Coming home to a flooded house is something you never want to experience, but for Christchurch client Bert Govan, that’s exactly what happened. After a weekend away, Bert found water streaming through the ceiling from a burst hot water cylinder, soaking everything on the second floor down into the ground floor, damaging walls, ceilings, furniture, and personal belongings.
In a panic, Bert reached out to his insurance broker, Derrick Abbott, who happened to be away. But the value of a great brokerage team became immediately clear when Derrick’s colleague, Stuart Speirs, stepped in without hesitation.
Stuart advised Bert to call an emergency response company right away to prevent further damage. It was a Saturday afternoon, and Bert and his family were about to leave for a month-long trip overseas. Urgency was paramount, but thanks to the quick response, the emergency response company was on-site almost immediately.
By Monday morning, before Bert left for his trip, an assessor had already been appointed by the insurer and made contact. The assessor was thorough, professional, and undertook to deal with Bert’s nominated builder to organise quotes and set a programme of works. Bert could leave for his holiday with peace of mind, knowing the claim was in good hands while they were away.
For Bert, this experience reinforced why it’s crucial to have the right broker. Derrick had recommended a specific policy that offered the best coverage for his needs, and when it came to claim time, the insurer’s responsiveness confirmed the value of that decision. Within six weeks of the incident, the scope of works was approved, and the claim settled without any issues.
Even after returning from their trip, when Bert was anxious about whether additional accommodation costs would be covered while the work was completed, the team reassured him everything would be sorted.
“At every turn, our broker was there offering assistance, ready to accompany us to meetings with the assessor or advocate on our behalf.”
Bert knows some brokers simply sell the policy and then leave you to manage things on your own. “Knowing our broker was there, ready to step up at any time, meant a heck of a lot to me,” he said.
It’s a powerful example of why having the right broker and policy makes all the difference when the unexpected happens. It’s not just about getting coverage – it’s about having a dedicated team behind you, offering support and guidance when you need it most.
If you’d like to find out more about the difference an Abbott broker can make, please get in touch. We welcome the opportunity to review your current insurance arrangements to ensure you have the best protection available.
