The Insurance Council has defended insurance companies in the wake of the Canterbury earthquakes saying they are doing their best as they struggle to deal with more than 300,000 claims.
About 200 homeowners in the residential red zone attended a rally on Sunday, protesting at the level of offers to some residents and the way insurance companies have responded to the disaster.
Residents at the rally said that, in some cases, insurance companies are refusing to pay out the replacement value of homes because they are able to be repaired - despite the land being condemned.
Chris Ryan of the Insurance Council says he'd be concerned if insurers were not honouring the terms of their contracts and is urging residents to seek legal advice and challenge the companies if need be.
But he says the insurers are human too and are struggling to deal with a once-in-a lifetime event.
He says while there will inevitably be frustrations for customers, the insurance industry has devoted huge resources to responding to people honestly and efficiently.
