Rural insurer FMG has so far paid out about $23 million in insurance claims following Cyclone Gabrielle and other recent storms.
“It’s heart-breaking to see and hear of how people’s lives and livelihoods have been impacted by these storms,” FMG’s head of claims, Nicki Mackay, said.
Mackay said where it can, FMG is making quick and considered decisions on settling claims and to date “we’ve paid around $23m in claims relating to both weather events”.
“We know this is just the tip of things and there’s some way to go yet.
“We’re doing all we can to provide clients with context on why managing their claim will take time, and there are many reasons for this.
“These range from waiting for direction from the government on issues such as silt clearance and stickered properties, through to gathering all the information we need to make informed decisions.”
Mackay said the company has bolstered resources across claims and assessing teams and is working at ways to streamline process to get more claims paid.
“What’s important for clients to know is that we’re making progress and we’re paying claims daily. We’re also in a financially strong position to pay for this event, with good reinsurance relationships in place, noting most of our claims costs will be paid for by reinsurance.”
If clients have lodged a claim and provided the required information, FMG will be in touch once there is an update, she said. “There’s no need to call us”.
Claims can be tracked via FMG Connect via fmg.co.nz