Insurers provide update on ex Cyclone Hale

“So many New Zealanders suffered from wild weather in 2022 and I’m sure this is the last thing people want to start the new year,” said Wayne Tippet, IAG NZ’s executive general manager, claims. “While the impact of these severe storms can be devastating, we are here to help any of our customers who need us.

“We encourage customers who are safe and out of immediate danger to contact us online or over the phone so we can provide essential support such as emergency temporary accommodation, and of course, to lodge any claims. We will have our assessors on the ground in affected areas as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Tower said that it has received a “small number” of claims from Cyclone Hale, but it is preparing for an increase over the next few days.

Tower chief claims officer Steve Wilson said that Cyclone Hale is now considered a one-in-20-year storm for the Coromandel. With wild weather set to continue in other parts of New Zealand over the next 24 hours, the insurer said it is keeping a close eye on conditions across the country.

“It’s likely some claims may be delayed, as owners holidaying away from their houses won’t yet be back home to assess potential damage,” Wilson said. “In some cases, families who have evacuated won’t have returned home to assess damage yet either, so we are mindful that more claims are coming.”

Wilson said people affected by the cyclone should prioritise their own safety and that of their families, including pets.

On Monday night, Tower sent over 37,000 text messages to customers in the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Waikato, including the Coromandel, to check in and to provide insurance advice. Tower said it will call customers in the most affected areas and will also be sending out further texts, to check on customer welfare in other affected areas.

“If your property is damaged and only if it is safe to do so, please take notes and photographs to assist with the claims process,” Wilson said. “If you rent your property, we recommend you contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible.”

AA Insurance said that it has received around 84 weather-related claims caused by ex-Cyclone Hale as of Jan. 12. Most of the claims have been for fences and garden sheds falling over, and minor water damage to properties. The insurer said it is anticipating further claims over the coming days, especially in the Coromandel region.

“AA Insurance is here to help and is well equipped in handling extreme weather events with a multichannel customer service approach through phone, email, live chat, chatbot or WhatsApp message,” the insurer said.