Quake claims so far tip of the iceberg - EQC

8:33 am on 6 September 2010

The Earthquake Commission has received 4739 earthquake-related claims so far, but describes this as just the tip of the iceberg.

The agency expects about 100,000 claims to be lodged.

EQC estimates 90% - 95% of those affected will be covered by some form of insurance.

Chief executive Ian Simpson says a lot of planning has gone into how New Zealand would respond to a large earthquake in Wellington, not one in Canterbury.

Mr Simpson says the commission does a lot of work with experts at GNS Science and in universities, but no one predicted an earthquake of this strength to strike Christchurch.