Merlin Law Group

05/29/2026

A significant development has occurred in the lawsuit challenging anti-public adjuster endorsements. A public adjusting firm has responded to Velocity Risk Underwriters' motion to dismiss, arguing that the insurer is sidestepping the core issue of whether policyholders can be discouraged from hiring licensed public adjusters. The latest filing also seeks discovery regarding the insurer's use of these endorsements. Chip Merlin analyzes the implications.

Can an insurer use a policy endorsement to stop a policyholder from hiring a licensed public adjuster? An update to the latest developments.

05/28/2026

Hurricane season is nearly here. 🌪️ FOX 13 News - Tampa Bay turned to Chip Merlin for guidance on what homeowners should review in their insurance policies before the next storm forms.

Many homeowners don’t realize they’re underinsured until after the damage is done and the payout falls short of rebuild costs.

Chip explained the three conversations every policyholder should have with their insurance agent:
1️⃣ Is my coverage enough to fully rebuild my property?
2️⃣ Are there hidden exclusions or coverage gaps in my policy?
3️⃣ Could I realistically afford my hurricane deductible after a major storm?

Don’t wait until after a hurricane to find out what your policy doesn’t cover.

🔗 Watch Chip’s full interview with FOX13: https://hubs.ly/Q04jhmZR0.

05/28/2026

What does “lowballing” really mean, and where did the term originate?

A recent Washington insurance case involving Safeco sparked an interesting discussion about the history and legal significance of “lowballing” claims. The phrase carries more than financial meaning. It suggests unfairness, strategy, and pressure placed on policyholders during difficult times.

Explore the origins of the term, its role in insurance bad faith litigation, and why words matter in claim disputes.

Insurance professionals use the term "lowballing." But where did the phrase actually come from, and why does it carry such powerful meaning?

05/27/2026

A severe hailstorm that hit Northeast Ohio in April is on track to become Greater Cleveland’s most costly natural disaster in years.

Weeks after the storm, homeowners and businesses in communities like Solon are still recovering from widespread property damage, and many now face a complex insurance claims process.

“There’s nothing really of this magnitude that’s happened up here in the recent history of Northeast Ohio,” attorney Bobby Rutter of Rutter & Russin told cleveland.com. Merlin Law Group’s strategic alliance with Rutter & Russin expands support for Ohio policyholders recovering from catastrophic property losses, where experienced advocacy during the claims process makes all the difference during recovery.

05/27/2026

What began as a single Oklahoma hail claim has become a significant legal battle over State Farm, the Attorney General’s authority, and whether alleged systemic insurance misconduct can justify statewide consumer protection intervention. Chip Merlin explains why this case matters for policyholders, regulators, and claims professionals.

Recent Oklahoma hail claims litigation involving State Farm may shape the future of insurance enforcement in the state.

05/26/2026

A major federal lawsuit in Massachusetts is challenging insurance policy endorsements that allegedly threaten policyholders with loss of coverage if they hire public adjusters.

The case raises significant questions about fairness in the claims process, freedom of contract, and whether insurers can effectively eliminate licensed policyholder advocates through policy language.

If these endorsements survive judicial scrutiny, they could spread rapidly through surplus lines insurance markets.

Read Chip Merlin’s analysis of this important case and what it could mean for policyholders and public adjusters nationwide.

A new federal lawsuit in Massachusetts challenges policy endorsements that may punish policyholders for hiring public adjusters.

05/26/2026

A California appellate court just reversed summary judgment for State Farm in a denied water damage claim. The ruling raises important issues about continuous seepage exclusions, claim investigations, expert bias, and the limits of the genuine dispute defense. Read why this decision matters for policyholders.

A California appellate court sends a strong message on water damage denials and bad faith investigations. Read why this decision matters.

05/25/2026

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

05/22/2026

A new FEMA reform report may mark a major shift in federal disaster policy. The concern is whether we are truly fixing FEMA’s bureaucracy or repeating the pre-Hurricane Katrina mistake of relying too heavily on local and state systems during catastrophic events.

Chip Merlin explains why a smarter FEMA - not a weaker one - should be the goal.

A new FEMA reform report raises an important question: are we fixing bureaucracy or weakening the federal safety net?

05/21/2026

Last week, our team was on the move coast to coast.

In Illinois, we attended the Chicagoland Public Adjuster's Association Spring Seminar, where Christina Phillips moderated a panel and Edward Eshoo delivered a fantastic presentation.

Out in Colorado, we had a double feature! Larry Bache led an educational session at IAUA Denver, then took the stage again at the Rocky Mountain Association of Public Insurance Adjusters Spring Conference alongside Jon Bukowski. Chip Merlin also joined our Colorado team to speak on proof of loss.

Over in Atlanta, we attended the Georgia Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (GAPIA) Spring Conference, where meaningful discourse took place throughout the event. Chip Merlin shared his expertise while Mike Moore and Brian Braddy connected with fellow professionals.

We’re grateful for every opportunity to connect, collaborate, and continue supporting the policyholder community nationwide.

05/20/2026

Can an insurance company prohibit a policyholder from hiring a public adjuster after a loss? A recent New York federal court decision raises serious concerns about anti-public-adjuster endorsements, policyholder rights, and fairness in the claims process. Read Chip Merlin’s analysis.

A New York lawsuit raises serious questions about policyholder rights and public adjuster access. Learn more.