[Milwaukee_Guy]

I'll predict that if the worst case scenario does unfold in New Orleans or elsewhere along the Gulf coast, coastal areas prone to hurricanes will become UNINSUREABLE for a long time to come.

Some estimates have potential material damage at 50 - 100 Billion dollars.

The insurance companies will simply cease providing coverage or coverage may exceed the cost of one's mortgage.

So then the government/taxpayer will foot the bill for oceanfront property or whole areas will simply depopulate due to the cost of living along the coast.

I never thought we would see such a possibility......

[Tarpon]

If you look at a historical map, you will find hurricanes frequent the whole eastern seaboard, and all of the Gulf of Mexico -- that is going to be a lot of un-insurable property. I doubt your assessment -- that would leave a huge segment of the US population without insurance, IMHO, not gonna happen.