Tim Grafton, ICNZ Chief Executive, is urging those affected by the weather events in Christchurch and Timaru last week to contact their insurance company or authorised insurance broker directly as soon as they can.

The warning follows promotion of third parties helping those whose vehicles were damaged by the hailstorm in Timaru on Wednesday 20 November.

“The thought of being without your car can be unsettling. However, what people won’t realise is that third party repairers and service suppliers must be authorised by their insurer to assess the damage or progress a claim,” says Mr Grafton.

“Unfortunately, rather than helping reduce stress using an unauthorised provider will only make the process slower and more complicated.”

Once a claim is lodged, insurers will schedule a time with owners to inspect and access the hail damage to motor vehicles and then discuss with owners the claim settlement and repair process that will normally involve insurance managing repairs to their customer vehicles.