The main points are:
- You should make another claim after the 22 February 2011 earthquake with the EQC;
- You have three months to make the claim, but make it as soon as possible;
- You can lodge a claim by phone 0800 326 423 or by going to their website: www.eqc.govt.nz
- Not all your land or buildings are covered
Scroll down to see a brief description of what is covered.
To listen to the discussion, click here:
Joseph Morris
A Transcript of the discussion is below:
Sybrand: Hi Sybrand van Schalkwyk here, we are continuing with our series of podcasts on the legal implications of the Christchurch earthquake of 22 February. I have Joseph Morris here who is a solicitor here at Parry Field. We are going to talk about EQC issues. Now Joseph, most people will have been through the EQC process already, we have had another earthquake, what do people do, should they make another claim?
Joseph: Yes, after every earthquake were further damage occurs, you should lodge a further claim with the EQC.
Sybrand: Ok, what is the time limit for that.
Joseph: You need to make a claim within three months of the earthquake and each subsequent earthquake were further damage has occurred.
Sybrand: I have heard that there is a time limit of one month in some situations, is that miss-information.
Joseph: On the 4th of October that legislation was amended, so previously it was one month, but now it is three months.
Sybrand: Ok, well that is useful to know. How do I lodge a claim?
Joseph: It is quite simple. You will need to have your insurance policy number available. You can contact the EQC on 0800 326 423, or you can lodge a claim online at www.eqc.govt.nz
Sybrand: Can you please remind us what kinds of properties are covered by the EQC?
Joseph: Ok, there is your dwelling and any outbuildings are all covered under EQC. The land that is within 8m of those buildings is also insured. Something that may catch people out is that artificial surfaces aren’t insured even if they are within those 8 metres. Land within 60 metres of your dwelling that forms part of the main access way is also insured, but once again that does not include the repair of artificial surfaces. All electricity, telephone lines, water drainage, gas and sewage pipes that are within 60metres of your dwelling are also covered. Retaining walls that are necessary for the support of your dwelling that are within 60metres of the building and are on insured land are also insured. Bridges and culverts that are within 8 metres of the insured buildings or within 60metres of the insured buildings if they form part of the access way are also insured.
Sybrand: Great that’s a good summary, I’ve always wondered about that. So the main thing to remember is that you have got to make another claim if there has been another earthquake. You have got three months to make that claim. You can lodge it through the internet, we have put the details on the website and the list of what’s covered by the EQC will also be on the website.
Joseph: There is also a number of useful sites to help with earthquake information that we will put on the website.
Sybrand: Thanks Joseph, is there anything else
Joseph: No, that’s it.
Sybrand: Oh cool, we will catch up again with some other questions. I understand that you have been researching; we will do another podcast on that.
Joseph: Great thank you.
Please note that this is only a general guide, and should not be relied upon as legal advice.