Claims News Service, Nov. 2, 9:01 a.m. EST -- Major hurricanes,such as the ones that have ravaged the Gulf Coast states in thepast two years, have had a significant negative impact onhomeowners' insurance customer satisfaction in those states,according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2005 HomeownersInsurance Study.

For the homeowners' insurance industry overall, customersatisfaction has remained stable compared to the 2004 study.However, satisfaction levels differ significantly from state tostate. For example, in Florida, where four major hurricanesoccurred in 2004, claim satisfaction is almost 10 percent lowerthan the rest of the nation.

Recent catastrophes coupled with serious underinsurance ofproperties create the potential for disappointed customers asclaims are settled. Although study respondents indicate they'veowned their primary residence for an average of 16 years, onlyabout one-half of homeowners have had their home's replacement costvalue updated in that time. Compounding the problem for consumersand carriers alike, home improvement projects often increase ahome's value. According to the study, while 41 percent ofhomeowners reported they made significant structural changes totheir home, 37 percent did not notify their insurer of thesechanges.