The latest estimates of catastrophic losses from August’s Hurricane Irene project total property damage at $4.3 billion, with the worst damage in New Jersey and North Carolina.

The 2011 Atlantic Hurricane season ended Nov. 30 after producing seven major hurricanes, including three major ones, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Losses from Hurricane Irene may be as high as $6.6 billion, which is relatively low compared to total losses for the year so far.

A key ratings service expects a “somewhat limited impact” from Hurricane Irene for U.S. property-casualty insurers and global reinsurers.

Private-sector insurers have more than enough financial resources to cover any damage caused by Hurricane Irene, although state-run property insurers may not be so lucky, an insurance association says.

Residents of homes with faulty drywall reached an $8 million settlement with a New Orleans company that distributed the Chinese drywall to homes in the Gulf region for rebuilding after hurricane disasters.

Florida’s insurance commissioner has approved rate hikes averaging 18.8% for homeowners who are covered by State Farm.

A Florida appeals court ruled Dec. 29 that public insurance adjusters’ commercial free speech rights are violated if they are prohibited from soliciting people until 48 hours after an event that could lead to an insurance claim.

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty approved multiple rate hikes for Citizens Property Insurance, a major coastal property insurer in the state.

Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp. plans to pay $23 million to settle a civil suit where thousands of people say they were not properly compensated for hurricane losses after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.