Canterbury Earthquake Help
The Canterbury Earthquake has brought out the best in the people of Christchurch, but created some unique or difficult circumstances for some. Like many of you, Meares Williams has suffered damage and loss, but we are fully operational and ready to help you with your earthquake problems, so do not hesitate to contact us. We’ve put together some FAQs and suggestions as a guide.
There are links below to a number of helpful websites for more information.
Your Home & Contents - the Basics
Can I make a claim to the Earthquake Commission (EQC) for damages to my home and/or contents?
Provided your home or contents are insured against fire, you also have EQC cover and can make a claim to the EQC. You need to do this within 3 months of the damaging event. There have been a number of quakes/aftershocks that EQC has categorised as new events. You can read the latest information and updates on EQC Media Statements.
A Guide to Making a Claim and a Claim Form are available also from the EQC.
What is covered by the EQC, and does an excess apply?
Damage to your dwelling (including holiday home) and contents. There is restricted cover for some land in your section, the land of your main access way and underground services that you own. The EQC provide detailed information in an understandable format in their Householders’ Guide to EQCover.
The minimum excess for a home is $200 or 1% of the amount claimed if it is greater than $200. The excess for contents is $200. The minimum excess for land is $500, increasing to 10% of the claim with a cap of $5000.
What is not covered by the EQC?
Items not covered include motor vehicles, trailers, boats, swimming pools, fences, jewellery, money, artworks and documents. Your driveway surface is not covered. The EQC provide detailed information in an understandable format in their Householders’ Guide to EQCover.
Selling or Purchasing a Property Post-Quake
I want to sell or purchase a house. What do I need to know?
There are a number of variables to consider post-quake. Insurance cover and possible damage to the property are critical issues. We have been able to work through these situations with other clients. If you are considering a sale or purchase, please get in touch with us for advice regarding your particular situation before deciding to begin the procecess to sell or purchase.
Information for Red Zone Residential Property Owners
Meares Williams is registered with CERA to provide advice to residential property owners in the Red Zone (residential) considering their best course of action upon receiving their offers from CERA. Red Zone homeowners must choose one of the two offers. Both options involve a sale of property to the Crown.
Option 1: The Crown purchases your land, buildings & improvements. The Crown also takes over damage claims with your insurance and EQC. The purchase price is the most recent rating valuation, generally 2007 in Christchurch City and 2008 in the Waimakiriri District.
Option 2: The Crown purchases your land only. You will continue to deal with your insurer & EQC regarding claims not relating to the land. The purchase price of the land is also based on the most recent rating valuation, but is more complex than Option 1.
CERA has encouraged Red Zone residential property owners to seek legal advice, and the Crown has provided financial assistance to affected homeowners to help pay for legal costs. Further information and a timeline can be found in the CERA publication Answers to Your Questions - Residential Red Zone.
If you are not sure what zone your are in, put your address into Landcheck to find out.