How to Make a Successful Flood Damage Insurance Claim in NZ
When floodwaters enter your home or business, the stress can be immense, but your insurance claim doesn’t have to be. Acting quickly and following the right process can make all the difference in how smoothly your recovery goes.
The most important thing to remember? You don’t have to wait for your insurer before taking action. JAE is an insurance-approved flood restoration provider, which means you can contact us first. Our 24/7 teams can start emergency drying, protect your home from further damage, and document everything your insurer will need to process your claim efficiently.
Throughout the process, JAE can also help guide you through the insurance steps, from documentation and communication to providing the technical details your insurer requires.
1. Contact JAE and Start the Restoration Process
Once it’s safe to enter your property, call your local JAE flood restoration team. Because JAE works with all major insurance companies in New Zealand, we can begin the drying and restoration process immediately, before your insurance claim is even lodged.
Our technicians will document all affected areas, photograph damage, and provide detailed moisture readings and condition reports to support your claim. Acting fast not only helps prevent mould and odours but also shows your insurer that you’ve taken reasonable steps to mitigate damage.
If you’re unsure how to begin your claim, JAE can guide you through what information to provide and help make sure the right details are included for a smooth process.
2. Notify Your Insurance Company
After contacting JAE, notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with:
When lodging your claim to your insurance provider, it’s important to let them know that you’ve already engaged JAE to begin emergency restoration work and that you’d like to continue working with us throughout the process. By confirming this early in your claim, you can avoid unnecessary delays and ensure the same trusted technicians stay with you from start to finish.
Your insurer may assign a loss adjuster or assessor to inspect the damage. JAE’s documentation helps streamline that process, ensuring transparency and accuracy in your claim.
3. Understand What Your Policy Covers
Flood insurance in New Zealand can vary depending on your policy and provider. Some policies cover water damage from storms or burst pipes but exclude gradual leaks or groundwater seepage. Others separate cover for building, contents, and carpets.
If you’re unsure what’s covered, ask your insurer for clarity, particularly around:
JAE’s flood specialists can help guide you through identifying what may be restorable and what should be included in your claim, ensuring nothing important is overlooked.
4. Document Everything Thoroughly
Documentation is essential to a successful insurance claim. Before any cleanup begins, take clear photos and videos of all affected areas and items and note their value as best you can. JAE’s technicians will also create a full inventory of restorable and damaged materials to support your claim. Keep copies of any receipts for temporary accommodation, cleaning, or essential purchases — these may be reimbursable under your policy.
5. Let JAE Handle the Technical Details
Flood restoration can involve complex drying, cleaning, and sanitisation processes, all of which your insurer needs to understand. JAE provides detailed reports and moisture readings to the Insurer, showing exactly what was done and why. Our transparent communication with insurers helps speed up approval for repairs and reduces stress for homeowners.
We’ll keep you informed every step of the way, helping ensure your claim progresses smoothly and your property is restored efficiently.
6. Don’t Wait to Act
The longer water sits, the worse the damage gets. Insurers expect you to take reasonable steps to minimise loss, and waiting too long can sometimes affect claim outcomes. Calling JAE first ensures that restoration starts immediately, protecting your home, your health, and your claim.
From the first phone call to the final report, JAE is here to guide you through both the restoration and insurance process, helping make a stressful situation more manageable.
After a flood, the insurance process doesn’t need to be daunting. Contacting JAE early means you’ll have experts on your side who understand how to document, restore, and communicate with insurers effectively.
FAQs
1. Can JAE help me with my insurance claim?
Yes, JAE is an insurance-approved supplier and can help guide you through the claim process. We’ll provide all documentation and reports your insurer needs and communicate directly with them to make things easier for you.
2. Should I call JAE before my insurance company?
Yes, you can contact JAE first on 0800 225 552. Our 24/7 emergency teams can begin protecting your home immediately, and we’ll assist you with the next steps for your insurance claim.
3. Does my insurance cover gradual water damage?Most policies cover sudden events like burst pipes or flooding, but gradual leaks may be excluded. JAE’s technicians can help identify the cause and provide reports that assist your insurer in assessing coverage.
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