Insurance and disaster recovery

Abstract

Research indicates that high insurance coverage is essential for recovery after a disaster. While Aotearoa New Zealand is highly exposed to natural hazards, much of our residential property is currently well protected financially by our high levels of house insurance.

This is the fourth in a series of briefs designed for policy analysts that bring together research on the most effective actions after a disaster. This brief focusses on insurance issues in Aotearoa New Zealand related to disaster recovery. It encapsulates research from a wide variety of sources, researchers, and organisations, detailing key findings and providing illustrative case studies. It also identifies where more research is needed. Outside the scope of this policy brief are commercial and agricultural insurance and managed retreat.