In the wake of the earthquake on Saturday 4th of September, Equitus would like to wish our clients well and remind them that Equitus is here to discuss any financial worries they have that are related to this disaster.

If you have private insurance for you home and contents, you also have cover from the Earthquake Commission. This covers the first $100,000 worth of damage to your home and the first $20,000 dollars damage to your contents. Any damages past these values are covered by you private insurance company.

You do not have to have any specific ‘earthquake cover’ if you have home and contents insurance you are automatically covered.

How to make a claim with the EQC

• Claims can be lodged with EQC by calling free-phone on 0800 326 243 at any time
• You have 3 months to lodge a claim from the time the event occurred
• If possible take photos before moving anything
• You can make temporary repairs for safety or to prevent further damage or discomfort

Further information about making a claim with the EQC can be found at the following address: www.eqc.govt.nz/Natural-Disaster-Damage.aspx
We suggest you read this page and the EQC website fully.

If you do not have home and contents cover with a private insurance company, you will receive no cover from the Earthquake Commission. If this is the case for you, we suggest that you contact us as soon as possible so we can help you to assess whether we can arrange a top up to your current loans to allow you to repair damages to your property and cover the loss of contents.