Insurers are working to complete urgent repairs and are moving ahead with claims processes amid tight COVID-19 restrictions following severe flooding that hit West Auckland last week.

Kumeu experienced its second wettest day on record, with 208.2mm falling in the 24 hours to 9am last Tuesday, while other localised parts of north and west Auckland received falls of more than 100mm.

Insurers started to receive claims the following day, with more expected as damage is assessed, while processes have been put in place to minimise risks around the virus.

“We are definitely being creative and doing things differently during lockdown to ensure we support customers as much as possible while ensuring the safety of our staff and customers,” Tower CEO Blair Turnbull told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

Mr Turnbull says that has included remote motor assessments via an app to allow total losses to be paid without delay, while suppliers have been on the ground completing urgent housing repairs. Accommodation providers are also able to assist amid the lockdown when customers can’t remain at home.

“Under the current alert level 4 we are able to undertake emergency work to ensure safety such as emergency plumbing, electrical and security work,” Mr Harding said.

IAG had received an early influx of 320 claims across its brands, including AMI, State, NZI, Lumley, Lantern, NAC and Swann as well as through bank partners.

Suncorp’s Vero had received more than 80 early claims on Tuesday after the flooding with the number rising rapidly for the event.

Auckland Council’s Regulatory Services teams began a rapid impact Assessment survey last week in Huapai, Waimauku, Kumeu and the surrounding areas. It was also surveying areas in Henderson Valley and Ranui.