The 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan’s Kumamoto prefecture last week is expected to cost insurers $US1.4-$US2.1 billion ($1.9-$2.9 billion), according to Verisk.

The risk modeller says its estimate is dominated by damage from ground shaking, with a comparatively small contribution from other modelled quake perils.

The quake left damage across the prefecture, including near Kumamoto City and important manufacturing hubs in the region.

“Verisk’s estimates include insured physical damage to residential, commercial, industrial and mutual property risks, including both structures and contents,” the company said.

“The estimates exclude losses to uninsured properties, infrastructure, automobiles, business interruption, workers’ compensation, marine and aviation risks, loss adjustment expenses, demand surge and losses arising from certain non-modelled perils such as landslide and fire.”