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.
AA Insurance 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 AA Insurance.
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 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