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Call for Cantabrian tales of earthquake insurance

Author
Jessica McCarthy,
Publish Date
Thu, 3 Dec 2015, 7:08AM

Call for Cantabrian tales of earthquake insurance

Author
Jessica McCarthy,
Publish Date
Thu, 3 Dec 2015, 7:08AM

The good, the bad and the ugly tales of the Canterbury insurance experience are being called on to take part in a new survey.

Massey University lecturer Doctor Michael Naylor is running a research project focusing on EQC and private insurer responses after the earthquakes.

MORE: Government asked to help close Christchurch earthquake claims

He's hoping tens of thousands of people will take part, and share a broad range of experiences.

"Good points, bad points, and we want the people of Christchurch to tell us what they think the insurance companies did well, badly, and how they want the insurance authorities to respond next time there is a major quake."

Doctor Naylor said the more people that participate in the survey, the more credible the research will be.

He said the $15,000 project will be the first of its kind, and ask the questions that will create change.

"We've had worldwide interest, what we can learn from this experience, because in insurance terms, this is the biggest insurance experience - for the size of the industry - in history."

However Insurance Council CEO Tim Grafton said insurers are pretty clued up on their strengths and weaknesses, in the wake of the Canterbury earthquakes.

"It would be a surprise if it covered anything substantial that insurers were not already aware of."

"We've been working at the coalface of claims for the past five years, and we have pretty detailed knowledge and extensive learnings from the event."

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee said while a review of EQC's legislation is already underway and will be presented to Parliament next year, Doctor Naylor could share his initial findings and views when the bill goes to select committee.

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