Auckland, 9 July 2014 – AA Insurance is urging homeowners to tie down their trampolines, and fasten their outdoor furniture to prevent damage or injury as high winds and heavy rain continue to lash the country.
Suzanne Wolton, AA Insurance Head of Customer Relations, said, “During each storm we have a number of preventable claims related to trampolines and other outdoor equipment flying over to the neighbours’ and damaging their property, or creating havoc on our customers’ properties. This storm is no different, with the upper North Island taking a battering overnight, and more wild weather anticipated to move down the country today.
“To avoid these types of incidence be sure to store away or secure items that may move during a storm, such as garden equipment, outdoor furniture and sports gear such as trampolines. In the past we’ve had claims whereby these types of large objects have ended up damaging cars, fences, and even the neighbours’ roofs and guttering. We want people to avoid this kind of damage to property, or worse, an injury to themselves or others.”
There have also been substantial power outages reported, so it’s a good idea for customers to check their electrical appliances and turn off anything unnecessary before the power goes back on. If you are affected by the storm AA Insurance advises customers to contact their insurer as soon as possible to make a claim, especially if they need emergency repairs.
In the meantime, homeowners should make preparations for their belongings and home. With significant high gusts and rain warnings forecast for later today it’s vital that any urgent repairs to keep homes watertight and safe are carried out as soon as possible.
“Now’s a good time to check your property, and secure anything that could cause damage to parts of your, or your neighbours’, property,” said Suzanne.
AA Insurance advises its customers to:
Secure or move your outdoor furniture inside
Unplug appliances which may be affected by electrical power surges. If power is lost unplug major appliances
Pull curtains and drapes over windows to prevent injury from shattered or flying glass
Do not attempt to repair any damage until it is safe to do so
If there is water in your light fittings, turn your lights off and call an electrician immediately
If it is safe to do so, place a tarpaulin over any areas where the roof is leaking
If the floors are wet, lift your furniture off the floor to prevent staining
Keep your damaged items if you can or take photos – this is useful to confirm what needs replacing
Call 0800 500 216 as soon as possible to report any damage to your property especially if you need emergency repairs.
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
