We’ve gone from Green to Blue – geographically, not politically. Yesterday CERA announced new categories for the Green Zone, and we’re Blue (Technical Category 3). That means our property is considered likely to suffer moderate to severe land damage from liquefaction in any future significant earthquake. A specific geo-technical report will be needed and an engineered foundation design required (i.e. deep piles or soil compaction) where any portion of the building needs replacement or a new home is to be built. Our EQC assessors didn’t appear to find any fault with our foundations, so probably no immediate work needed. If there had been it should have been covered by insurance. For future work, who knows? We’ve no idea what this classification will mean for valuation or insurance purposes, but we’re pleased to still have an intact roof over our heads, unlike so many.
“We once were Green and now are Blue.
There’s not much ’bout that we can do.”
[...] The annual bill for our house insurance has arrived and shows a 68% increase on last year’s cost. Last year’s bill arrived just before the 22 February earthquake, and things have changed mightily since that time. While I would much rather that costs didn’t increase (if you live in the past, it’s cheaper!), I admit I’m relieved the increase isn’t greater. I’ve heard of commercial buildings where the cost of insurance has increased tenfold. A not-for-profit enterprise I know of has been refused ‘natural disaster’ cover for their chattels because the building that houses them was built before 1935, and I wondered what the situation would be for our 150 year old cottage. Our policy still offers cover for earthquake damage, thank goodness, despite our being zoned Green/Blue (Technical Category3). [...]