Insurers estimate that losses due to hurricanes Ivan, Charley and Frances could be the same as hurricane Andrew which caused $20bn (in today's money) of damage in 1992.
However, estimates are vague as loss adjusters are only just gaining access to some of the worst-hit areas this morning.
The latest estimates for Ivan put US damages at up to $7bn. Further damages in teh Caribbean are estimated at up to $2bn.
