FMG’s role is to be there when our customers need us most. It’s why we take the business decisions we do, from high levels of reinsurance to a long term conservative investment strategy. And that’s why we are ready and able to respond when terrible events like earthquakes strike.
FMG has taken the decision to remove excesses on claims for loss or damage resulting from the earthquake for all rural, lifestyle and domestic policy holders.
Update 23 June announcements.
On Thursday 23 June the Government outlined plans for the rebuilding of Christchurch. This included categorising the land into four separate areas detailed below.
|
Red Zone |
Land repair would be prolonged and uneconomic. |
|
Orange Zone |
Further assessment required |
|
Green Zone |
Repair / rebuild process can begin. |
|
White Zone |
CBD or hillside suburb, mapping still underway. |
Where to find more information:
Check out which zone your property is in by visiting http://www.landcheck.org.nz/
Find out more information on the Earthquake Recovery Programme at http://www.cera.govt.nz/
Call the Government helpline on 0800 779 997
What happens next?
FMG will be in touch with all affected clients shortly. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your situation or the status of your claim please contact us at contact@fmg.co.nz or on 0800 366 466
Update: 13 June Aftershocks. FMG is standing by to assist following two large aftershocks. Please call us on 0800 366 466 if you require any assistance.
Federated Farmers have again opened their emergency contact lines: farmers can text Federated Farmers on 027 666 9349. email admin@fedfarm.org.nz, call 0800 327 646 (0800 FARMING)
Update: 6 June Aftershock. No significant damage was reported from this 5.5 scale earthquake. EQC advise this is a separate event. Any claims to EQC must be made by 6 September.
Making a claim
Our team is standing by to help when you need us. We will respond to your query as quickly as possible. Our initial priority will be to deal with the most severely impacted first. If you have major damage or require urgent attention, please call us on 0800 366 466. Alternatively email FMG on earthquake@fmg.co.nz with your name, contact number and the best time to contact you.
FMG and The EQC
Even if you already have a claim with the Earthquake Commission from previous earthquakes a new claim will need to be lodged for any new damage arising from new events. All claims for domestic insured losses must be lodged with the Earthquake Commission. The Earthquake Commission will pay the first $100,000 towards building costs and $20,000 towards contents for all domestic insured losses. You must hold current home and/or contents insurance to be able to make a claim.
If you believe your claim is likely to be under the amounts outlined above please contact the Earthquake Commission directly on 0800 652 333 or via their website on www.eqc.govt.nz. You have 3 months to lodge the claim for any damage arising from the latest earthquake with the Earthquake Commission. To help with your claim, note down any damage and take photos where possible.
The repair process is expected to take some time, but if you would like some advice about your EQC claim then please call us on 0800 366 466.
FMG financially strong
It’s important to know that your insurance company is in a strong financial position to pay claims when you need it.
In June 2010, FMG received a credit rating upgrade from AM Best from A- to A (Excellent), reflecting our continued growth and excellent financial position. Since June, New Zealand has experienced two devastating earthquakes which have impacted quite a number of FMG customers.
FMG’s strong financial position and prudent reinsurance programme has meant the financial impact of the two earthquakes has been absorbed, with only a small impact on our financial results. We expect to post a positive result for the year to 31 March 2011 and following a recent review with AM Best, expect the continuation of our A credit rating.