A free legal service predicts an avalanche of cases as people navigate the claims process for earthquake damage in Canterbury.
Community Law Canterbury says cases range from people with hire purchase agreements for quake-damaged goods, to whether or not insurance companies will fully cover quake damaged homes and businesses.
Manager Paul O'Neill says some queries relate to employment issues, while others involve tenants facing rent demands for buildings they believe are unsafe.
Mr ONeill says the cases so far are just the tip of the iceberg and many people will find a big gap between what they expect of their insurance company and what it is prepared to cover.
Harcourts business development manager Jim Davis says the claims process is new to everyone, but he believes most quake losses will eventually be covered.
