A six year time limitation on earthquake insurance claims may take some people unawares, a Christchurch law firm says.
The 2010 Limitation Act states six years after an event such as an earthquake any insurance policy expires.
Once the limitation period expires, insurance companies have a defence to all claims.
Grimshaw and Co associate Michael Wolf says because the new act is less than six years old, there is little judicial direction on how it is interpreted.
He says limitation could be a huge problem in Christchurch in the coming year.
"The only way to protect their interests in respect of limitation is to file a claim in the High Court or the District Court to stop the limitation running because it runs until the date a claim is filed."
The Insurance Council says people have access to services to help with claims, so should avoid initiating litigation.
