The Earthquake Commission says it will be at least two weeks before assessors can begin to look at quake-hit properties in the lower North Island.
The 6.2-magnitude quake struck at 3.52pm on Monday and was centred 15km east of Eketahuna in the Tararua District. While it didn't result in any reports of damage or serious injury, there have been numerous reports of damage to property.
EQC has received more than 650 claims relating to Monday's shake to date.
It says on-site assessments won't be carried out until it gets a better idea of the number of claims coming in and most have been from Greater Wellington and Manawatu.
The EQC says most of the early claims are for minor damage to houses or damaged contents. People have until 22 April to lodge a claim.
GNS Science says there is still a chance of an aftershocks of between 5.5 and 5.9-magnitude in the next week.