Two years ago, the insurance industry had its most expensive year ever. Some $83 billion in claims were received, largely because of Katrina and other hurricanes in the United States. Now the industry is sponsoring research into houses that can better withstand storm damage. With global climate changes threatening to bring a surge in powerful storms and other disasters, insurance companies are trying to find a solution — other than refusing to issue policies in some areas, or raising property-insurance premiums.