Engineers give evidence at quake insurance case

10:17 pm on 6 March 2013

Detailed arguments from expert engineers were heard during the third day of a High Court case brought by a retired Christchurch couple over their earthquake-damaged house.

Matt and Valerie O'Loughlin want Tower Insurance pay for the full replacement of their red-zoned house in the suburb of Dallington which they say their insurance policy entitles them to.

The company is only offering a settlement of $337,000 for its repair.

An engineer representing the O'Loughlins told the Christchurch court on Wednesday that re-levelling the house would involve major ground improvement or the installation of small piles and both are expensive options.

However, engineers for Tower Insurance disputed this, saying another method involving the injection of grouting into the ground could re-level it properly.