Advisory group supports engineering template for insurance claim

The Homeowners Advisory Group (HOAG) has supported a new engineering brief template that could help earthquake victims. Engineering New Zealand, a non-profit professional body, developed the template to improve outcomes for claimants with earthquake-damaged homes. HOAG, which works alongside the Greater Christchurch Claims Resolution Service (GCCRS), stated that the template was a “good document” that more people should use when they ask an engineer for technical advice regarding an insurance claim. Tom McBrearty, HOAG chair, commented that the template clearly reinforced the need to correctly identify earthquake damage and recommend reinstatement as per the property owner’s insurance policy and the EQC Act.