EQC Media Release

January 31, 2012

EQC to conduct joint assessments with insurance companies

The Earthquake Commission will be joining forces with insurance companies from mid-January 2012 to speed up remaining assessments.

Last year, EQC completed all 164,000 post-February full assessments, but EQC Customer Services General Manager Bruce Emson says EQC and insurers want to carry out joint assessments on properties where there are significant differences between what each party has assessed earthquake damage as.

Mr Emson says EQC and insurers are working closely to resolve costing and apportionment issues, but in some cases a combined inspection may be the quickest way to move forward. Difference in assessments is not a reflection on the quality of work by either EQC or insurer field teams.

“There is a myriad of reasons for the variance, which reflects the complexity of the work insurers, including EQC, face when trying to assess damage across multiple events.

“Changes to EQC’s methods for allocating damage between events, Department of Building and Housing guidelines and building rates, and the continued stress on buildings through time, weather and countless aftershocks has all contributed to claims where there are differences between insurer and EQC costings.

“It is in everyone’s best interests, particularly our customers, that issues surrounding repair costings, apportionment and repair strategies are sorted out quickly.

IAG’s Executive General Manager of Canterbury Recovery, Dean MacGregor, said the joint assessment process is a positive step forward.

“There has always been good intent, but the involvement of multiple parties in the assessment process provides challenges. We expect this new approach will speed up the process for our customers and therefore is something we fully support.”

Bruce Emson says people need a quick resolution so that the repair work on their property can get underway.

“I am confident that a joint approach will avoid unnecessary delays and bottlenecks, and customers will not be waiting unnecessarily long periods of time to get clarity on their individual situations.”

Inspections have begun in the Red Zone and will start in other areas shortly after.

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