<p>NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - It should be no surprise that big storms, including hurricanes and tropical storms, can cause big damage. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew caused $16 billion in insured losses.</p>
<p>But as Isabel, a category 2 hurricane, bears down on the Eastern seaboard, homeowners in the storm's path should brace themselves for an even bigger financial hit than they might have expected in prior years from a similar storm.</p>