The Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) has released a statement addressing the communities in Auckland and other parts of the North Island that have been affected by recent flooding.

The council emphasizes the importance of personal safety and urges residents to follow the advice of local authorities in navigating potentially hazardous conditions.

In addition to prioritizing safety, the ICNZ also stresses the importance of contacting insurers as soon as possible.

By doing so, residents can ensure that their insurance coverage is in place and that their claims will be processed efficiently.

“Contact your insurer early if you suffer flood or storm damage, especially if you need to arrange emergency accommodation or repairs; which should only be done if it is safe to do so. Stay out of flood water and always treat it as contaminated if it is in, or has been through, your home or vehicle,” said Tim Grafton, ICNZ Chief Executive.

The expected high volume of claims from this event has prompted insurance companies to prepare their call centers and staff for increased demand.

To ensure prompt and efficient processing of claims, it is recommended that policyholders file their claims as soon as possible.

In the event of a large-scale disaster like this, insurance companies prioritize claims from policyholders who have been most severely impacted, such as those in need of emergency housing or other vulnerable individuals.

This helps to provide immediate relief to those who need it most.

When dealing with floods and storms the ICNZ also offers the following advice:

• Follow emergency services instructions
• Prioritize safety and avoid actions that worsen damage
• Contact insurance company as soon as possible
• Don't enter flood water, it may be dangerous
• Make building safe, but only make necessary repairs
• Don't turn on electricity until inspected by electrician
• Get essential services repaired and keep invoices
• Clean safely and document damage
• Discard water-damaged items that pose health risk
• Photograph all damage to aid claims process
• Mark highest level of flood water inside property
• Keep undamaged items
• Don't drive flooded vehicles.