Claims News Service, Aug. 29, 4:49 p.m. EDT -- A report reissued this week by the American Association for Justice is accusing insurance companies of "systematically denying paying policyholders fair and just claims following Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters."

The 16-page report, entitled, "Pattern of Greed 2007: How Insurance Companies Put Profits over Policyholders," appears to be very similar to a report issued in Aug. 2006 by the same group, known then as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Like last year's report, it came on the eve of the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's landfall in Louisiana and Mississippi and subsequent levee failures in New Orleans.

The report continues to beat the drum on how the group says insurers collected billions in premiums from policyholders, only to deny payments to policyholders in need. As proof, it points to the well known profits made by insurers over the last two years, which is said to be more than $100 billion. It also offers a page of quotes from various insurance representatives that seems intent on showing motives and unethical behavior, and offers up past disasters as proof that the practice of denying claims is a pattern of behavior.

"While the insurance industry is enjoying record profits, thousands of people continue to live in FEMA trailers and other temporary housing, waiting for their policies to be honored," said AAJ CEO Jon Haber, in a release. "It is a sad and shocking fact that after every natural disaster insurance companies adopt a pattern of delaying and denying the payment of just and fair claims. We urge state governors and insurance commissioners to investigate this outrageous behavior and take action against it."

To view the report, go to www.justice.org/POG2007.pdf.

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