All it would take, says a property-casualty insurance expert, is one big storm to end the soft market. Otherwise, risk managers can expect the soft market to continue indefinitely, according to RIMS.

Eight property-casualty insurers dominate the market for insurance coverage in most hurricane-prone states, according to Weiss Ratings.

Faulty insurance claims adjusting work is being linked to the increased number of reopened insurance cases involving Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

If oil from the massive spill in the Gulf of Mexico is mixed with flood waters, it will be covered under the National Flood Insurance Program.

Facing hundreds of civil suits over hurricane-related damage, a Texas property-casualty insurer is seeking immunity from penalties in court.