In response to recent extreme weather incidents across New Zealand, AMI has outlined its structured approach to claims management and disaster preparedness.
The recent events brought flooding, wind damage, and a tornado, impacting homes and prompting evacuations from the top of the South Island to Taranaki.
AMI, under IAG New Zealand, launched its event response plan before the storms arrived.
Stephannie Ferris (pictured), executive general manager of claims, said the company’s teams were monitoring weather patterns closely days in advance. Their preparation was informed by internal risk assessments and external data from MetService and NIWA.
The company’s Major Events team used insights from earlier incidents – such as the 2022 flooding in Tasman – to anticipate where damage might occur. This included early engagement with local contractors and suppliers to ensure that the necessary resources were in place to begin repairs quickly once conditions allowed.
Ferris said early warning systems enabled them to contact potentially affected customers with targeted safety information and practical advice about managing insurance claims and accessing temporary support.
Following the storm, AMI teams were dispatched to impacted communities, working alongside local councils, Civil Defence, and emergency responders.
On-site support included claims consultants and mobile repair crews, with operational hubs set up to process claims and deliver customer assistance.
The company prioritised claims involving temporary housing needs and critical repairs.
Increased staffing across digital and phone support channels was also implemented to manage the spike in enquiries.
Ferris emphasised the importance of community-based support during recovery periods.
“We must not underestimate the emotional toll these events take on communities, often hitting the same neighbourhoods and even households. That’s why we will keep being there when our customers need us,” she said.
New research indicates growing public concern over the financial implications of climate-related disasters.
A survey conducted by Ipsos for IAG in May 2025 found that 90% of respondents expect a rise in severe weather events.
Sixty percent supported insurance premiums being adjusted based on individual exposure to risk.
However, there was limited public support for spreading costs across all policyholders.
Only 17% of those surveyed favoured subsidising premiums for high-risk locations, while just 10% believed a uniform pricing model was the fairest approach.
Analysis commissioned by IAG estimates that New Zealand has incurred approximately $64 billion in natural disaster costs since 2010, with the majority of public funding allocated after events occur.
“We need to prioritise improving how the actual costs of natural hazard events are recorded by central and local government, so that we know how much we are spending, on what and where. Alongside this, we must quickly move to understand the underlying trends, regularly model the expected financial impact of natural hazards, set relative benchmarks, and closely monitor changes in risk over time,” she said.
