New Zealand insurers and claims specialists are being run off their feet dealing with claims from last week’s storms. Major loss adjuster GAB Robins has had well over 1,000 claims so far and has had to employ more staff just to keep up.

The group has brought in an additional 15 loss adjusters and set up a catastrophe administrative hub in Auckland.

NZ’s largest general insurer, IAG New Zealand, says claims are 30% up for this time of year, with more than 1,000 already received. Group CEO David Smith says the storms have stretched IAG’s resources but extra help has been brought in.  

“The challenge is actually getting our people into properties to assess damage and in many cases we’re only now getting access,” he said.

Mr Smith says flooding is still the most significant cause of claims in NZ – more than 65% of all weather-related claims.  “Unfortunately, this situation is only likely to be exacerbated by global warming and climate change,” he said.