Out of almost 50,000 Canterbury earthquake claims assessed since September 4 the Earthquake Commission has rejected more than 8000.
The EQC has assessed 48,300 claims, paid out 18,800 and declined 8700 have been declined, the Press reported today.
The remaining claims have been approved, but are still being processed or awaiting repair work.
Commission chief executive Ian Simpson told the newspaper 35 per cent of the rejected claims were declined because no damage was found.
"In some cases, it's just people looking for a free house inspection," he said.
In other cases, people were being cautious, wanting an inspection even though no damage was visible.
Hundreds of claims were turned down after assessors decided building cracks had been there for years.
