Eqecat, a consulting firm that tracks natural disaster costs, announced hurricanes could cost insurers “above average” in 2005.
The company said the unprecedented number of storms in 2004 made it the costliest year ever.
Eqecat senior vice president Tom Larsen commented: "Although the current season might not be as severe and unusual as the 2004 season, the potential for large losses in 2005 is likely to be troubling to insurers and reinsurers”.
Last year, total insured losses in the US topped $22bn.
