As the tragic and devastating impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle become clearer AA Insurance is reassuring customers it is standing by to assist, as power and telecommunications services gradually return to communities across the North Island.
To date, the New Zealand-based insurer has received more than 1900 claims associated with Cyclone Gabrielle and with many communities still cut off, this number is expected to surge as people are reconnected in the coming days.
AA Insurance General Manager Operations Simon Hobbs said, “We want to remind Kiwis that there is no rush to make a claim if they are unable to reach us – the health and safety of themselves, family and pets must always come first.
“As soon as they are able to get in touch, our teams will be ready to help with emergency repairs, temporary accommodation and advice for getting the claims lodgement process started.
“Like the rest of New Zealand, AA Insurance is standing alongside our friends, colleagues and whānau affected by the cyclone, especially those who have lost loved ones, and whose property and livelihoods are devastated.
“We continue to work closely with our teams on the ground to understand where and how we can best to target additional support over the coming days and weeks,” Hobbs said.
The combined total of AA Insurance’s claims for Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary Floods is projected to result in the largest weather event in the company’s history.
AA Insurance will have a presence at the Civil Defence hubs on Sunday 19 and Monday 20 February to assist customers and community members with queries and to connect them with claims support.
NAPIER – Centennial Hall, Vigor Brown St: Sunday 19 and Monday 20 February
HASTINGS – Hastings Sports Centre, Railway Rd: Sunday 19 and Monday 20 February from 9am – 5pm
To lodge a claim online: www.aainsurance.co.nz/claims
By the numbers
Cyclone Gabrielle claims to date: 1900+
Auckland Anniversary storm claims to date: 6,600+
Motor claims settled or offered to settle: 79%
Contact centre: 0800 500 216
About AA Insurance
AA Insurance is a New Zealand-based joint venture between Vero Insurance New Zealand Limited and the New Zealand Automobile Association Limited ('NZAA'). Vero is owned by Suncorp Group Limited, a listed Australian company. NZAA is an incorporated society that is governed by a National Council and Board. Since 1994 we have provided home, contents and car insurance in New Zealand and in 2018 we introduced small business insurance.
We underwrite our own policies and sell direct to New Zealanders. Our New Zealand-based teams looks after 560,000+ customers with more than 1,100,000 policies. Standard and Poor's (Australia) Pty Ltd has given us an Insurer Financial Strength Rating of AA- (Very Strong).
We are consistently recognised in industry awards and honours. This includes being voted the Reader's Digest Most Trusted General Insurer for 14 years running, named Canstar's 2023-2024 Outstanding Value Award winner for Home and Contents insurance and ranked 6th among 50 of New Zealand's top consumer-facing corporates in the Kantar Corporate Reputation Index in 2024.
Find out more at www.aainsurance.co.nz
For more information please contact:
AA Insurance Media Team
mediacontact@aainsurance.co.nz