The Earthquake Commission (EQC) is classifying yesterday's 5.5 aftershock in Christchurch as a new event for insurance purposes.
More than a dozen aftershocks since the original September 4 earthquake have now been classified as new events.
People who have new, or worsened, damage as a result of yesterday's event will need to lodge a new claim with EQC within three months of the event.
The deadline for claims for this event is January 9, 2012.
