Photo: Supplied / NZ Defence Force
Westport locals are using brokers or specialist insurers as standard insurance in the flood-prone town becomes more difficult or expensive to get.
RNZ reported on Thursday that AA Insurance had temporarily stopped offering new home insurance policies in Westport because of the town's flood risk.
However, Westport residents said that while AA Insurance was the only company to publicise its policy, many others were also refusing to take on new customers.
Life-time local Glenys Elley lives on a 10-acre lifestyle block on the outskirts of town, close to the Buller River but not in a flood area.
She was quoted nearly double her previous premium, after her broker was unable to secure a new policy for her in 2024.
"We had comprehensive insurance, we had total replacement.
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