I disagree with how my earthquake claim was settled. What can I do?

Common question · Earthquake & Natural Hazards Claims · New Zealand · 23 October 2026

General information from Lawmateanz

Start by asking your insurer or the Natural Hazards Commission for the reasons for their decision and copies of the reports they relied on.

Use their internal complaints process. If that doesn't resolve it, you can take the complaint to the insurer's free dispute resolution scheme, or use the Natural Hazards Commission's dispute resolution process.

The New Zealand Claims Resolution Service offers free independent help with residential insurance claims after natural disasters.

Getting an independent engineer's or quantity surveyor's report can strengthen your case. A lawyer experienced in earthquake claims can advise if court is an option.

Written by Lawmateanz, not by a lawyer. General information only, not legal advice about your situation. For advice about your own matter, talk to a lawyer.

Lawyer answers

Lawyers listed on Lawmateanz can answer this question. If you asked it, we'll email you as soon as it's answered.

Need help now? Get matched with a lawyer

Are you a lawyer? Answer this question · List free on Lawmateanz

Related questions

More about Earthquake & Natural Hazards Claims →

General information only. Answers are written by independent lawyers based only on what's in the question. They aren't legal advice about your situation and don't create a lawyer–client relationship. For advice about your own matter, talk to a lawyer directly.

Ask your own questionGet matched with a lawyer