LONDON (Reuters) - Brit Insurance Holdings (BRE.L: Quote, Profile, Research) raised the expected net impact from U.S. hurricanes and the New Orleans flood to 182.5 million pounds but added on Monday it expected to remain profitable this year.

The insurer said it remained fully prepared to pay an uncovered final dividend for 2005, subject to the group's performance in the remainder of the year and the absence of any further claims.

"The current market conditions will allow us to utilise more fully our strong balance sheet thereby increasing the return on equity for our shareholders," Chief Executive Dane Douetil said in a statement.

In September, Brit estimated the net impact from the disasters at 112 million pounds and said the claims were high enough to wipe out its first-half profits.

Brit said the financial strength ratings of its main subsidiary, Brit Insurance Ltd., remained "A+" (strong) with Fitch and "A" (excellent) with A M Best, in each case with stable outlook.

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