Kaikoura quake business claims reach $900m

More than $900m of business claims have been lodged following last November's magnitude-7.8 Kaikoura earthquake.

Private insurers have received business claims valued at more than $900 million from November's 7.8 magnitude Kaikoura earthquake, the Insurance Council of New Zealand announced today.

Council chief executive Tim Grafton said it was "early days and the figures may change" but the more than 2500 commercial material damage and business interruption claims were worth more than $900 million.

The figures do not include claims made where assets have been insured with offshore insurers.

The Wellington region has taken the brunt of business losses with two thirds (65 per cent) of the total losses, followed by the upper South Island at 25 per cent, Canterbury at 8 per cent and the remaining 2 per cent from other North Island claims.

It was too early to indicate the value of residential claims, the council said.

Homeowners have until February 14 to notify their insurers of any claims.