Since launching in February 2023, the New Zealand Claims
Resolution Service (NZCRS) has registered 1,725 cases and
helped homeowners to resolve more than 900 cases.
The
NZCRS provides homeowners with free, independent support to
help resolve their residential insurance issues resulting
from natural disasters, such as the Auckland Floods, Cyclone
Gabrielle and long-standing disputes still arising from the
Canterbury Earthquake Sequence.
Carla Pell’s Eskdale
property was destroyed last year in Cyclone Gabrielle, but
she said the NZCRS made resolving her family’s insurance
claim easy and effortless.
“The whole event was
quite traumatic, losing our house and everything, but the
NZCRS made what could have been quite a stressful time a lot
easier.
“We gave them the information and left it
with them. They did all the work for us and kept us
informed. They went above and beyond what I believe needed
to be done and ensured we got a better result than we were
expecting.”
The development of the NZCRS responds to
the recommendation in the Public Inquiry into the Earthquake
Commission’s response to the Canterbury Earthquake
Sequence.
The knowledge and experience of the highly
successful Residential Advisory Service (RAS) and the
Greater Christchurch Claims Resolution Service (GCCRS) were
used as the basis for this service, with existing RAS and
GCCRS homeowners transferred to NZCRS.
“Dealing with
the aftermath of a natural disaster can be extremely
stressful for homeowners and NZCRS is here to help. We
support affected homeowners to make informed decisions and
reach resolution at their pace.” NZCRS Director Darren
Wright said.
Advertisement – scroll to continue reading
The NZCRS has resolved 965 cases in its
first 12 months, including 355 relating to the Auckland
Floods, 312 resulting from Cyclone Gabrielle and 183
connected to the Canterbury Earthquake
Sequence.
Satisfaction with the service has remained
high with 88 percent of homeowners stating that they would
recommend the NZCRS to others for the final quarter of
2023.
Mr Wright said it was important for homeowners
who had been impacted by a natural disaster to seek
independent advice.
“We are hearing of homeowners
being asked to sign binding contracts in order to progress
their claims, it is critical to seek advice before signing
any documentation.”
NZCRS also helps homeowners
resolve issues concerning the scope of works or the
settlement that has been offered.
“If something is
missing from your scope or the settlement is not sufficient,
get in touch and we can help you navigate these issues with
your insurer” Mr Wright said.
If you have concerns
about your claim or are unsure about the process, contact
NZCRS on 0508 624 327, email [email protected]
or visit www.nzcrs.govt.nz
© Scoop Media
Advertisement – scroll to continue reading
