Anyone dumb enough to live BELOW sea level in a river delta that is IN a hurricane zone and expects the rest of us to pay for it is dreaming- Stop wasting our tax dollars and hiking our insurance premiums to cover places like N.O.

Insurance companies are definitely in the business to make money, but shouldn't be doing so on the backs of all of the Katrina survivors. While I agree that rates need to go up, and the government doesn't need to be subsidizing people's insurance premiums, it's going to be expensive to cover areas that are prone to natural disasters. Just the way it is and people staying there need to get a grip on that.

Don't blame the insurance industry for the premium increases, blame the federal judge who ruled that flood damages are really caused by windstorm. Water is water and when you live below sea level it isn't the windstrom that brought water and mud into your hosue...IT'S FLOOD, STUPID!!! With this ruling the insurance industry is now forced by judicial decree to provide coverage for a risk that was previously insured through taxpayer subsidized flood insurance premiums. When the government subsidy is no longer in the equation, the private insurors have no choice but to charge a rate for the risk. And when you live below sea level, GUESS WHAT??? Stop playing the blame game unless it's where it should be. At the feet of of the federal court.

It isn’t just businesses. Many Florida homeowners have had insurance increases of 1000 percent or more. Folks that were paying $400.00 a year are now paying $400.00 per month. Florida will soon be populated with elderly people on fixed incomes that can’t afford to live here, but can’t afford to move.

To make matters worse young people are staying away in droves because the sky high housing and insurance costs are unaffordable. There will soon not be enough workers to provide the services the older population needs and not enough taxpayers to keep the state solvent.

Doctors and nurses in a nearby town are leaving the state because even well-paid professionals are struggling in this insurance climate.

The state created insurer of last resort, Citizens Insurance, is now the largest property insurer in the state. Another bad storm or series of smaller storms will wreak havoc with Florida’s finances. The insurance companies are now selling only life and auto policies so they’re in effect taking the profit and leaving the bulk of the risk on the taxpayers.

insurance is misnamed. it is a payout for small claims while it fails to honor the spirit under which policies are sold. it should become a national crime, taking money under false pretenses very similar to health and the HMOs. i do not understand why Americans take it lying down. could it be Americans have the government and the 'dog eat dog' type economic system that they deserve? mickey glantz

Insurers used to be in the business of insuring people and businesses from loss, but that's not the case anymore - now they're in the business of making an enormous profit. Look at the buildings insurers are putting up. Oil companies and insurance companies - I'd love to see them both take catastrophic losses as the people have. Maybe someday.

We who have already made Nashville home after deciding not to live through any more frustration in the hurricane's aftermath will welcome others from the Mississippi Gulf Coast with open arms. You will find familiar eating establishments and a thriving culture that is a good mix of sophistication and hardworking people. Chappy's has relocated to Nashville and it is so nice to have a piece of home to visit for a familiar meal and faces. The hurricane did not destroy us, the greed of corporate America is what is keeping the Gulf Coast from returning to what it once was. Come to Nashville and enjoy the fruits of your labor. We are eagerly awaiting you.

After 31 years as an Insurance agent, I got tired of constantly wrestling with Insurance Companies and I left the Business.

All they care about is the Almighty dollar....we were selling their products and you wouldn't believe how they treat their own agents.

My heart goes out to all flood and hurricane victims as the Insurance Companies try to tell you water caused the damage, not wind driven or Hurricane water. I hope you sue the pants off of these Companies. If you look up the definition of GREED, it is spelled INSURANCE. They are thieves!!!

We feel your pain in FL too. The Legislators here made a bigger mess than they tried to fix. Not only can we NOT afford the insurance rates the counties continue to value our property at pre hurricane rates. We have lost at least 25% on the value of our property and even dropping prices we cannot sell to get out of the area. If things don't change we will be bankrupt then the banks can pay the taxes and insurance! Destin Fl

After working so hard in 2005 with the Corps of Engineers to install Blue Roof for these and many other Bay St. Louis residents (Operating out o fthe old train depot across the street from the locations of many of these businesses), I'm so heart broken that our government has moved so slowly and poorly to effect permanent rebuilding. As a Baton Rouge native, Bay St. Louis and Waveleand were part of my growing up, and I fear that my kids may never get to experienc ethem they way I did.

Well of course insurers will take advantage when and where possible...they are after all in the business of making more money than they spend...and with little or no over sight... its easier...but people need to understand if they are going to keep building on the coast..(you will be hit again)...and put some blame where it lies on state and federal authorities for not supporting a levy and flood plan that works.

I am also a victim of insurance fraud and deceit from State Farm in Biloxi. The May prior to the hurricane, I asked the agent to increase my insurance so that "if we get hit by a hurricane we are covered!" I was told I had plenty enough insurance. I wish I had the faxes that I sent. State Farm is just out to screw their patrons.
I lost my condo down there. I had just given it to a Property Manager to rent out. We spend thousands upon thousands updating and renovating the property...4th of July of that year was the last time I saw my property. It was completely finished and ready to go.......now it's gone and our personal State Farm insurance would not pay. If they had, we could have rebuilt with the others.
I don't trust insurance companies anymore. None of them. They want YOUR money and then they don't want to honor their claims. How can they sleep at night?

thankyou for mentioning the state of MS, and not New Orleans, after the national news media made out Katrina's wrath to be " the New Orleans story", most folks across the USA have no clue what happened to the state of MS, and likely never will. I am not saying New Orleans had it easy, but MS should not have been ignored.

It's amazing all the money we send overseas to help other countries, including those nations that are terrorist countries, and yet we can't rebuild and help our own people.

I'm thinking of the situation where Israel and another country were at war and Bush pledged millions to help them rebuild. My thoughts were to the south states hit by Katrina and even people of Hurricane Andrew who have yet to get help.

GO GENE TAYLOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK, not that I condone insurance companies and the profits they have made from storm victims, but who should pay for the increased risk when hurricane victims want to rebuild in the same place that has proven not to be safe?

If I ran an insurance company I wouldn't insure anyone who was building or living below sea level and depending on leves and pumps. New Orleans is a sinking hole that should be filled in. Instead of rebuilting in place, the residents need to scrap the below sea level parts of town and rebuild on higher ground. A less extreme solution would be to put in 30 feet of fill dirt (perhaps from derging the river) to fill the low areas. But fill isn't good in New Orleans where the base mud slowly sinks under the weight. Its a bad place for a city. The people ought to leave and go to higher firmer ground. If I ran an insurance company the annual cost would be around 25% of the total value. And yes, that's fair in a swamp below sea level in a hurrican zone.
Bob

Catch more of Bob at The Truth According to Bob. http://bobstruth.blogspot.com

Hey, this isn't just happening at 'ground zero'. My business insurance for wind damage in St Pete, Florida have risen 4 fold over last year. It has gone from a substantial check to one that is quite onerous. I have elected to not carry wind insurance because of the cost. If I sustain damage it is now on me. Help!

For the uninformed, the property in Bay St. Louis that is the subject of this story (on Main Street) is approximately 22 feet above sea level. How would areas of Miami, Jacksonville, Savannah, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, etc. that are 20 feet above sea level fare with a catastrophe like Katrina???? I would suggest that the federal government listen to Mr. Taylor, and I would suggest that the Bush administration organize NOW so the next set of US Citizens who are the unfortunate victims of a natural disaster do not: 1. Pay for insurance from which they can not collect proceeds after a disaster, 2. Have to survive a complete and total failure such as is FEMA, and 3. Have to go through rebuilding facing the insurance industry's fraudulent use of its anti-trust exemption.
Get smart America, this is no longer about Katrina victims, it about the next set of victims: It could be about you!

Running an insurance is also a business. Welcome to the business world folks. Health insurance costs have also risen dramatically.

I feel bad that life has put the Katrina victims in a predicament months after the incident, but it's time to either tough it out or leave. While harsh, there's only so much you can baby those affected by high rates.

It's funny how people choose to live in the path of tornados, hurricanes and other disasters and expect insurers to bear the risk for unreasonably low premiums. I sympathize with the plight of people who were unfairly treated by insurers in the aftermath of the disaster, but insurance companies are not charitable organizations either. People need to understand that insurers that don't charge proper premiums, especially given the high probability of future disasters on the southern coast, will probably not be around to pay ANY claims once disaster strikes.

This is just another human interest story about how evil insurance companies are squeezing honest, hardworking folks without an iota of public policy insight. The question that is never answered by bad journalism like this, that is not even broached, is WHY are rates going up? The answer to that is very simple: the risk is high. More risk means higher costs. Unless you want the government to jack up taxes on everyone to pay for some people's bad choices, as subsidies and underwriting do, packing up and moving some place safer is exactly what these people should do. Its just not something people want to hear.

So the people who have chosen to live below sea level are upset that insurance for people who live below sea level is expensive? Sorry if I can't weep for them. Maybe they should abandon the town completely, like sensible people, so I and my fellow tax payers sensible enough to live outside of the ocean, won't have to pay to fix the place next time the inevitable happens? Don't get me wrong, insurance companies are scum and all that, but people who live in the ocean are not the brightest folks.

The problem with the bloodsucking vultures that call themselves the insurance industry is that they hedge their bets. Thats right folks, the insurance industry is no moe than a gambling operation. You are betting you property will be involved in some calamity and they are betting you won't. Only when they lose, they won't pay. Same way they won't insure anyone with any health issues for health insurance. Its big business and like it or not, thats how America works. Of course, the insurance industry probably couldn't afford to pay all the claims as it has to spend a bulk of its cash on lobbying congress for favorable legislation so it can continue to hedge its bets and profitt more. I seriously wonder how many New Orelanians would vote again for Bush if he ran now.
REMEMBER: They call it the "Trickle Down Therory" for a reason. Because its a therory. It doesn't actually work!

It is interesting that the insurance companies claim the damage was by flood to fit their exclusions, but they or the pool, which often also denied coverage, have raised the wind rates to compensate for their losses all the while making record profits. However, unlike the State Farms and the MetLifes there were some companies that did behave well.

This is a very sad story... but I dont think the insurance companies are committing fraud. Last time I check, most of the Lousiana Gulf coast was at or below sea level. Thirty foot storm surges will go a long way inland, especially with 150+ mile an hour winds.

Also, why is it not OK for the insurance companies to make profits... every other company has the right to insure themselves from loss... to hedge their bets.... to invest in the future of their companies and stakeholders... why should the insurance company be any different. It would be nice, if the media would report the whole story, especially some of the truths mentioned above when reporting on this issue.

Also, the federal politician should be upfront and honest... they most likely received money from their insurance companies because they could afford to have flood coverage. They didn't come away empty handed, they just were not given the full amount of their home value. They make the laws, they should know, the Federal gov't will not allow insurance companies to sell more than $250,000 in flood coverage. I am sure the Insurance companies would be more than happy to sell Mr. Lott & Taylor all the flood insurance they could afford. Mr. Lott & Mr. Taylor make the laws, they should not be above the law, and they have only themselves to blame for not working to either change the law, know law, or move their homes to safer areas.

I have lived in Florida all my life, and I have lost a home to Hurricane/Flood damage, fortunately, I had appropriate coverage to rebuild. I do feel for many of the people there who can not, but I have no sympathy for the Elected Officials playing the poor ol' soulful me routine. Mr. Lott & Mr. Taylor both have more than enough means to rebuild their homes, and certaintly did not walk away empty handed... so please NBC, don't portray that they did.

As a licensed commercial insurance broker/wholesaler in SC, I have experienced these wind insurance increases on a daily basis. Although states like Georgia and South Carolina have not even had a major hurricane since Hurricane Hugo (1989), commercial business owners and homeowners are seeing double and triple percentages increases in their premiums. The state of SC recently "extended" the SC wind pool geographically, but it was not much of an extension. There are still many, many businesses and homeowners who still cannot find coverage, or cannot afford what is offered. I live 25 miles away in a Tier 2 county, and my insurance company recently nonrenewed my homeowners policy because it was no longer offering wind capacity for properties 2 counties inland from the coast. I believe that there is a lack of reinsurance capacity which has created a low supply and a great demand for coastal wind insurance natiowide. Some insurance companies, I believe, may be overcharging right now during this windfall. However, I have not heard any lawmakers address the coastal building code issues. Frame condominiums are being built on the coast of SC on a daily basis. Why aren't these buildings required to be masonry noncombustible and meet hurricane codes? Where are the hurricane building codes in SC? Stricter building codes won't prevent a hurricane, but they certainly could lessen the catastrophic losses. In addition, a masonry noncombustible building pays much less for property and wind insurance, and it is easier to place.

Sad, so Sad. But that's life!

It appears that the insurance industry is only willing to do business as long as it doesn't have to pay out. This is simply another indicator that most of the corporate world has one goal in mind and that is profits. It no longer serves the people, but itself. Shameful!

Logic points to higher ground. Why try to rebuild in an area under sea level and at risk. Give the land back to nature.

reading this story makes me dislike insurance companies a little more. what a sham. i dont understand insurance companies and gov't that force you to have insurance and then when it comes time and you need the insurance cuase of acts of god (acts of god is a term used by insurance companies so they dont have to pay ligitimate claims) and every thing can be an act of god = fire/wind/rain/earthquakes/floods/etc/etc lets put it this way if a human causes the damage your may be covered by your policy but only if a human causes the damage directly. now because katrina was a "act of god" you get nothing but a rate increase on your yearly premuim. as i said before insurance is sham i mean scam.

THE RESTRICTION YOU PLACE ON THE COMMENTS ARE PRESCISELY THE REASON PEOPLE ARE NOT SPEAKING OUT VOICING THEIR OUTRAGE RELATIVE TO THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY. ADDITIONALLY, PEOPLE SHOULD STOP EXPECTING THE U.S.GOVERNMENT TO SUPPLEMENT THEIR BUSINESS, THEIR INDIVIDUAL HOMES AND LIFESTYLE. IF YOU CAN AFFORD TO PLAY THEN YOU CAN AFFORD TO PAY, IF NOT GET OUT OF THE GAME. THE GOVERNMENT IS ACTUALLY YOU AND I AND ALL THE FUNDS FROM WHICH MONEY IS DOLED OUT, WASTED IN MANY RESPECTS, COME FROM TAX PAYERS AND WE AS INDIVIDUALS ARE PRESENTLY TAXED AT ALMOST ONE-HALF OF OUR GROSS INCOME(FED.,STATE,COUNTY & CITY TAXES). ENOUGH IS ENOUGH AND WASHINGTON D.C. SHOULD BE THE NEXT AREA PERGED OF CAREER POLITICIAN WHO HAVE ALL FORGOTTEN WHO SENT THEM THER FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF REPRESENTATING THE FOLKS BACK HOME. INSTEAD THEY HAVE BECOME GREEDY,SELF SERVING INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE THERE FOR THE MONEY ONLY.

The insurance industry is responsible for the majority of foreclosures occurring today. In the aftermath of Katrina, some idiot re-zoned so called "Flood areas", not based on fact and insurance companies immediately jumped for the profit margin increase. Additionally, property taxes have increased ridiculously. Is it time for Federal intervention, YES ! Americans are losing their homes for no good reason.

The insurance industry has got to be reigned in. They did NOT lose out from Katrina. They never lose out in any disaster. I don't see them going belly up. I do see hardworking men and women giving up their dreams and homes because of the greed of this industry. We must demand change and they are not the only industry that must be regulated. The oil industry is just as bad recording record profits quarter after quarter while we are ripped off at the pumps. Consumers must demand change. We have the power.

WE ARE NOT IN A FLOOD ZONE BY ANY STRETCH OF THE IMAGINATION. OUR FIRE/LIABILITY CARRIER DROPPED WIND ONLY AFTER SENDING US THE ANNUAL BILL. I THINK THIS IS CALLED "BAIT AND SWITCH" AND IT IS ILLEGAL. THEY DID ADD HOWEVER INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM. WE HAVE LOTS OF COVERAGE FOR THAT!

Here in California the insurance companies pleading poverty since Katrina doubled Earthquake insurance on condos for 2006 and went up another 25% this year despite no quakes and mild hurricane season last year.

Iam so angry with these insurance companies. They
have so much nerve to talk about their wealth when we
are still trying to recover. I live in one of the hardest hit areas around and we still are trying to get everything together. We are still working our jobs and putting in most of the labor on our house by ourselves. I am so disappointed in the way this has
been handled. How all the rich insurance companies can sleep at night is beyond me.

Katrina's effect on insurance in the coastal areas of Louisiana and Mississippi are not unique. Homeowners' rates in Florida have more than doubled as well in the last couple of years following the hurricanes that have struck there recently. In Florida, rates for people who aren't even in flood zone areas have more than doubled, making continued home ownership difficult for many people, and that doesn't even take into account the effects on businesses as mentioned in this article.

Sometimes people forget that living in a costal area is a choice, with a price. I'm glad to see the insurance industry is looking at it that way too. I don't need my insurance rates going up, or another government bailout because people choose to live someplace that has a high probablity of flooding

We have been saying this for years!but no one has been listening--we here in the north have the same kind of problems with insurance companies- they have enjoyed the federal antitrust exemption for far to long at the expense of us who have been bled dry--whether it be private resident,business-and same goes for medical insurance-this is a national disgrace-and problem--example-daughter and son-inlaw pays insurance for their home and the basement caves in due to excevive rain-[they do not live in flood zone]but they were covered-hah-insurance refused to cover!--another example -husband in accident-left a parcial paraplegic-insurance covers nearly nothing-yet they cover the quad runner by replacing it--go figure-and there are more horror stories out there--and rates keep going up and they cover less-yet the insurance companies are turing a profit--enough is enough !!!!! thank-you

The reality is that this is how our system ensures that building in dangerous places is discouraged. The insurance industry has come to a realization that these areas are at a much increased risk because of the high hurricane cycle we are in, and the likely increases over time from global warming. It is not their job to absorb the risk, but simply to spread it over many people.

If you look at projections of flooding at various amount of sea level increase, much of this area may eventually be under water. Between all of these risks, I wouldn't insure there either.

Why are we even rebuilding this city, do people not understand this could happen again? When the Missippi fludded in 1993 people were told that they could rebuild but there would be no federal aid if it fludded again, this same rule should definatly apply

You say people shouldn't live in disaster prone areas and deserve the higher premiums. Okay, remember that the next time you want to vacation in a beach area. If people can't afford to live in the area, then there will be no hotels, resturants, gift shops, art galleries, etc... for you to enjoy on your trip. You don't mind these people providing services for you on your vacation, but you have no patience for them when they complain about price gouging from the insurance industries. If they can't afford to live there, they can't serve you a margarita to your beach view table.

As harsh as it may sound, the high cost of insurance reflects the risk of doing business - and living - along the Gulf coast. Whether coverage is obtained through a publicly-subsidized, state-supported insurance pool or private company, in the end, we're all going to pay when the next big one hits (and it will).

And try buying a home! My house deal fell through when I could not get insurance for a site-built home located at least 50 miles from either coast at an affordable rate.

Facor that into the home sales slump.

Insurance companies such as USAA are deserting Florida like rats leaving a sinking ship, after collecting premiums for years.

What is surprising is that anybody is still living on
the Gulf Coast. Here in New orleans, our home insuance
has doubleled, Entergy has raised utility bills to pay
for their losses, the city has raised taxes because of the reduced population for those of us who stay.
The whole system is designed to get us to leave.
The monies promised by federal and state government
has yet to make to us who want to rebuild after almost
two years. Katrina is still killing our economy and
our chance of making a living. Government will not only not help us, they have made sure that we will never recover.

For many, many years it has "been a given" that insurance companies are more interested in protecting Their bottom profit line.
What I don't understand is why, in an area that is generally at or below sea level, why anyone would want to build there-when sea levels are expected rise (without the additional stress of bad weather) between 2-23 feet in the next 15 to 20 years?
And, why would an insurance company want to insure that property?
As I understand it, insurance companies are already refusing to insure properties in south Florida, parts of California and somewhere (Massachusetts?) in New England.

For homeowners on the Gulf Coast who were not devasted by Katrina are also receiving the wave of backlash from it. In Texas, those who are close to the Gulf Coast will no longer receive wind, storm and hail damage coverage from their insurance companies, but their agents will collect for the state provided wind, storm, and hail. The catch-coverage on a 2,000 square foot house will cost as much as the entire policy cost before and will be required to be paid in one lump sum. Homeowners will then be required to pay for the rest of their coverage through their local insurance providers. You also have to factor in flood insurance which really isnt an option to local homeowners who know that in the area we live in its a must for complete protection. We should have known the insurance companies would come up with something, but this took us completely by surprise.In a country where medical costs are skyrocketed, coupled with soaring gas, food, electric, middle class America can hardly survive. Democrat or Republican- neither party is in touch of the needs and welfare of the people. Both parties are sleeping with big business and the insurance companies (along with a lot of other major industries)have way too much power. I was born and raised in this area, raised my children here as well, but we will be saying goodbye this year to the Gulf Coast. These people in Washington are supposed to be working for us. Yet they provide for themselves and no one else. I am angry and tired of party politics that talk a lot of nothing and provide for even less.

So let me see if I've got this straight. Small business owners are upset because can't afford insurance to live or do business in a high risk area prone to wind and flood damage. Furthermore, many are angry because many didn't receive enough compensation to allow them to rebuild after recent storms. The ultimate solution proposed is to have the Federal government subsidize the risk. Why should I (as taxpayer) subsidize their risky behavior? If it's not economically feasible to live and work in a high risk area, them move to a less risky one!

The insurance industry and the credit card industry. Two of the nation's largest scavengers working hard to take as much from American's pockets with little to no regard for truth or fairness.

With a relative of mine has a condo on the coast in Florida. She is in a similar situation. One solution is quite simple. Don't get wind insurance but instead use that money to build a very, very strong building that will withstand the wind, water etc.

Metal storm shutters, concrete water breaks, 200 mph storm windows.

It might cost more in the first year or two but the insurance savings will pay for the cost many times over.

This article is about MS not New Orleans, LA. We are not below sea level here on the coast. Actually where the acticle above is referencing is probably 20 ft. above sea level not in a bowl. Areas 10 miles inland flooded from Katrina. Areas that have never flooded before. At least read the article before you start ranting or at least get a map.

The insurance companies have become toxic to many consumers due in part to the failure of our government to investigate and correct fraudulent and price fixing practices by big insurance. Many people do not insure their cars or property simply because the insurance companies are allowed to overcharge them while the government in most states requires drivers to have insurance. The government has granted the insurance companies the license to steal. The government needs to closely regulate this dirty industry and act responsibly on behalf of the consumer. The Katrina aftermath is a great example of how much the insurance companies profited even after paying out [begrudgingly] the few claims which they were forced to pay under threat of lawyer involvement. Record profits at the expense of the consumer and the rank practices of denying insurance claims for any reason under the sun, moon, stars, and even buses! This is simply dishonest business and the insurance companies need to be stopped in their tracks before no one is willing to buy their expensive and often worthless products. The government is willing to stand by and allow insurance companies to commit outright fraud - what's wrong with that picture? Other means of protecting our assets must be forthcoming in the near future or we will all pay the price - the elevated one the insurance companies set all the while knowing they will rarely pay out settlements to the customer. The biggest shell game in history - the american insurance industry!

Another win for the powerful insurance companies. As a doctor, I see a lot of people from that area. There should also be a story on what the health care insurers are doing with those victims' health with delays and denials.

I think that the government should step in and help.
We can aid every other country on the face of the earth but we can't extend a helping hand for our own people. If my insurance company didn't pay and still had to pay the mortgage on a house that wasn't standing anymore. I would go straight to Washington to get answers. There is no way that another country should come before ours.

It's stories like this that people need to think about when they're cheering the "little guy" who gets a multi-million dollar settlement from an insurance company that he didn't really deserve because a) he was not carrying flood insurance or b) he already collected on his flood insurance policy but now he wants his homeowner's policy to pay for the same damage. That "little guy" just won the lottery and guess who ends up paying for it? I do...you do...everyone does.

THIS IS OBVIOUSLY AN UNDERSTANDING PROBLEM, IF THESE PEOPLE KNEW THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE EITHER WIND OR WATER DAMAGE COVERAGE, WHICH THEY MUST HAVE, THEY WERE TAKING A CALCULATED RISK (A BET IF YOU WILL) THAT THEY WOULD SAVE THE PREMIUM ON THE COVERAGE THEY OPTED OUT ON. TOUGH SHIT, THERE IS NO IDIOT INSURANCE

I don't get it. Insurance companies post huge profits but are held unaccountable by our government. But think about it, what other product is out there when your best customer is one who will never use your service? That is what insurance companies want the most. People who will pay but will never use the insurance. That means, people who need it, insurance companies don't want. So what happens when you actually need it? Reject reject reject because that's money going out and not coming in. Sounds like the biggest legal scam if you ask me.

In Florida, the Florida Department of Insurance reported gross premiums for 2005 of $36 billion for property and casualty coverage (real and tangible... not auto, life, disability, etc.) Since then, the gross premium in this state has increase approximately 2 1/2 times the 2005 level or and estimated $90 billion. Wind coverage accounts for approximately 70% of the annual P&C gross premium or roughly $63 billion.

The Florida legislature has debated the insurance issue among themselves using a potential "catastrophic" hurricane disaster estimate of $50 to $100 billion. This means that the state could create a self-insurance fund for wind risk using two years of absurd premiums that would otherwise go to the private insurance industry, and would also mean the the citizens of the state would not have premiums to pay beyond the second year unless losses require replenishment of the fund.

State run self-insurance is the way to go instead of allowing these companies to pilfer the citizenry and walk with billions of dollars in premiums in years in which there are no losses (like 2006).

We in the heartland of this country are tired of those who live on the shores crying about the high cost of insuring their property in hazardous areas.

An element of choosing to live by the shore is certainly the hazard involved and the acompanying costs associated with their risk.

I find it ironic that people want to rebuild in a location where their homes and businesses can be destrotyed again. I personally don't want to see my hard earned tax dollars going to rebuild this same area 10 years from now after another devistating hurricane. It seems to me that the insurance industry is taking a solid economic approach. If you want to live or have a business in a dangerous area, then you will have to pay a steep price - otherwise, move somewhere safer.

I agree with Rep. Taylor. My husband and I have been paying home owner's insurance for over 20 years. Our first small fire claim, they raised our rates 20%. Legally we are required to have home, auto insurance (big plus for the insurance companies). They are glad to take our money but we better not ever use it. What kind of business is that?

WELL AS OUR CITIES FALL INTO RUIN OVER NO MONEY AND CORRUPT INSURANCE COMPANIES, OUR DEBT CLIMBS TO GALACTIC FIGURES AND THE 2 WARS RAGE ON...WE ARE ALL IN A MESS, WE SUFFER WITH YOU IN THE GULF. WE SUFFER AS YOU AND OUR COUNTRY SLIP FURTHER INTO THE BRINK. POVERTY, DISEASE, AND QUIET GREED WILL NOT LEAVE A PRETTY MARK ON OUR FACES AND IN OUR BELLIES. FOR THIS WHITE HOUSE HAS LET YOU AND THE WORLD DOWN, ALL THEIR 'HOLY' AND RIGHTEOUS WORDS HAVE DONE LITTLE TO MATCH THEIR PUNY ACTIONS AND STEADY LIES...WE PRAY AS WE BOW OUR HEADS IN SHAME!!!

My family went through hurricane Betsy in Chalmette, La. in 1965 and our home was flooded. That home was destroyed by Katrina in 2005. The bottom line is this-if you want to rebuild, either a home or business, in an area that repeatedly gets catastrophically destroyed, you should pay the cost. I don't want to subsidize your folly.

They are not the only ones paying for KATRINA. State Farm will not WRITE any new policies on any properties in Maine within 2500 of the coast or if you live on and Island (Mount Desert and Deer Isle the exceptions). This came into effect last year. The sad thing is that the properties my Father has had and has been turning over to us were all insured by SF. Once the turning over was completed, they wanted nothing to do with us, saying that now they were owned by his children, a new policy had to be written, hence we thank you George, but as for your kids, Tough Luck.

State Farm has lost nearly 20 policies from our family in the last 3 months and they will continue to lose more. Corporate State Farm has no clue and could care less about customer loyalty.

First off, yes, the insurance companies have done too much payment dodging, and I'm sure there are many, many folks who have been screwed (and seeing record profits on the insurance company books makes you wonder). But, I'd just like to hear a little less "where's mine?" entitlement rhetoric. If there is one thing we've learned from Katrina it's that New Orleans is a high, high risk area to live. Why should the federal government (aka taxpayers) have to subsidize your insurance to live in that high risk area? Why should insurance customers living in lower risk areas have to pay much higher premiums so that insurance company A can afford to do business in New Orleans and offer more affordable premiums? I'm sorry, you should have to pay more to live in a city on the Gulf coast, especially one that is 20 feet below sea level. Bottom line is it's your choice and I don't think the federal government should use my tax-dollars to subsidize your choice. Put your business/house in a safer area.

The beautiful insurance business at its best.

Jim Cammisano

A lot of you are saying people shouldn't build a home in a dangerous place. Where is it safe? Where are there no tornados, fires, hurricanes, floods, landslides, earthquakes, avalanches, straight-line winds, lightening? It isn't that insurance companies don't want to pay out to people foolish enough to rebuild in these areas. They don't want to pay out period.

I feel bad for these people after losing so much, but maybe ocean frontage isn't that smart, huh? Why not try to build back away from the hurricane zone. I am glad that the insurance companies are jacking rates there. Now maybe the people in the hot zone will be able to pay for their own rebuilding every couple of years instead of me 500 miles from the coast.

I personally think the increases in premiums should be higher. I don't think the vast majority of insured's insurance premiums should be subsidizing areas were we know this happens on a yearly basis (I know that a hurricane hadn't hit New Orleans in a while, but it's in a location that's a prime target). While insurance was designed to help out in similar situations, it wasn't designed to be a fund to help people to continue living in areas that just should not be inhabited, New Orleans being a great example. If these people want to continue living there, it is their choice, but they should have to pay their own way going forward.

It is a sad state of affairs when our government lets these insurance agencys get away with this. You pay their high premiums but don't you dare have a claim or they increase your rates or drop you. They need to be put in the same position as the Gulf Coast residents are and see if they like how it feels.

Just like the government letting Exxon get away with not paying for the clean up of the oil spill a few years back after being found guilty.. Look at the oil company's big profits they are making while we pay their high gas prices to go to work and home....All Insurance Companys and Oil Companys make me sick.

Our government has forgotten it's own people that live in the USA...I feel so sorry and sad for the people on the gulf coast. It is their home and they want to stay there butttttt....Horrible

Unfortunately the real ratios of risk to peril were hidden for many years giving a false impression about the financial reality of building in flood and hurricane zones.

Federal flood insurance gave a false sense of security at the expense of the American taxpayer.

I'm sorry these folks have to move, but building back into flood and hurricane zones would only continue the ridiculous burden of risk to American taxpayers who choose not to live in areas with inherent risks.

If individuals wish to stand the risk on their own in such locations then fine, but don't keep building in such areas and expecting the American taxpayer to continue to bail people out. We don't mind helping in disasters, but not when the disaster is a projected event such as hurricanes and flooding in certain areas.

Maybe this acceptance of reality is a sign the American consumer is maturing?

Insurance companys should insure all places equally. Coverage should not allowed to be droped because of claims from disasters. Thats why people have insurance. My insurance from living in a coastal Alabama county is 2 1/2 times higher that 1 year ago and I have had no claims. I live 45 miles from any water. They are charging me for the claims they had to pay. How is this fair? Our goverment protects every place in the world, how about here. Some controls are needed. The insurance companies are in a risk business. They just change the rules when they have to pay. Where is the goverment support for the people. No wonder they have record profits. They never have spend much on claims!

It seems the insurance industry is once again profiteering from the misfortunes of the American people.
In a time and day far from this the principals of insurance were a community organization not meant for profit.
It saddens me to see one of the Culinary Meccas of the US continue to fade away so that big insurance can continue to make a profit.

We are seeing the same kind of issues in Lake Charles, LA from Rita. My only experience is with residential rates which have skyrocketed. It seems that younger couples and middle class families can no longer afford their homes because insurance rates for an average $150k home are reaching $500/month in some southern areas of the Parish. I fear that as people continue to get their insurance increases they will be forced to move in order to afford a home. What really irritates is the age old issue with insurance companies. You are a good customer for 10 - 20 years, never making a claim and diligently paying your premium...until you need it. Then it is a battle to get a payout and afterwards, you are either dropped or experience huge increases. The state or federal government is really going to have to step in and take action.

I hate to seem callous, BUT...
If you are going to have a home or business in a high risk area, you should expect to pay for the privledge. Those in southern CA pay for the risk of Santa Anna diven wild fires and earthquakes. Gulf coast residents and businesses should expect to pay for their increased risks. That's what the insurance industry is all about. Assessing the risk and aportioning the cost, NOT elevating the cost to everyone to cover the risky lifestyles or life's choices of others.

Now, in closing, don't mark me as an insurance guy, I HATE the insurance industry. As a physician I pay over $50,000 a year for malpractice coverage!

the insurance, banking, and utilities need to be changed to Non-profit organizations... actually, if someone could come up with non-profit business models for those three industries, they could drive the existing companies out of busiess, or force them to drop their rates...

Sorry, But this dilima will not go away. Banks demand to protect their investment with Insurance and the storms will always keep comming and the Federal Government will not sensably act to incourage business,factories and residences to move to Inland States with some type of incentative.

We must understand no matter how much we are inclined to live in the places we have grown up in that nature and politics do not support our feelings and aspirations as much as we think they should.

Best Policy, choose a good location in a interiot part of your state or another interior state that is resistant to hurricanes and tornadoes and floods and let nature do it's thing along the national coast lines. If Global warming is saying anything about the future, it is showing the Coast lines Globaly are very unsafe places to live.

Get Smart and be happy ! Let the Insurance Companies do their coastal thing. They will always try and keep their premiums and pay you very little for your trust in them. After all they are satisfying the banks request of insuring your properties and that is all they are doing. They will not work for you, that is not how they make big profits and the CEO's make big bucks.

We need new Federal and State regulation of Insurance coverage that will allow a predictable small profit for Insurance companies in hurricane prone areas. Your article seems to suggest that Insurers have a moral obligation to pay claims because they were profitable in other areas of country or in other parts of the industry. Business doesn't work that way. Should Toyota give back profits because its successful?

Eliminating the the limited antitrust exemption which allow companies to share statistical claim information will only hurt smaller insurance companies who do not have the broad base claim information of large companies. The smaller companies will cease to do business in these areas if they do not have the information to accurately predict losses and price their products accordingly. Currently there are 2,700 Insurance companies in the United States alone. There is a lot of competition.
There isn't much competition in high risk areas.

The real answer is the people who live in these areas will have to pay the costs and share the risks with their Insurance companies. Self insuring a large portion of the initial damage from smaller storms and looking to the Insurer for catastrophic coverage.

We need to find solutions to these problems. The government needs to work with the Insurance industry and solve the problem of how to finance the catastrohic risk of Insuring coastal properties. The last thing you need to do is to punish the Insurance industry by exacting punitive measures forcing them to lose millions by insuring properties in these areas. Regulations need to change at the Federal and State level otherwise Insurers will just leave and play ball elsewhere. It is happening in these states already.

I really feel for these people. Insurance is the biggest scam in America. I live in Clearwater, Florida and as soon as my wife is finished with school we are relocating because we can't afford to own a home in Florida with the current rates on insurance and taxes. I don't know how people do it, I'm a college grad with 2 undergraduate degrees preparing for the CPA exam, I make good money, and I still can't afford a 1300 sq/ft home in a decent neighborhood. What is the average person going to do? Insurance needs to be federally regulated and taken away from the states because they have proven that they can't handle the responsibility.

What is wrong with the United States? We run to the aid of every other country in the world and we can't fix our own? No wonder we are looked upon with such disgust. God help us when we can't take care of our own!!

In most cases, I sympathize with small businesses and individuals facing ever-growing insurance premiums but I really can't feel sorry for people who want to run a business and/or live AT OR BELOW SEA LEVEL RIGHT NEXT TO THE OCEAN. I think insurance companies have every right to charge whatever they want for people who insist on building in an ocean-side "bowl".

As a former Ms resident and business owner I know where they are coming from. After Katrina we had to relocate just to keep our business up and running. We loved the Gulf Coast and miss it terribly and keep everyone still there fighting in our prayers.

As tragic as Katrina was, I still don't understand why the American taxpayer now has to subsidize the insurance premiums for Gulf coast residences. If you love the Gulf Coast that much, pay for your stay.

We need a national wind and hail coverage policy like a federal flood policy. Flood insurance is the same price for the $ amount at any company. My wind and hail policy has more than doubled since Katrina. I only recieved $800 from my home owners coverage after the storm, because I had water to my gutters for nearly 23 days! Of course I had to tear down the house, and am now currently rebuilding. I really don't know why I am rebuilding, haven't gotten any grant help, and the cost of living has more than doubled without any improved services in our community.

As a Gulf Coast (panhandle) resident in Florida I assure you that I followed Katrina's track intently. Only the slightest jog to the NE would have resulted in Pensacola experiencing a 3rd major hurricane. After Ivan, every bit Katrina's equal in intensity but slower moving and after Dennis, I'm not sure if we wouldn't have been better off. NW Florida's economy would have died a quick death rather than a slow painful demise. Business and homeowner alike are feeling it.
$64B insurance industry profits?? I live N of hwy 98 in a non flood zone but with the wrong zip code. Like a bad neighbor, State Farm, increased my homeowners from $1,800 to $11,600. Adding insult to injury, irresponsible prop tax increases based on a temporary rise in values, has rendered the local RE market DOA.
Those on fixed incomes need to sell and move to more affordable areas but there are no buyers. Forclosures in NW Florida grew exponentially over same time last year and I fear that this is just the tip of the spear.
It wasn't the hurricanes...it was the money grab inflicted upon us by elected decision makers.

Ok, now we are finally getting somewhere. It is time to stop subsidizing the lifestyles of those who CHOOSE to live in harm's way. I live in the Northeast, each time it snows, people from down South don't pool their tax dollars to come up here and help pay to clear my driveway.

This is an issue for the private sector. If a cost/benefit analysis shows it cannot be profitable to operate a business on the headpin of hurricane alley, then move the business. New Orleans could be a very effective and basic shipping port at the delta. It does not have to continue to be a residentual area. If this happens again can the American public really afford another 120 Billion to restore New Orleans to its curent mess? What is the return?

Like I said, we all have a choice as to where we live or do business. The risks of life on the gulf coast can be reasonably predicted with historical data and probability calculations. Katrina wasn't an 'act of God' it was a fact of life.

We as a society have to accept responsibility for our choices. If i CHOOSE to live in New Orleans, shame on me if my house is destroied and I was underinsured. I would never expect the public sector to come in and bail me out.

The fact that we are paying to rebuild in THE SAME FLOOD ZONE is adding insult to injury.

If the private insurance industry is trying to dodge their responsibility, then let's get this processed through the courts asap. Get that private money out there.

The gulf coast floods, hurricanes happen. If you choose to live there, plan for the worst. Take the money you dont have to pay each winter to heat your home, and put it towards insurance. Whatever. I am totally for helping those who are unfortunate or cannot help themselves, but this was 100% avoidable.

I think it's downright unamerican for anyone who suffered a loss in Katrina to accept one dime of public aid. Shame on you for taking it, and shame on us for making it available. It's not like this is the first hurricane to flood this area.

I feel it's a shame and an out right rip off for insurance rates to double & triple while the insurance companies make BILLIONS in profits. How can our government let them get away with this fleecing of the american people? Could it be our Congressmen are lining their pockets also?

To all who are of the opinion that people living in the "path of destruction" are stupid. Well let me tell you that no matter where you live natural disasters are possible. Tornados in mid-west, earthquakes out west and massive snow and ice storms in the north. We all have potential for disasters. Some of you are just jerks. The Govermant has never assistance me one time. I Live 50 miles north of the Gulf of mexico, not because I want to closed to the beach. Because this where have setteled. I survived many storms. Some disasters happen but are rare. When these things happen. Everybody cannot just move to safer location becuse there is no safer location. For the people complaining about New Orleans being in a flood zone, it has been there for 350 years. Longer than most US cities. I guess it stayed there for a reason. Federal Goverment needs to assis in time of natural disasters, thats a given. I do not want anything for nothing. You can never understand how it was down here until you have experienced it. I went to Bayou Labatre, AL to help people clean up. The devastion brought tears to my eyes. No complaining was going to cure the problem so everybody just sucked it up and move forward. This area supplies 1/3 of fresh shrimp to the United States yearly. I guess they should just shut that city down because people not from here think we are stupid for living here. Insurance companies have taken risk out of there business. If there where no risks there would be no reason for being in business. I am fortunate that my house was not damaged in Katrina or Ivan. My property was destroyed with several hundred trees down. No insurance help for that of course. I am still cleaning up from that and it will take many thousands of dollars before I get done.
Was without power for 9 days and Gasoline to run the generators was extreamly limited and had to wait for hours to get 10 gallons max. No matter where we live there are risks. So stop complaining because we live Down here. It could happen to you where you live!

Although it is clear that the insurance industry must be held accountable for the refusal to pay existing claims, where do those who have made a clear, personal choice to live in a wind, flood, disaster area feel they have special privilege to have rates that do not cover the likelyhood of it happening again? Even though rates are predicated on area, the final determining factor is profitability and if insurance carriers are forced to privide rates less than risk then others will see their premiums rise to offset. Why are you so damned special that I must help foot the bill for your premium. Insurance companies deserve to make a profit...and as much as the free enterprise system we live in will allow. They do not have to do business with you nor in your state. They are not private entities, they have a responsibility to their share holders to return dividends on the investment. If you don't like it MOVE! No one really has to live in the place you have chosen...

Whether any of us like to admit it, insurance is a type of gambling with one side betting the risk of damage is low and the other betting it is high. Unfortunately for the people and businesses in coastal areas prone to hurricane damage the odds/risk of getting damaged have been determined to be higher. Therefore, insurance costs have risen and the cost of being in the game is beyond some people.

While it is sad to see places which have existed for years apparently fade away, this may be the reality that some Gulf Coast communities face. It is the same issue faced by many Mississippi/Mrssouri River communities after the '93 Midwest Floods as well as small farming towns in the Plains as the small family farm becomes the corporate mega farm.

What do you expect. You are living in an area that does get hit by weather. Why should I pay more on my rates for you to live in a flood zone, or an area that is at risk of hurricane and or wind damage. You have elected to live there so pay the money. Insurance companies are in the business of making money just like most of you that have businesses in the gulf coast area. Could you operate without making a profit. And State Farm paid several claims that they were not responsible for. Blame the congressman for getting State Farm and other insurance companies for not writing any new home owners or commercial property policies. YOu take that chance when you have decided to live there. No one has forced any of you to live in an area that is at risk. I am surprised that any of you can even get insurance. If I owned an insurance company I would not want to insure any of you because the risk of me losing all of my money is to great. Would any of you business owners operate a business that is not making any money. Would you set up your business in an area that has no potential for profit. My guess is no so why blame the insurance companies. Its always easier to blame others for your own mistakes. So buckle up and take it and stop complaining.

This is a serious problem with no easy solution. The insurance industry is powerful and seldom loses money. They are pulling out of states that are high risk and cherry picking lines of coverage. State Farm will write a new auto policy in Florida but not a new homeowner’s policy. A national reinsurer, backed by the USA, guaranteeing against disaster, would lower rates and keep insurers from abandoning disaster prone areas.

Don't think this is just a problem for those wanting to enjoy life on the beach. In MS it the 6 southernmost counties that have been affected.

To work on the coast, or in New Orleans, one would have to move 2-3 hours away to escape the insurance rates.

So is the rest of the country willing to do with out the seafood, shipbuilding, oil refineries & ports?

There are no set standards of time that the insurance industry must pay a claim. Insurance companies are also protected with the antitrust laws. They require stricter federal and global regulation.
Insurers are obligated to be more educated when reading the underwriting in their policy beforehand.

I would like to know why it is that the insurance companies are able to get away with saying that they can't afford to pay out all the policy claims while at the same time posting record profit margins. If the insurance companies aren't going to insure people that live in the path of hurricanes the they souldn't insure people that live in tornado alley or people that live in earthquake prone areas or people that live in excessive snow areas or people that live in fire prone forest or brush areas or people that drive cars or owns businesses. In other words the insurance companies shoud just quit period because there isn't anywhere in the United States that doesn't have some potential form of natural disaster. It sounds to me like it is time for a major overhaul of the entire insurance industry.

I cannot begin to imagine how difficult the thought of moving and enduring must be for all of these people. I have been in the situation of not being able to return to all that was familiar and comfortable. I am grateful now for the experience because I would never have come to know all the people I have known over the years because of that trek across the USA with nothing and starting over. I would not have met my wife or had my five beautiful children. I cannot imagine staying in an area that is most assuredly destined for the same doom at a future date. Pick a safer lace to live, pick up all you can and move. Starting over should be viewed as an adventure. Once you actually pull away in your car having made the decision... driving just a matter of a few miles will lift an incredible weight off your shoulders. I speak from experience.

I would get on a list with all my neighbors and other policy holders from your insurance company and do battle from your new location. As Americans... we should stick together and make all parties accountable. 'Evil flourishes when good people do nothing.'
Get on the internet and start looking.
Warmest Regards,
Joseph Seaborn
gaspdesign@earthlink.net

Why are so many idiots in this country that still think MS is below sea level?

For those bashing New Orleans, what do you plan to do without the port or the oil & gas industry?

For those defending the criminal insurance industry with your crap about risk, did you miss the part about RECORD PROFITS?

For those who have helped, for those who understand, and for those in FL already going through this: thank you, thank you, and we feel your pain.

Move? Where do you people think we can move to? Are you going to buy my property? I'm 87' above sea level, an hour drive to anyplace to work, an hour drive to the coast and my new insurance rates means nothing other than homes for the rich are selling.

When New Orleans and the MS Gulf coast are dead, where do you think the states of MS & LA are going to get money? Are you ready for all of us to move to YOUR state?

The entire Gulf coast region needs to seceed from the union, sell our oil & gas to the rest of you, and then we wouldn't need any federal help!

Thank you Gene Taylor for fighting back. The insurance industry is beyond corrupt.

People must learn to build dwellings that can sustain wind damage (and that is possible) and minimize the flood damage. Spend more money in the front-end so that you can save in the back-end (while accepting the fair truth about private insurers being in business to make money, and not to lose it). People should not settle for being qualified as government aid recipients but should get to work on the problems that affect them and look for solutions on their own!

In 1989 Hurricane Hugo hit South Carolina and partially destroyed my business property of more than 30 years and which is located 100 miles inland. Legally the buildings were partially destroyed because the they weren't flatten to the ground. In 1989 we were insured with the Hartford Insurance Company and they told me we weren't covered for the loss. Several months prior to the hurricane an insurance agent from another agency had been calling on me trying to get me to insure with his agency. I called him telling him the Hartford wasn't going to pay for the losses and he offered to help me. In just a few months the new agent got the Hartford to issue the check for everything they were obligated for and he also got my business. We used the money to rebuild the building and kept on going. There are ways to find help and insurance agents and lawyers who are willing to help. The experience of losing everything, suffering the depression that follows and then having to face the insurance "machine" is overwhelming. The insurance industry needs to be held accountable by being made to pay all claims even if they go broke. After all, any claims they pay out will only get passed on to other insured clients. That's the unfair way insurance works. It is sad that some elected officals have become what they have become and are no longer working for those who elected them, but work for lobbists and deep pockets. As for the businessowners hit by Katrina they should be given a wind, flood, hail and hurricane insurance exemption status for five years which would allow them to rebuild, reopen and restart their lives and businesses. It would also allow them to build liquid cash accounts to afford insurance at the end of the five years. Maybe by then we will have elected officals working for the American public again and they won't need so much insurance? Lastly I add that if we could round up 10,000 or so illegal aliens and send them to the Katrina area, they could help with the clean up efforts which would end some of the harm they are doing. My prayers to the Katrina community. It's very very hard but it will get better. Been there, done that and moved forward.

we lost our home due to isabell 4 years ago, got no help,contractor's went bananna's with promises to help ,but only wanted the money, many people were ripped off. we can not afford to rebuild as much as we try to hold on,it get's harder each day. i have 2 handicapped kid's, had 30k in savings [gone now]had flood insurance ,what a joke. your in good hands with allstate till something happen's. now it's even getting more expensive to rebuild. this world is a trip.good luck people

It's all been said. This is absolutely horrible journalism, but I can't say I'm surprised coming from MSNBC.com.

One: Insurance these days is tantamount to racketeering with federal and state backing. The government mandates it, yet when the time comes to call on it, no one wants to pay because the loopholes allowed by the government give the insurance companies an easy out. The borrower gets screwed.

Two: If you're a business owner and don't realize this yet, you deserve every instant of fiscal pain you receive. You know they are going to screw you, yet you allow yourself back into a position to be screwed.

If you really want to get their attention. If you really want to make an impact, you have to abandon sentiment and let the coast die. One, you realize you're risking everything by living and doing business there, then two, when its destroyed, you let the government see the REAL damage caused by the stupidity of their legislation. Let them feel the strain of lost tax revenue, let them feel the hurt of a constituency turning its back on them. Hold them accountable with your feet.

I MOVED HERE AFTER THE STORM FOR MY JOB. THE INSURANCE COMPANYS AND FEMA ONLY HELP THE ONES WHO DON'T WANT TO WORK OR GET BACK ON THERE FEET. FEMA TRAILER PARKS ARE DRUG HOUSES!!! MY HUSBAND AND ME HAVE A HOUSE, WE ARE PAYING A EXTRA 400.00 A MONTH JUST FOR THE INSURANCE. EMPLOYEERS DON'T INCREASE PAY TO COVER EXTRA COST TO LIVE HERE. SO THE HARD WORKING PEOPLE ARE THE ONES WHO ARE PAYING!!!! SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE!!!

In this age of high dollar insurance advertising, it would be nice for all the insurers to spend less time to drum up new business and much more time taking care of the business at hand - the last time I checked, New Orleans was still a part of these United States...unfortunately the current administration, coupled with the profiteering interests of major insurance companies, have decided that these "insureds" were not worth the time of day...funny how Florida managed to recover so well while New Orleans continues to go through hell.

Though I think it's terrible that the insurance companies aren't honoring their policies for individuals who had coverage, I don't think they are being unreasonable to refuse to cover these areas going forward. The reality is that these areas should not be inhabited because they are too risky. If one chooses to live there it should be at THEIR OWN risk, not the rest of the nation via FEMA. Those of us who don't have an ocean view really resent having to pay for rebuilding the ocean front properties of those on the coasts. First time is an understandable mistake, but, if you're stupid enough to rebuild in the same spot then you're on your own. Lord knows there is plenty of land, vacant houses and empty skyscrapers in Detroit and Cleveland where one could open a business - there is no need to live below sealevel.

I feel for the citizens of Mississippi and Louisiana. Here in Florida, we were hit with the insanely skyrocketing insurance increases after Hurricane Andrew. They haven't stopped yet and there's no end in sight in spite of our legislature addressing the problem. Any discount (and I stress "any") is only to last until next year. Furthermore, we are forced to carry unnecessarily high limits with no choices if our properties are mortgaged. It's a crime and a lot of insurers are getting rich while crying poor.