By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
AN ENDEAVOUR Hills man is terrified that his house will collapse because of a delay in repairs following his five year battle with his insurance company.
Darren Van-Hostauyen claims an earth tremor caused significant damage to the roof and walls of his home in March 2009 but no repairs have been carried out because he is stuck in an insurance row with the RACV.
Mr Van-Hostauyen first lodged a claim with the RACV in 2009, shortly after the earthquake.
The Casey father, who has sought the assistance of Holt MP Anthony Byrne with the issue, said the earthquake damage had worsened considerably over the years and he is now asking for more than his original compensation estimate.
Mr Van-Hostauyen says he is currently seeking roughly $60,000 from the RACV to cover the damages caused by the earthquake, but he said the RACV is only offering roughly $40,000.
“I fear it’s going to collapse. I’ve just progressively felt worse and worse because I’m watching my house fall to pieces,” Mr Van-Hostauyen said.
“There are cracks all over the joint – it’s a never ending story.”
Mr Van-Hostauyen said his house was on a fault line that ran through the whole area.
RACV General Manager Insurance Paul Northey said the provider is committed to resolving Mr Van-Hostauyen’s claim.
“In response to his concerns, RACV Insurance engaged numerous engineering and building experts to assess the structural damage to his property,” he said.
“Based on their findings we have made a settlement available to Mr Van-Hostauyen.”
