As the North Island continues the clean-up from recent
flooding, and with Auckland and Coromandel’s State of
Emergency extended as Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle approaches
New Zealand, AA Insurance is reassuring customers it is here
to help.
Aaron Dickinson, General Manager of Claims,
AA Insurance said, “Our teams are standing by to assist
customers should the cyclone cause additional damage to
homes, vehicles or contents already impacted by the recent
flooding.
“Customers can simply contact us if they
need help or advice assessing any new damage and we can work
with them to lodge a new claim if they need to.”
AA
Insurance is also joining calls for people and communities
to check their properties for loose items and debris and to
secure or remove these if it is safe to do so.
In
severe weather events, the most common claims AA Insurance
receives are related to flooding and wind
damage.
“AA Insurance is also encouraging people to
take all the usual precautions ahead of a severe weather
warning – including checking the stability of the land
around their properties which may have higher risk of slips
following the recent downpours.
“We’re reminding
people to check in with neighbours and friends who live in
isolated areas or who have been affected by flooding. The
weather is unpredictable, and we don’t know what the
coming days will bring, but AA Insurance is always here to
help if you need us,” Aaron said.
AA Insurance’s
top tips to prepare for Tropical Cyclone
Gabrielle:
- During a severe weather event your
safety and that of your family and pets must always come
first – listen out for the latest updates and advice from
the MetService, Civil Defence and local
authorities. - Check your property for loose items and
debris and secure or remove these if it is safe to do
so. - If possible, move vehicles to higher ground on
(or near to) your property, or away from flood prone
areas. - Clear guttering and ensure drains are free of
debris. - Tie down any items that could get caught up
in the wind, such as trampolines. - If possible, move
outdoor furniture and barbeques inside or under
cover. - Store precious belongings like photos and
keep sakes somewhere dry and safe. - Ensure your pets
are safe and sound. - If rural, check fencing on your
property is secure, and livestock are moved to sheltered
areas. - Make sure your mobile devices are
charged.
AA Insurance’s top tips if you have
been impacted by a weather event:
- Keep damaged
items to be assessed if it’s safe and practical to do so
or take photos of items that need to be thrown out. Having
photos will help speed up the assessment and claims process
and will be a useful reference when confirming what needs to
be replaced. - Discard any food that has been
submerged in a flood (even canned goods) and throw away
wooden or plastic cooking utensils, baby bottle teats and
dummies if they have come into contact with floodwater as
these cannot be safely cleaned. - If there are items
that need to be replaced urgently, please take photos of the
damaged items and hold onto any receipts for anything you
purchase – this will help your claim progress
faster. - AA Insurance is here to help over the phone,
email, live chat, or via WhatsApp message. Contact centre
hours: 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am – 6pm on weekends
and public holidays on 0800 500
216.
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