New Zealand private insurers have received business claims valued at more than $NZ900 million ($855 million) from November’s Kaikoura earthquake.

“It is early days and the figures may change, but indications are that there are more than 2500 commercial material damage and business interruption claims,” Insurance Council of New Zealand CEO Tim Grafton said.  

The figures do not include claims made on assets covered directly with offshore insurers.

The Wellington region bore the brunt of claims, accounting for 65% of total losses, followed by the upper South Island at 25% and Canterbury at 8%.

The remaining 2% was from other North Island claims. 

ICNZ says it is too early to indicate the value of residential claims, with homeowners able to notify their insurers until February 14.

The government-owned Earthquake Commission, which provides cover for homes, had received 22,674 claims by January 31.