The first inspections tend to be done roughly, as they need to be conducted swiftly.

I don't really understand why it is not an insurance company issue. Why don't insurance companies assess and cover this damage? Or why aren't people insured?

Many insurance companies do not cover earthquake damage, or you have to pay a high premium for it, hance no cover.

Well, then I wonder why they do not. There is a risk and presumably it is measurable in much the same way as any other. Those without cover would have only themselves to blame. The taxpayer should not be the de facto insurer of private property. My guess, too, is that, if insurance companies were more involved then houses might be better built.

My experience after the quake five years ago is that people are VERY quick to make insurance claims for all kinds of things. People who are yelling and pushing and shoving are trying to take advantage of clogged systems to get what they want. We had a neighbor who would tell his tale of woe to anyone who would listen... demanding quick repairs to his older home.

It can't be simply because they want quick settlements (pun) so they can do repairs. Construction firms and repair firms are so heavily backlogged, it usually takes the better part of a year to get caught up. They want the money. They already know that they have to wait for the repairs.