dedicated team of case managers with experience in natural hazard claims who will manage your claim.
Have a read through our Understanding your NHCover Claim factsheet and the NHC's Guide to Natural Hazards Cover for more information.
Most people will automatically have NHCover if they have a current Home insurance policy.
NHCover applies to residential land that's within your property boundary - and includes:
NHCover also provides some cover for:
For more information about NHCover and residential land, read through their Land cover and claims Factsheet or visit the NHC website.
Join our resident building expert, Peter Wolfkamp as he discusses what to do before, during and after a flood claim.
Once you and your whanau are safe, the quickest way to make your insurance claim is online.
8am ‐ 6pm Monday to Friday
9am ‐ 6pm weekends and public holidays
If you need a higher level of care or have additional accessibility needs, please complete our online request form, so we can provide appropriate support.
We adhere to the Fair Insurance Code, and we're focussed on what's best for you.
We have an AA financial strength rating, which is your reassurance we have a “very strong” claims paying ability and will be there for you should you need us.
Please click here for more information on our Financial Strength Rating.
