Image supplied by NIWA
The weather patterns of the last week have not been what many were anticipating for the summer holidays and now, with more bad weather approaching in the form of ex-Cyclone Hale, AA Insurance is reminding those in the North Island to check their properties and prepare for heavy rain and severe gales.
Ex-Cyclone Hale is approaching the North Island today, bringing with it heavy rain warnings and a strong wind watch for Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Bay of Plenty and Taupō.
Tom Bartlett, Head of Home Claims, AA Insurance said “With heavy rain on the way for parts of the country which have seen a lot of rainfall already this year, we’re encouraging people to get out and check their properties while it is safe to do so, especially areas of your house that are prone to flooding.
Throughout the busy holiday season, people may not have checked guttering or fencing on their properties. With ex-Cyclone Hale bringing the potential for gale force winds and heavy rain, we’re encouraging people to check their property and prepare for what could be a short but intense period of bad weather,” Bartlett said.
In severe weather events, the most common claims AA Insurance receives are related to flooding and wind damage.
AA Insurance’s top tips to prepare for ex-Cyclone Hale
If rural, check fencing on your property is secure, and livestock are moved to sheltered areas
Clear guttering and ensure drains are free of debris
Tie down any items that could get caught up in the wind, such as trampolines
If possible, move outdoor furniture and barbeques inside or under cover
Ensure your pets are safe and sound
AA Insurance is here to help over the phone, email, live chat, or via WhatsApp message. Contact centre hours: 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am - 6pm on weekends and public holidays on 0800 500 216.
About AA Insurance
AA Insurance is an independently operated, New Zealand-based joint venture between the New Zealand Automobile Association (NZAA) and Vero Insurance New Zealand Limited (VINZL). Since 1994 we have demonstrated trusted expertise in home, contents and car insurance in New Zealand, and in 2018 introduced commercial small business insurance. We underwrite our own policies and sell direct to New Zealanders. Our 930+ staff look after over 480,000 customers with 970,000 policies.
We proudly partner with Variety NZ and Eden Park and have been consistently recognised by: Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brands (since 2011) and Quality Service Awards for Car, and Home and Contents Insurance (since 2015), Kantar Customer Leadership Index (since 2019), Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customers (2011-2018), and the Colmar Brunton Corporate Reputation Index (since 2015) that recognises New Zealand’s most successful companies. AA Insurance was also named Consumer NZ People’s Choice award winner for car, home and contents (2019 and 2020).
AA Insurance has an AA- (Very Strong) Insurer Financial Strength Rating given by Standard and Poor’s (Australia) Pty Ltd. For further information visit aainsurance.co.nz.
For more information please contact:
Media Team, AA Insurance, 027 406 1787, mediacontact@aainsurance.co.nz