The Natural Disaster Response Model (NDRM) announced in November is great news for clients says New Zealand's leading rural insurer, FMG.
The Natural Disaster Response Model (NDRM) announced in November is great news for clients says New Zealand's leading rural insurer, FMG.
Nathan Barrett, Chief Product & Pricing, Underwriting and Claims Officer at FMG says the Mutual has been a strong advocate for the NDRM following the 2010 Canterbury earthquakes, instigating discussions for this change.
"With this new model if our clients are impacted by a natural disaster and need to make a claim then all they need to do is contact us. At an already stressful time we're now be able to make the road to recovery much simpler," says Mr Barrett.
FMG, along with other private insurers are working with EQC on a partnership to deliver the NDRM. This would mean anyone with home insurance whose home or land is damaged in a natural disaster will only need to lodge one claim through their private insurer.
Previously clients had to make two claims — one to EQC up to a capped level of the damage and the other to their private insurer for top-up cover losses.
"After the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake we had a temporary agreement to manage claims on behalf of EQC and we know from many of our clients that this worked well for them", says Mr Barrett.
Mr Barrett says when the change comes into effect in the second quarter of 2021, FMG will act as an agent for EQC and will add its claims and assessing teams to support this.
"We want to make sure our employees are supported and that we continue to offer the same level of service to our clients."
Until the change comes into effect please lodge any land claims with EQC, unless we advise otherwise.
Further Information:
EQC/ICNZ Media Release: https://www.eqc.govt.nz/news/ndrm
For FMG clients: https://www.fmg.co.nz/natural-disaster-response
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT
Claire Broun, External Communications Specialist, FMG
Mobile: 027 302 5057
