Aside from communication, adjusters are challenged to find sleeping quarters. But, he said, "they are very resourceful and are getting the job done."

"Every day is getting a little better," he said, "but it is going to be a while before we get into New Orleans Parish."

Besides the communications problems between claims offices, there are also challenges contacting policyholders displaced by the storm. He said cell phones are virtually the only way they can contact one another regarding claims. With limited service, he said this will remain a challenge until the communication infrastructure is repaired.

In Texas, the Texas Department of Insurance, working with insurers and the American Insurance Association, has created the Texas Disaster Coalition, said Tiffany O'Shea, director of public affair for AIA.

She said the coalition has insurance assistance centers near Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster recovery centers set up for evacuees from New Orleans. Staff from companies, AIA and state insurance departments are on hand to answer questions and help policyholders begin the claims process.

She said the department is working to find space for carriers to bring their mobile claims centers into the evacuation centers to further help the claims process.

The United States Postal Service has created new ZIP codes for the facilities, and a mail call system for those in shelters. Those in shelters also will have access to computers and telephone service.

The state has set up a consumer help line at www.tdi.state.tx.us/consumer/katrina.html.

"We are working to try to get to [policyholders] and help them as quickly as possible," said Ms. O'Shea.

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner J. Robert Wooley, along with Mississippi Insurance Commissioner George Dale and Alabama Insurance Commissioner Walter A. Bell, met with insurance executives today in Atlanta to discuss companies response to this disaster.

"We are going to Atlanta to deliver the message that we don't want things to move too slowly, and that each of our states intends to be aggressive advocates for our affected citizens," Mr. Bell said in a statement.

Mississippi has requested companies in the state grant a 60-day grace period on collection of premiums.

However, it appears it will be a while before everything is settled.

"It is going to take months to finish the job," said Mr. Hubbard on the claims issue. "I can see this going into 2006."