The Christchurch City Council say it's time residents were free of their earthquake insurance claims, and they want the Government to help.

The council is asking the Government to set a deadline for EQC and private insurers to reach agreed settlement time frames for remaining claims.

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Councillors want advocacy, technical support and mediation services to help claimants know whether they are getting a fair deal.

Mayor Lianne Dalziel said she's had informal conversations with insurers who support the idea.

"Even if they could have a timeline so that they would know when things are going to get done, then that would give people the ability to get excited about the next phase and the life of the city."

But Insurance Council CEO Tim Grafton said the devil would be in the detail.

"Each individual claimant has their own issue, it certainly would be good to see closure of claims sooner than later, I think we just need to see what the detail of all of that means."

Mr Grafton thinks in principle it sounds like a good idea.