Checklist and quick tips for Canterbury residents Take your time. Plan your decisions. Get advice you trust.

1

Talking to your insurance company

About progress with insurance claims not yet paid: > What’s the expected settlement process and timeline? > Is there anything I can do or provide to help you make a decision on my claim? > Is it possible to have part of my claim settled while you’re assessing the rest of it? About your future insurance: > What level and type of cover is available? > Are there any limitations? > What exemptions or excess will apply?

Company Name

Policy No.

Phone No.

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Quick tips > Make sure you have the latest version of your insurance policy from your insurer and check that the details in the schedule are correct. > Read and understand your policy, especially the exclusions and conditions. > Keep a record of your interactions with the insurer, including notes of phone discussions and copies of emails and other correspondence. > Keep your insurance premiums current and paid – don’t let your policy lapse. > Don’t cancel your policy until you’ve secured a new one. > Review your insurance regularly and whenever your circumstances change. > If you have a complaint, talk to your insurer first. Find out what dispute resolution scheme they belong to.

Checking with EQC What’s the current status of my claim (if you don’t already know)?

EQC Claim No.

Quick tips > Keep a record of your interactions with EQC, including notes of phone discussions and copies of emails and other correspondence.

EQC – 0800 DAMAGE (0800 326 243). > If you disagree with an EQC decision, you can lodge a complaint by emailing [email protected]. > Find out more about the EQC Mediation Service at: www.eqcmediation.org.nz.

3

Meeting your bank/loan provider

If you have a home loan, talk about: > the bank’s requirements for any EQC payments; what it means for your loan and how the money will be managed > the bank’s requirements if you’re offered a cash settlement by EQC or your insurer, and what it means for your loan > your future borrowing options > your loan payment options if you’re finding it difficult to meet your commitments > restructuring your loan to give you more flexibility with your cash flow.

Contact Name

Phone No.

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Phone No.

> If you’re struggling, talk to your bank before you miss any payments. > When asking your bank for help, have a summary of your financial position handy: the things you own, the things you owe, and your monthly income and expenditure. > Read everything carefully before you sign, and make sure you fully understand what you’re signing up for: ask questions, seek independent advice if necessary. > Keep written records of important discussions and instructions. > Think carefully before changing banks; look closely at the costs and possible savings.

Talk to your lawyer

Seek advice from your lawyer about: > your EQC and/or insurance claims – understanding your settlement offer > buying or selling – what you need to do. Don’t sign any offer or contract before you’ve discussed it with a lawyer. > land remediation – what it means for you. Find a lawyer if you don’t have one. Phone 0508 CANLAW (0508 226 529) or visit the New Zealand Law Society Property Law Section’s website: www.propertylawyers. org.nz.

Contact Name

Quick tips

Quick tips > Read your letters and documents – they might have information and answers to your questions. > Arrange your files and documents into order before you meet your lawyer – this will help them to understand the situation and save time for both of you. > Make sure you have all the relevant information with you – call your lawyer first to check what you need to bring. > Before you start talking to a lawyer, confirm the fees they charge for their advice.

5

Work out your current financial situation

Quick tips > Review your money plan or budget or set one up if you don’t have one. Visit www.sorted.org.nz for useful information and tools. > Reassess your priority payments; make sure you’re meeting your obligations.

6

Notes

> Look at reducing any unnecessary overspending. > Seek advice if you’re struggling to make ends meet. If you need personal help, call the New Zealand Federation of Family Budgeting Services on 0508 283 438.

Think about whether you need to get some free financial advice to help with your financial issues or decisions, or to get a second opinion on your financial situation and your plans for the future.

To make an appointment for a free oneon-one consultation with a professional financial adviser, phone:

For more information, visit the Sorted website: www.sorted.org.nz/canterbury.

> the CERA Earthquake Assistance Centre on 0800 RING CERA (0800 7464 2372) > The Kaiapoi Earthquake Hub on 0800 639 000.

7

Need more help?

> Make an appointment to visit the CERA Earthquake Assistance Centre at: Avondale – 0800 7464 2372 Kaiapoi – 0800 639 000.

Date

Time

> Call the support and counselling service for advice on your entitlements or support – 0800 777 846. > Call the Canterbury Earthquake Temporary Accommodation Service (CETAS) for support from an Earthquake Support Coordinator – 0800 673 227 For Kaiapoi – 03 327 5621. > For more information, support and assistance, visit the CERA website: www.cera.govt.nz/support-andassistance

Funded by

For more independent information to help you with your financial decisions, go to sorted.org.nz/canterbury or refer to the booklet – Understanding your financial situation and options – after the Canterbury earthquakes. September 2012