Insurance Companies will take a huge hit on this do you think they will

[Toots]

Insure the rebuilding of New Orleans. As far as I can tell things may not get any safer for the people living there and Insurance Companies do not like to lose money. Hurricanes seem to be getting stronger every year and New Orleans is still very vulnerable. I am beginning to think it will not be rebuilt, at least not in the exact same location. Why would a business build in an area they could not get Insurance? America is changing right before our eyes.

[DebJ]

1. what is the combined payout on earthquake claims in California?

[elfin]

2. Can you say "bailout"???

Look for big increases in your own insurance bill to make up their losses.

[drdtroit]

4. Yep!

Bush will bail out the insurance companies and then hold the victims responsible for their credit card debt!

[applegrove]

3. On day one - Monday - it was all over the news. Insurance industry

will be fine because they recoup their losses by raised fees across the board for hurricane coverage.

That was most important on day one. Making sure the markets are fine.

[sbj405]

5. Just as rates increased for all after 9/11, they will after this

There have been many disasters and insurance is still profitable. I don't anticipate that will change.

[bee]

6. "flood" damage is different though...

not covered by standard homeowners or business policies. And since most of this fits into the flood category... as opposed to "normal" hurricane damage.. a lot of ins. claims will be denied. The ins. companies may not get hit as hard as you may think... (use to work for one).

[RC]

7. Oh what should be done with the obscene profits of the oil companies?

I think I know what should be done...

But how much are you willing to bet that bu$h will suggest tax incentives and tax cuts to help them out in their time of need.