KEY POINTS:
Insurance claims for Gisborne's pre-Christmas quake which measured 6.8 on the Richter scale are at the halfway point of what the Earthquake Commission expects to pay.
The commission has received 1713 claims from Gisborne, 46 from Wairoa and 190 from other areas including the Bay of Plenty.
They total about $11 million. Once everything is sorted out the commission expects to pay out about $20 million.
General manager David Middleton said the 2007 calendar year, as far as costs were concerned, would go down as one of the most expensive, after March and July floods in Northland and the 6.7 quake in Southland in October. Together the events are forecast to cost about $30 million.
Mr Middleton said even though people had three months to file claims, he urged those affected by the Gisborne quake to do so as soon as they could because, by legislation, claims made after three months could not be dealt with by the commission.
To move the process along, 40 staff would be available for assessment from January 14, some flying in from Australia to help.
"The quicker they do it, the quicker we can get them settled, the quicker we can get someone to look at the place."
There were things people should do to make the process straightforward.
"If people still have mess to clear up from the quake, we advise people to take photos before moving anything or tidying up. That makes assessment of the claim easier.
"Essential services, like toilets and water systems can be repaired - but people should keep everything the repairer replaces, and keep a copy of the bill," said Mr Middleton.
"Crockery and glass breakages can be cleared up, but shouldn't be thrown away yet. Only throw away perishable items."
Holders of current home and or contents insurance automatically have commission cover for damage caused by earthquakes.
People who need further advice can call the commission on 0800 326 243.
