BROOKLYN, N.Y.–A lack of statewide building standards is aprimary reason insurers are abandoning New York State coastalrisks, a consultant told an industry meeting here today.

M. Rita Hollada made her remarks during a continuing educationcourse presented by the Professional Insurance Agents of New York'sannual Metropolitan Regional Awareness Program.

She told her audience that agents in New York are experiencingthe same restrictions to their coastal markets that agents in herhome state of Delaware began to experience more than 10 years agoand establishing proper building standards would improve the riskclimate in Brooklyn and elsewhere.