My house was damaged in a natural disaster. Who covers it?

General information from Lawmateanz

If you have private home insurance in New Zealand, you're generally also covered by the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (formerly EQC) for damage from earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, hydrothermal activity, tsunami, and storm or flood damage to residential land.

The Natural Hazards Commission covers the first part of a claim up to a set limit, and your private insurer covers the rest under your policy. In most cases, you lodge the claim with your private insurer, who manages it.

Make your claim as soon as possible. Take photos, keep damaged items if you can, and get urgent repairs done to prevent further damage, keeping receipts.

If you disagree with a decision, use the insurer's complaints process. The Natural Hazards Commission also has its own complaints and dispute processes.

The Natural Hazards Commission's website explains what's covered, and Community Law Centres can help with disputes.

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.

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