The Insurance Board criticizes the new Canterbury earthquake insurance court

Justice Minister Andrew Little today introduced a bill to help Cantabrians pay for residential insurance claims in the wake of the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes

"The bill respects election promises and establishes a court that will allow homeowners to settle long-standing residential insurance claims, including with Southern Response or the Earthquake Commission," he said. said. ability to award costs or general damages and appoint independent consultants to assist in understanding the technical aspects of claims.

The Insurance Board has expressed concern that only insured persons may complain, not insurers

. is unfair because it addresses only half of the problem and the Justice Department agrees, claiming that it creates an injustice in access to justice. 19659002] "A court that would allow both parties to bring claims would be fair and balanced and would actually work to help everyone find solutions and move forward," said Tim Grafton, Director General of the Insurance Board. . The agencies, EQC and Southern Response, accounted for the majority of the outstanding claims, but neither they nor the private insurers were consulted on the bill before its introduction.

"We were given a commitment that was not followed." We have repeatedly sought to engage with the minister on this process, but according to his own advice, he and the department spoke only to the Treasury. ", Grafton said in a statement

Grafton said that it had taken far too much time for action

" The court will not be operational until 2019, the best part of the 18 months since the 39th. Government election It has taken nearly nine years since the first earthquakes, far too long by the measure of someone to finally try to settle this.Insurers want to settle their customers' claims as quickly as possible, but we still receive, on average, two claims per day of EQC. "

Counsel also said that he wanted certainty that the court would respect the rules of natural justice a procedure e equitable, the need to apply the rules of evidence, to be bound by precedent and the opportunity to appeal important points of law.

"Any Bill That Does Not Respect These Legal Principles Will Not Be Supported By The Insurance Sector"

"The Canterbury People Deserve Better Than A Late Process That Fails The Best Development Test" practice.

Christchurch Regeneration Minister Megan Woods said the bill would make a real difference to the people of Canterbury.

"People have waited too long for their demands to be resolved, this court will be another way of closing and helping people to continue their lives."

"Time to Settle Claims" 39, residential insurance has had a significant impact and we need more options to move forward and help them achieve a result.] "The court will have the opportunity to tailor its approach to the needs of each case, and has various options for settling claims without a formal hearing, including referral to an independent and funded mediation service. "