Insurance companies too are gearing up to deal with the cost of the worst natural disaster the country's seen in decades.
It's predicted the cost of rebuilding Christchurch could stretch to upwards of $2-BILLION-dollars.
Head of Corporate Affairs for AA Insurance, Suzanne Walton says there's been major damage to roads, buildings and infrastructure as well as the devastation for homeowners
“We believe the damage suffered with be the magnitude of the 1931 earthquake in Napier. This is pretty unprecedented for an earthquake event,” she says.
Customers are being advised to take photos - where they can - to make assessment of their claims easier
Westpac Bank and ANZ are offering customers relief such as deferral of home loan repayments, or waiving fees.
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