Important information to prepare for disasters, the recovery response and staying safe.
FMG was formed in 1905 by farmers for farmers. During this time, we’ve seen our fair share of disasters. We have the experience and expertise to support our clients and get them back up and running after disaster strikes.
Safety first
Your safety is the priority. If storms, hail or heavy rainfall is heading your way, MetService will (in most cases) issue weather updates and warnings for areas at risk. If there is an alert in your area, it is best to stay informed and follow advice from local authorities and Civil Defence.
If hail is predicted for your area, there are some easy ways to reduce the risk of damage to your vehicles:
- Do not travel unless necessary. If you are driving and a hailstorm hits, pull over (under a covered structure if possible) until the hail stops.
- If you can, cover your vehicles either by moving them into a sheltered space such as a garage, or use a hail protector cover if they remain outside.
Make a claim
The easiest and quickest way to start your claim is via FMG Connect. Alternatively, you can call our Specialist Claims Team on 0800 366 466. Once we have received your claim, we will be in touch to provide further information and to clarify the next steps.
In a disaster, we may see a high influx of claims and longer wait times on our phones. In this scenario, we will prioritise clients who are vulnerable or cannot return to their homes.
Claim guide
Need support urgently?
If you need urgent assistance, your house is unliveable or you are experiencing vulnerability, please let us know so we can prioritise your claim. Depending on your policies with FMG, you may be eligible for a Temporary Accommodation benefit which could assist you with living elsewhere.
Check FMG Connect or your policy documents and get in touch to see how we can support you.
Frequently asked questions
General*
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A large event can have a huge impact on not only our team, but assessors and tradespeople in your area. We will always endeavour to complete your claim as fast as possible, but it may take longer than normal.
Those who are vulnerable or whose house is unliveable will be prioritised, alongside those who are in highly impacted areas.
Our aim is to get you back on your feet and up and running as fast as possible.
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An excess is the amount you pay towards your claim. Depending on how we settle your claim, excess payment options can vary. If you are getting repairs done, you may need to pay your excess to the repairer or supplier. If we cash settle your claim, the excess will be deducted off the total amount you are paid. To find your excess amounts, check your policy certificate.
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In a large event, you may need to lodge multiple claims across your different policies. In this case you will pay only one excess (whichever one is the highest).
We will discuss the specifics of your claims and potential excesses with you, as every claim is different.
*This information is not intended to replace your policy wording, so please remember to check your policy documents or talk to us if you are unsure.
House
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Once you have lodged your claim and local authorities have deemed it safe to re-enter the area, we can get started.
We will appoint an assessor to your claim who will either assess the damage on site or remotely, and will agree with you on the scope of the claim and an approximate cost to repair it, otherwise known as a “Scope of Works”.
Once this step is complete, we will discuss your claim settlement options with you.
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You can complete temporary repairs to make your home weather-tight or safe, such as repairs to your roof, but please take photos before you do. Contact us before you engage any tradespeople or complete any non-urgent repairs on your property.
Vehicles
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Once you have lodged your claim, we will refer you to an assessor or local repairer who will view, photograph, and assess the damage and work out the scope and cost of repairs. We then review this assessment and decide if your vehicle is economic to repair or not.
Once this step is complete, we will then discuss settlement options with you.
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Your safety is the first priority. Do not drive your vehicle if your windscreen has been badly damaged.
The first step is to contact us to lodge your claim. You can do this either by FMG Connect, or by giving us a call on 0800 366 466. Once your claim is lodged, we can advise you of the next steps.
If you have sustained damage, your vehicle may need to be towed to the nearest repairer. Once it has been assessed, do not drive your vehicle until you have received clearance from the repairer or assessor.
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If your vehicle is being towed, ensure you remove any personal items from the vehicle if it is safe to do so.
If your contents policy is with FMG, we can discuss cover for any items that were damaged whilst inside your vehicle. Please note these on your Loss Schedule. Please ensure you lock your vehicle with no keys inside; the towing team will be in touch with you to pick these up instead.
Farm Buildings
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Once you have lodged your claim, we will determine if an assessor is required to assess the damage on site or remotely, or if the claims handler is able to manage your claim using photographs of the damage and repair quotes.
We will then reach an agreement with you on the scope of the claim and an approximate cost to repair it, otherwise known as a “Scope of Works”. Once this step is complete, we will discuss your claim settlement options with you.
Commercial Buildings
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Once you have lodged your claim and local authorities have deemed it safe to re-enter the area, we will determine if an assessor is required to assess the damage on site or remotely, or if the claims handler is able to manage your claim using photographs of the damage and repair quotes.
We will then reach an agreement with you on the scope of the claim and an approximate cost to repair it, otherwise known as a “Scope of Works”.
Once this step is complete, we will discuss your claim settlement options with you.
Livestock*
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Collecting as much information as you can regarding your stock is important. It can be very distressing dealing with stock loss, however there is further information we require to assist your claim:
- Photos of stock carcasses,
- Cause of death (vet),
- Valuations of stock (stock agent),
- Quotations for stock (stock agent),
- If you have high value animals that you have lost, receipts of purchase/sales slips can assist with substantiating the value of the animals, and
- Stock reconciliations from your accountant can also be helpful to determine the number of stock unaccounted for.
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After collating the information required for your claim, you can consult with your regional council to ensure you dispose of these animals within the council guidelines.
See DairyNZ for useful information on dead stock disposal.
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You are not covered for the recovery of your livestock or assistance to save your livestock under FMG’s livestock policy wording. Exposure is not part of the policy, so it is best to listen to advice from MetService and Civil Defence and move stock to safer ground if possible before an event occurs.
*Our livestock policy covers accidental death from hail.
The first step is to follow the instructions and advice from the Civil Defence, NZ Government, and your regional council. Your safety is the priority, so please do not put yourself at risk by assisting your stock while an event is occurring.
If you have a Livestock Policy and you have suffered stock loss following the event, please contact us to lodge your claim. Once we have your claim underway, there are some key pieces of information you can collect to assist with your claim.
Orchard Fruit
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If you have taken out our Orchard Fruit Policy, this provides cover for hail damage to growing and harvested fruit. Please contact us to lodge a claim online or on 0800 366 466.
There is no cover for damage to the trees.
Crop
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Hail cover under FMG’s Arable Crop Policy is an additional cover that needs to have been purchased. If your insured crops have been damaged, and you have purchased hail cover, please contact us to lodge a claim online or on 0800 366 466.