EQC urges homeowners to make their claims

The Earthquake Commission (EQC) is urging residents with damage to their homes, who have yet to make a claim, to get their claims in this week, with the deadline for the 22 February earthquake just one week away.

People whose properties experienced new or worsened damage in that event need to lodge a new claim. Claims will be received until midnight on Monday 23 May. Even if people are unable to complete their claim they need to lodge their intent with EQC and details of the claim will be finalised at a later date. To make a claim people should ring 0800 DAMAGE, 0800 326 243 or visit www.eqc.govt.nz.

EQC has recognised 10 events for insurance purposes including the original earthquake on 4 September.

“For many of those events the deadline for making a claim has passed but for the aftershock on 16 April people have until 18 July to make a claim; for the 30 April event it’s 1 August and for the 10 May aftershock it’s 10 August,” EQC Chief Executive Ian Simpson said.

More than 11,000 full assessments have been completed on properties with damage from the 22 February earthquake and Mr Simpson says EQC is working towards some indicative targets for having assessments completed.

“We expect to have finished assessing those homes with severe structural damage by mid July, those with minor structural damage by mid September and home with no structural damage should be completed before Christmas.”

EQC has received more than 319,000 claims for all the events since 4 September including 133,000 claims for 22 February. A total of $859 million has been paid out on claims to date.

Assessments in the areas affected by rock falls have already begun and assessments in Christchurch city centre will begin within the next fortnight.

EQC is one of a number of organisations working with the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) on rebuilding greater Christchurch and its surrounds, and supporting the welfare of its residents.  For more information visit www.cera.govt.nz

• EQC website: www.eqc.govt.nz
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