Hurricane Wilma may cost insurers in the US between $6bn and $9bn, catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide has said.
Hurricane Wilma's wind speeds were strong enough to cause structural damage to light metal buildings and mobile homes, and rip away roof coverings and sidings, AIR Worldwide said.
Storm surges of 12 to 18 feet could cause more damage to low-lying properties, the firm added.
On the densely populated east coast of Florida, in the area between Miami and West Palm Beach, AIR said it expects to see damage to roofs and non-structural building components, such as awnings and carports.
Wilma was much weaker than Hurricane Katrina, which ravaged the Gulf Coast in late August. Wilma was also moving much quicker, limiting its damage potential, AIR added.
