4th quarter cat losses reach ten-year high.(National Report)

Although 2003 was the third costliest year for catastrophe losses in the past decade, the fourth quarter's $2.64 billion loss from five events was the highest during the same period, according to estimates by Property Claim Services.

During the last three months of 2003, two California wildfires caused insured losses of $2.03 billion. Other losses incurred during the quarter include $610 million in losses from three wind and thunderstorm events in 27 states.

For the year, United States property and