The High Court on review in Deo Gratias Developments Ltd v Tower Insurance Ltd & ors [2018] NZHC 1881 has overturned a previous High Court decision to award an earthquake claim plaintiff 75% of the 2B cost and disbursements.  Davidson J decided that there was insufficient evidence that EQC was responsible for the costs being incurred to justify more than the 50% usual award.  The short time between EQC paying cap and the insurer settling the claim was insufficient to justify an inference of greater EQC responsibility.  Interestingly Davidson J says that an insurer is not bound to wait for EQC to declare over cap  or pay cap before settling with an insured.  The loss covered by the EQC Act requires objective assessment, not simply EQC’s view.  The insurer is not bound by EQC’s subjective view.  Additionally the Court upheld the cost awards  against EQC on all 4 claims because the claimants had by the court process recovered more than EQC ever offered as costs.