He said that property insurers in Louisiana in 2005 paid out $20 billion in claims, or the equivalent of 20 years worth of premiums collected in the state. After that, Heidrich said, "you want those companies to build back their capital base so they're in a position to pay claims that could be at extraordinary levels in other years."

He also said that more than 95 percent of all the hurricane claims have been settled, "so I have to reject out of hand the notion that profits in 2006 are driven by people not paying claims."

At the same time, he said, he "understands the concerns" of those still waiting for settlements — especially those caught in disputes over whether the damage came from wind or flood. Homeowners policies typically cover wind damage, but not flood damage.

Genio Staranczak, chief economist with the PCIAA, said that insurance companies also have become better at protecting themselves by spreading risk, mainly by buying reinsurance. Reinsurance is basically insurance for insurers. He estimated that 45 percent of the 2005 hurricane season losses were borne by reinsurers.

Eileen A. Frank, a New York insurance broker who grew up in Louisiana and maintains an office in New Orleans, said that while many hurricane claims have been settled, many others still are pending.

She said that she and others in the industry tried to help clients by pulling together their claims and supporting documents, only to be referred by insurance companies from one adjuster to another and to yet another.

"Payments that should have been made without question are still not being delivered," she said.

Meanwhile, it's become harder for families and small businesses in coastal states to get affordable property insurance coverage.

Frank, who is a member of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of New York, said that insurers wary of predictions of more-active storm seasons don't want new customers — or are not renewing old ones.

A policy she handled recently for a multifamily house cost the owner $6,000, up from less than $2,000 before Katrina. And, Frank said, it had a deductible for wind damage equivalent to 5 percent of the value of the house.

"Pricing has gone through the roof," she said. "And I don't think we've seen the end of it."