One stop shop for earthquake claimants launched
Christchurch City Council Newsline: 9th October 2018
A new one stop shop service has been set up to fast track outstanding residential insurance claims.
The new Greater Christchurch Claims Resolution Service (GCCRS) has been set up by the Government and will provide homeowners with access to a free and impartial pathway to settle their outstanding insurance claims.
“Our new one stop shop will provide independent case management to bring together fast tracked claims handling, specialist engineering support, psycho-social support, and legal expertise to help resolve claims," says Greater Christchurch Regeneration Minister Dr Megan Woods.
"Claimants will also be given access to a new online tool where they can see clearly what the next step is for their claim, who is going to do it, and when it will be done by. GCCRS will operate on a ‘no wrong door’ basis. Anyone with an unresolved claim can call or come to the new office on Cashel Street and our settlement support brokers will tailor the approach to suit each individual situation.
"Claimants will have one person in charge of their claim who will drive it along for them – they won’t need to call up and speak to a different person all the time. They will know who is responsible for settling their claim," Dr Woods says.
The new service comes out of the Independent Ministerial Advisor’s report into the Earthquake Commission (EQC) earlier this year and is designed to help breakthrough many of the roadblocks identified in that report.
“EQC and Southern Response support the service and, as requested by the Crown, have developed new processes to ensure a streamlined, cross-agency resolution process, I am inviting private insurers to also join this scheme," Dr Woods says.
“I’m pleased that agencies and organisations are working together for the benefit of Greater Christchurch homeowners. I’m looking forward to seeing progress and practical solutions for these homeowners so they can move forward with confidence."
Homeowners who want to discuss their claim with GCCRS can:
- call 0508 624 327;
- email contact[at]gccrs.govt.nz or
- visit Level 2, 145-161 Cashel Street, Christchurch.
Find out more about the Greater Christchurch Claims Resolution Service (GCCRS).