(This is just one article.  We’ve seen arguments for and against higher insurance rates as a result of the quake.)

The earthquake in Japan, where estimated losses would make it the worst disaster in history, will affect insurance rates in the U.S., according to industry experts. 

Japan tsunami wave chart, with red and purple being highest waves./Courtesy NOAA.In the next few months, reinsurers are likely to charge more for coverage in response to the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan and other parts of the Pacific March 11, said Marc M. Tract, a lawyer specializing in insurance and corporate law and partner at Katten Muchin Rosenman in New York. 

The quake and resulting tsunami caused damage as far away as the West Coast of the U.S., while the worst damage was in Northern Japan, where whole cities and towns were flooded and several nuclear reactors are in possible peril. 

“I think it will affect U.S. rates ultimately,” Tract told IFAwebnews.com. “At some point, someone has to pay.”

 http://ifawebnews.com/2011/03/14/japans-earthquake-tsunami-will-spawn-higher-u-s-insurance-rates/