GreenMan72

I apologise if this has been covered already, but this is one for the ChCh earthquake people.

Background: my (now elderly) parents have lived in ChCh's eastern suburbs for 45 years. Their home had sustained a lot of damage in the quakes and aftershocks.

They have just heard from their insurance company (SIS) that they cannot start doing any repair work until late 2015 at the earliest.

All I want to know from others that have been through all this, is this a normal response from their insurers? Their damage bill is estimated at almost $300k and they have been having ongoing problems with sewage in their place, issues around properly securing their property etc.

I live over here in Australia so haven't been too involved with their affairs other than updates etc.

A stressful time for many, but what sort of responses have other posters had with dealing with their insurers?

Appreciate any feedback.

Kiwikaye

Hi, we're not currently living in Chch, but still have a house there - we've bugged out to Melbourne cos we'll probably be old and grey by the time our house gets fixed.

Sorry, but unfortunately your parents experience is far from unique. There are a number of people, particularly in the east and if they're on TC3 land, who will be waiting quite some time. The are still foundation issues, drilling issues and building guidelines to be finalized before anything gets started. The timeframes for these things seem to move by the day. Our insurance has been fairly good, as far as it goes, but we still dont actually know whether we're a repair or rebuild, what foundations we need, or when any work is likely to start.

Hope they get some answers soon. It is very frustrating not knowing what's going to happen, especially for older people too.

GreenMan72

Thanks for the feedback - much appreciated. Also I wish you all the best for your eventual repair/rebuild.

Do you or anyone else know of any discussion forums, other than BE where people can share stories about their 'cases' or dramas dealing with EQC and insurers? I think it'd give them some reassurance they are not alone, plus get a better understanding of updates and whether they're getting a fair deal or not.

I am surprised my mother hasn't been hospitalized. Mid last year I lost my only sibling in a tragic accident - this, in addition to the earthquake mess, has been extremely stressful for our family. Thanks again.

chippy64

Only one that springs to mind atm is https://www.facebook.com/TC3ChristchurchBlueZone on facebook. There may be info or contacts on there though that could be of use? There are also a couple of meetings coming up. Will try and find details.

chippy64

http://cera.govt.nz/residential-gree...unity-meetings

Above link gives details of the community meetings for people living in green zone. Opportunity to talk with Council, insurers, EQC, CERA and Building and Housing.

BEVS

Hi Greenman.

Sorry to read that about your parents place .

As it is an important topic, I've moved it into a thread of it's own.

If you'd like the thread title altered , let me know.

Kiwikaye

The Facebook Earthquake Commission page is also a bit of a vent page. It's supposed to be an information site but unfortunately the EQC doesn't respond much. It's as good a place as any for gossip, rumor and some good info though.

theghostofdustybin

i'd just give them (EQC)a ring direct. They have been honest and as helpful as possible with us, doesnt mean anthing will happen any quicker though. Although at that value it's out of EQC hands and up to the insurance company. Chase them, it has worked with some people i know..

GreenMan72

A huge huge thanks guys. I've began to realise how much stress this is causing my parents (and no doubt thousands of others). I decided I need to help Mum and Dad out, especially after the response they recently got from their insurer.

At the very least, they need to know as many facts as possible and share stories - sharing with others will help.

I'll check the links out

BEVS

Yes. Yes and more Yes !!