NHC will continue to consider every claim on its merits and provide cover as it is set out in our governing legislation. As time passes, there are also other factors – such establishing the cause of damage being claimed for and legal time limits – that are becoming increasingly relevant for us to consider as we assess claims.

NHC Chief Executive Tina Mitchell said, “given the length of time since the Canterbury earthquakes, it can be more difficult to verify what is earthquake damage, compared to other causes, like wear and tear.”

“We have updated our guidance to provide more clarity for people looking to reopen their Canterbury earthquake claim,” she says.

This includes being clear about what’s required from homeowners to demonstrate that property damage they are claiming for was caused by the earthquakes.

NHC is also informing people of the legal time limits that may apply when reopening a claim.

“I want to assure Canterbury homeowners that we remain committed to the earthquake recovery and will continue to consider every query about earthquake-related damage on its individual merits,” Ms Mitchell says.

Find out more

Getting your claim reviewed(external link)
Information required for expert reports  [PDF, 828 KB]
Limitation periods factsheet [PDF, 47 KB]