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GNS Science estimate a 30% probability of a M7.0+ quake in the central region within the next decade.
Furthermore, they also estimate the probability of a big shake (M5.0-6.9) in the next year at 38% for Canterbury, 34% for Kaikoura and Upper Canterbury and 45% in the East Cape Region.
And if those stats aren't quite enough to get you thinking, new research has found the likelihood of an Alpine Fault quake in the next 50 years is approximately 75%. And that will be the "big one' we have all been dreading.
So there is a lot that we have learned from past quakes and a lot we need to have prepared, both in terms of personal and business lives.
As a business, one of Velocity Financials' biggest business risks is a decent size Earthquake hitting Wellington.
At Velocity, most of our income arrives when our clients draw down Home Loans, or put in place new insurances including through our sister brand, Caveo. If (when!) the "big one" occurs in Wellington we will be very busy, but our income will dry up for months and months, if not years. This was evidenced in Christchurch, for companies similar to ours.
Most insurance products (i.e. Business Interruption cover) focus on businesses not being able to trade due to building damage, but this isn't our concern. We can operate completely remotely now (one of the silver linings of Covid). Our building may be fine; but even if it isn't, we can operate pretty much "as normal" - however, that doesn't mean any mortgages are settling if an Earthquake hits.
Knowing the above, as a business we opted to take out parametric insurance cover. This is a specific type of cover that will pay out if there is a certain level Earthquake in Wellington (regardless of the specific damage to our building).
If there is a shaking in Wellington of around the level that occurred here due to the Kaikoura Earthquake in November, 2016, then $300k is going to show up in our bank account.
This will give us some options. It will mean we can keep our staff on and so we can look after our customers, while we have some time to work out what the next step is.
It is honestly a relief that we have this risk covered.
Full Disclosure: Yes, we do own the insurance brokerage, Caveo, that put this in place for us, but I absolutely believe this is a great product and should be seriously considered for Wellington businesses who offer professional services like ours.
Brendon.
Please reach out to us for a chat about how this type of insurance can protect your business.
0800 448 879
About Brendon:
Hi, I'm Brendon, one of the owners and advisers at Velocity Financial. I have been giving advice on mortgages and insurances at Velocity for around 15 years, and it is great to be able to work with people to achieve their financial goals. Prior to giving money advice I worked as a youth worker and managed teams for a not-for-profit organisation. I live with my wife and one of my sons (the other one only stays when he needs food) in Berhampore, and if I'm not talking revolving credit accounts, I can be found running the trails of Wellington.
Brendon Ojala (FSP119244) is a Financial Adviser with Velocity Financial (FSP95466). No investment decision should be taken based on the information in this blog alone. Please see Brendon’s disclosure statement on our website.