The Canterbury Earthquake Insurance Tribunal launches on Monday morning, after the Government allocated $3.4m in its Wellbeing Budget to establish the scheme.  The new tribunal set up to resolve long-running insurance disputes already has one case on its books and expects to deal with up to 1000.

Justice Minister Andrew Little said the tribunal would be a "circuit-breaker" for disputes that have dragged on for too long.

"This is great news for the tired and frustrated Canterbury homeowners who are still waiting for a resolution to their insurance claims from these earthquakes."

The tribunal would give flexibility and would be a "very human and accommodating process" that would provide a much better chance of resolving difficult claims. 

Cases could be transferred from the High Court to the tribunal and homeowners could choose to have a representative to receive communications for them, an advocate who could speak on their behalf, and a support person to accompany them to tribunal conferences and hearings. 

The tribunal has received one application since a call for them opened on June 10. 

A Justice Ministry spokeswoman said it was estimated the tribunal could deal with up to 1000 cases.

Insurance advocate Ali Jones said she was "cautiously optimistic" the tribunal would provide some tangible results for people still battling with their insurance companies over earthquake claims. 

"Anything that's going to help people and progress their claims is significant, but just how significant remains to be seen."

It was good the homeowner could take the case to the tribunal and the insurance company was compelled to agree. 

The tribunal would only take cases involving residential insurance claims relating to Canterbury earthquakes between 2010 and December 31, 2011. Claims relating to the Kaikōura earthquakes would not be considered. 

Claims involving properties that were sold after the damage occurred would also not be covered by the tribunal.

The tribunal, based in Christchurch, will be chaired by former District Court judge Chris Somerville.

 

 - Stuff