Catastrophe & Restoration

Hurricane season is here, and with it comes uncertainty.

Insurance professionals should brace themselves for a possible influx of fresh claims related to Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne, Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, among other wind-related events from the unprecedented 2004-2005 storm seasons.

Perhaps the single most important outcome or use of seasonal activity forecasts is that they generate public interest and aid in public awareness of the tropical cyclone threat, especially just prior to the beginning of the hurricane season.

State Farm recently reached an agreement with the Indiana Department of Insurance to conclude a market conduct examination that began in March of 2007. The examination focuses on State Farm's response to an April, 2006 hailstorm.

AccuWeather.com Hurricane Center meteorologists call for a reduced overall number of storms, but warns that the East Coast of the U.S. could still be at risk of a major land falling storm.

The housing and mortgage crisis has reached such epic proportions that its impact can even be felt in the temporary housing business.

Black Mold Exposure is a feature documentary that delves into the controversy surrounding toxic mold and chronicles its devastating impact on people from various walks of life.

Guy Carpenter's Instrat unit has issued reports about last year's notable global tropical cyclone activity as well as 2008 man-made and technical catastrophes.