Merlin Law Group

Our pledge is to provide competent, creative and honest legal counsel, service, and advocacy to policyholders and claimants.

[Merlin Law Group @MerlinLawGroup]

For years, fraud has been blamed for insurance market problems. But Hurricane Milton data suggests fraud was almost nonexistent while thousands of claims were closed over valuation issues. Is claim undervaluation the real crisis?

https://t.co/ybO59Id40B

[Merlin Law Group @MerlinLawGroup]

The insurance industry often blames fraud for rising costs. But Florida Hurricane Milton data shows only 18 fraud-related claim closures among tens of thousands of unpaid claims. What do the numbers actually tell us? https://t.co/7nqHemYAEq

[Merlin Law Group @MerlinLawGroup]

California homeowners are fireproofing their homes, yet still losing insurance coverage. #SB1076 would have required insurers to cover fire-safe homes. Instead, the bill failed, marking the fourth failed attempt since 2020. As wildfire season looms, policyholders need reform.

[Merlin Law Group @MerlinLawGroup]

A railroad prevented Hurricane Irma damage, then faced a coverage denial because the damage never happened. The Eleventh Circuit’s ruling shows why mitigation, preservation clauses, and deductible wording matter. https://t.co/HrFHbt4K2X

[Merlin Law Group @MerlinLawGroup]

The Portofino appraisal dispute is now before the Eleventh Circuit.

Can courts look behind an appraisal award and scrutinize the appraisal process itself? The answer could reshape property insurance appraisal disputes for years to come.

https://t.co/aMxxoeZ8Ar

[Merlin Law Group @MerlinLawGroup]

AI is increasingly inspecting roofs and influencing insurance coverage decisions without a human ever visiting the property. See why regulatory oversight is becoming even more important. https://t.co/s3kToO5ZaG

[Merlin Law Group @MerlinLawGroup]

June marks the start of #HurricaneSeason, but #CoverageDecisions are often decided before a storm even hits. Homeowners in FL, TX, OK, & LA, prepare by:
• Reviewing your policy
• Understanding key terms
• Documenting your property
• Preparing an emergency plan

[Merlin Law Group @MerlinLawGroup]

The fight over anti-public adjuster endorsements just escalated. SMW has responded to Velocity's motion to dismiss and is seeking discovery into the insurer's use of these endorsements. Read Chip Merlin's analysis. https://t.co/8RBHLXgQaV

[Merlin Law Group @MerlinLawGroup]

#HurricaneSeason is near. 🌪️ Chip Merlin joined @FOX13News Tampa Bay with 3 questions every homeowner should ask before the next storm:
1️⃣ Is my coverage enough to rebuild?
2️⃣ Any hidden policy gaps?
3️⃣ Can I afford my deductible?
Watch Chip's interview 🔗 https://t.co/G2HGUusVhV

[Merlin Law Group @MerlinLawGroup]

Where did the term “lowballing” come from? A recent Safeco case explores how the phrase became tied to insurance bad faith allegations and unfair claim payments. https://t.co/EcLWUMFk55

[Merlin Law Group @MerlinLawGroup]

An April #Hailstorm may become Greater Cleveland’s costliest natural disaster in years. Property owners are still recovering from widespread damage and navigating complex claims. Merlin Law Group’s alliance with Rutter & Russin supports #OhioPolicyholders through recovery.

[Merlin Law Group @MerlinLawGroup]

One Oklahoma hail claim has become a major fight over State Farm, consumer protection, and the Attorney General’s power to address alleged systemic claims misconduct.
https://t.co/sw1hOpmj3W

[Merlin Law Group @MerlinLawGroup]

A new federal lawsuit challenges insurance policy endorsements that allegedly prohibit policyholders from hiring public adjusters without risking coverage. If upheld, these endorsements could reshape claims handling practices.

https://t.co/JXiQGJhUxC

[Merlin Law Group @MerlinLawGroup]

A California court reversed State Farm’s water damage denial and limited the reach of the genuine dispute defense. The ruling is a major reminder that insurers must fairly investigate before denying pipe leak claims. https://t.co/F1OFKV5myY

[Merlin Law Group @MerlinLawGroup]

This Memorial Day, we honor the courage, service, and selflessness of those who defended our freedoms. Today and always, we remember.

[Merlin Law Group @MerlinLawGroup]

Are we fixing FEMA bureaucracy or forgetting Katrina’s lessons? Chip Merlin explains why disaster reform should mean smarter FEMA, not a weaker federal safety net. Read the full post. https://t.co/q7YJSF8jqc

[Merlin Law Group @MerlinLawGroup]

Last week👇
Christina Phillips moderated a panel & Edward Eshoo presented at CLPAA in IL. In Denver, Larry Bache led a session at IAUA before joining Jon Bukowski at RMAPIA, where Chip Merlin also took the stage. We spent time connecting with professionals at GAPIA in GA as well!

[Merlin Law Group @MerlinLawGroup]

Can insurers ban policyholders from hiring public adjusters after a loss? A New York lawsuit raises troubling questions about policyholder rights, licensed claim advocates, and fairness in the claims process. https://t.co/00hEWvJNW1

[Merlin Law Group @MerlinLawGroup]

A higher appraisal award does not automatically prove bad faith. Chip Merlin explains why policyholders must prove damages caused by insurer conduct, not just underpayment.

https://t.co/Hf6a9ijfzv

[Merlin Law Group @MerlinLawGroup]

Congratulations to Merlin Law Group attorney Derek Chaiken on being named to @LATimesStudios_’ 2026 Legal Visionaries for his work representing wildfire survivors and policyholders in complex insurance disputes!
#PolicyholderAdvocate #InsuranceLaw