In the US, substantial federal terrorism support for insurers looks increasingly likely after the Senate decisively voted to pass the Terrorism Insurance Bill on Tuesday.
If successful in its current form, the bill will give insurers federal backing in the event of a future terrorist attack. The government would pay for 90% of losses over $10bn (£6.6bn).
The bill's future is in the hands of President George Bush's administration.
Bush welcomed the Senate passing the bill, but said: "The final terrorism insurance package must include reasonable litigation procedures so that Americans who are victimised by terrorism do not also fall victim to predatory lawsuits and punitive damages."
