New Zealand’s Earthquake Commission (EQC) expects it has received all claims for the most severe damage from the Christchurch earthquakes after paying out over $NZ1 billion ($778 million) since the first major quake on September 4 last year.

The EQC has received more than 373,000 claims for all events since the first major quake, and the claims deadline for that and second major event on February 22 has passed. The claims and dollar amount figures also include 27,000 claims from the June 13 aftershock.

The commission sets three-month claims deadlines, so claims from June 13 must be lodged by September 13 and the last deadline from aftershocks is September 21.

A spokesman told insuranceNEWS.com.au it’s likely the largest claims have been made by now.

“It would be expected that the most severe damage will have been lodged from the September and February quakes and it is likely that claims received now are for lesser damage to buildings and contents claims,” he said.

The EQC has also defended itself against complaints of late payments to contractors, who are threatening legal action.

Businesses contracted to carry out repairs have been complaining for months about the EQC’s tardiness in paying them. However, the commission says it is investigating fraudulent invoicing and has referred cases to the police.

CEO Ian Simpson has told New Zealand media the commission is querying invoices for work that was not done or where the cost is inflated.

Amalgamated Workers Union Secretary Calvin Fisher told insuranceNEWS.com.au the union’s solicitor is preparing to file court documents over non-payment of bills.

The union’s members are tradespeople employing up to 20 workers, doing work such as repairing heating, roofs and chimneys. Mr Fisher says delayed payments are disrupting their businesses and their ability to complete work that enables residents to stay in their homes.

The EQC insures homes and land for up to $NZ100,000 ($77,800) and contents for up to $NZ20,000 ($15,584). Homeowners can insure for above that amount with private insurers.