Some frustrated Christchurch residents are banding together to take on insurance companies which they say are taking too long to process their earthquake damage claims.
Residents say there are major inconsistencies among people using the same insurers for similar claims.
The Ferrymead Brookhaven Residents' Association has matched up people who have the same insurance company so they can share their claim information to get what it calls fairer and faster payouts.
The group's spokesperson, David Stringer, says whether a claim is settled fairly can come down to the amount of time and money a resident has to deal with the insurance companies.
Labour MP Ruth Dyson, who represents the Port Hills electorate, says it is wrong that residents are having to go to these lengths, and instead the Government should use its power to help.
Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says he does not have the power to intervene in private insurance claims.
