New Zealand businesses have lodged more than $900 million in insurance claims since the Kaikōura earthquake, the Insurance Council says.
Many Wellington businesses lost customers due to the quake cordon around their premises. Photo: RNZ / Aaron Smale
The Wellington region has taken the brunt of business losses and makes up 65 percent of all claims, followed by the upper South Island, with a 25 percent share.
Only a small number of business claims - 8 percent - have been made in Canterbury and 2 percent from other parts of the North Island.
Insurance Council chief executive Tim Grafton said it was thought there were more than 2500 claims for damage and business interruptions.
He said the figures did not include claims made directly with offshore insurers.
Mr Grafton said it was too early to indicate the value of residential claims - which home owners have until 14 February to make.