Severe weather has caused more than $135 million worth of damage so far this year, the Insurance Council of New Zealand says, making it one the most expensive years for insurance payouts.
New insurance industry reports show insurance claims for weather related damage have soared in the first eight months of the year, with the cost around $135.4m.
Two big storms have driven the damage costs, ICNZ said, with the final bills more expensive than first thought.
"This year is heading to be one of the most expensive years for insured losses as the final cost of the big Easter storm that hit the West Coast has risen to $55.3m, up from the initial estimate of $45m, and the provisional cost for the storm that lashed Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel in early July is $15.1m," ICNZ chief executive Tim Grafton said.
The Easter storm was the biggest weather event this year with about 10,000 claims and more than $32 million in damage to homes, contents and motor vehicles.
