The Earthquake Commission (EQC) has classified last night's 5.5-magnitude shake as new event, allowing Cantabrians to make fresh claims for damage.

A EQC spokesman confirmed the aftershock was a new event, but did not know if any new claims had yet been filed.

Claimants have until January 9 to lodge a claim.

The 8.34pm aftershock was the 14th tremor classified as a separate insurance event since the 7.1 magnitude quake on September 4 last year.