KEY POINTS:
* Most damage, whether it is flooding or storm damage, is covered by your household or business insurance - or car insurance if a vehicle is washed away. Insurers don't usually distinguish between different weather-related incidents.
* Get claims in as early as possible as assessors need to inspect the damage and give a decision on the claim.
* Don't get rid of damaged property before the assessors have visited as they need to inspect the ruined items such as carpets or household goods.
* Assessors will often authorise payment for emergency accommodation while repairs are carried out if the property cannot be lived in. This can help to ease the trauma of flooding.
* Go for full-replacement cover. Many people tend to under-insure their properties and are then horrified at just how much it costs to repair their homes. "We had people in Taranaki who had cover only up to $50,000. Yet the cost of repairing their homes and getting builders in far exceeded that. Once water gets into a property - when it is contaminated with sewage - a house can be written off in a matter of hours."
* Contents insurance should not be less than $70,000.
* Don't drive through flood waters if you can avoid it as this often wrecks a vehicle, not least its electrics. "I was amazed to see people doing 20km/h though flood water, which can ruin a car for good."
