May 12, 2016

The General Insurance Association of Japan (GIAJ) and its member companies have been making all-out efforts to assist in the swiftest possible recovery of people affected by the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake.

For wooden buildings that meet certain criteria and household goods, we are introducing damage investigations based on customers' self-reports (through written forms, and without on-site investigations).

(For reference) Damage investigations for "Earthquake Insurance on Dwelling Risks" are in principle conducted on-site. Therefore, with regard to the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, damage investigations based on customers’ self-reports, which require a certain degree of knowledge and effort by customers, will be conducted only when the situation of the damage meets certain criteria and quick on-site inspections are difficult.

With regard to customers in Kumamoto and Oita prefectures, where serious damage occurred, for cases that meet certain criteria, such as customers having difficulty preparing and submitting the necessary claim documents and thereby delaying swift claim payments, submission of copies of particular documents can be omitted when making claims.

The grace period regarding the continuation of insurance contracts and premium payments has been applied for policyholders' convenience in the affected areas.

The General Insurance Association of Japan is operating a call center with the exclusive purpose of responding to inquiries from policyholders in the affected areas about insurance contracts, for example, which company contracts are held with, etc.

*“Earthquake Insurance on Dwelling Risks” is maintained with reinsurance support provided by the Japanese government without relying on international reinsurance markets.

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