The administrator of the fire-damaged Wang Fuk Court has reassured residents that the Hong Kong government will assume responsibility for pursuing insurance claims on policies bought by the estate on behalf of owners who sell their flats to authorities under a buy-back plan.

But some residents of the Tai Po estate who attended Wednesday’s Zoom briefing by Hop On Management found some of their questions regarding insurance claims remained unanswered, including how and when they were expected to receive compensation from the insurer.

Addressing concerns over whether residents who accept the government’s buy-back offer might lose their rights to claim a variety of insurance benefits from China Taiping Insurance (HK) Company, Hop On said authorities would take full responsibility.

The government has earmarked HK$6.8 billion (US$870 million) to acquire flats at seven of the eight blocks of the estate damaged by the fire. The plan was later extended to the remaining block at an extra cost of HK$1 billion.

“If the owners agree to resell the titles to the government, it will bear the rights to the property all-risks insurance claims,” Frankie Chan, service director at Hop On, said.

“This means the government will proactively take on all legal responsibilities and procedures, as well as the risks of uncertainty regarding compensation amounts and processing timelines.