Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 24, 2025

The recent filing of two sweeping antitrust lawsuits in California against a long list of most of the admitted California insurance companies has generated immediate attention within the insurance industry. 1 The lawsuits accuse major property insurers of colluding to reduce access to affordable and comprehensive fire insurance in high-risk areas of California by collectively … The post The Antitrust Wildfire Lawsuits That Could Burn Down Insurance Industry Norms appeared first on Property

Insurance Industry 164

Insurance Industry Property Insurance Insurance Insurer 164

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 23, 2025

Public adjusters and all property insurance adjusters working in Florida need to take notice. Failure to comply with the estimating standards laid out in Rule 69BER24-4, now permanently incorporated into Rule 69B-220.201, may result in serious ethical violations. These violations could put your license at risk. A public adjuster recently asked me whether it was … The post Florida Adjusters Beware: Failure to Follow Estimating Rule 69BER24-4 Can Jeopardize Your License appeared first on Pro

License 194

License Property Insurance Risk Insurance 194

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 22, 2025

Whoever wrote the proposed Iowa laws regarding insurance appraisal has a very narrow understanding of what appraisal is and how it functions. While I admit that I have not studied this law in great detail, the details as I read the new law are very different than how appraisal operates in any other state. From … The post Read the New Appraisal Law and Weep Appraisal Rules Are Trending to Become Statutory appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Property Insurance 200

Property Insurance Insurance Insurer Insured 200

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 21, 2025

A recent conversation on LinkedIn has sparked serious questions about the objectivity of engineering reports used by insurance companies. Our firm is now taking the first step to find out whether the claims of systemic bias hold water. It all started when a public adjuster responded to a thread involving attorney Steven Badger. The statement … The post What If Every Insurance Company Engineer Report Suggests a Denied Claim?

Insurance Companies 202

Insurance Companies Claim Property Insurance Insurance 202

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 19, 2025

Theres a curious echoing through the hallways of the public adjusting industry. Private equity is knocking on the door. It is not just knocking politely but banging with a battering ram made of spreadsheets, valuations, and ambitious acquisition plans. I personally know of at least four private equity deals that have already gone through involving … The post Private Equity Meets Public Adjusting: Opportunity or Alarm Bell?

Property Insurance 100

Property Insurance Insurance Insurer Insured 100

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 18, 2025

This weeks ruling by the Ninth Circuit in Dow v. Safeco Insurance Company of America 1 serves as a timely reminder for claims professionals to revisit how to interpret actual cash value (ACV), replacement cost value (RCV), and general contractor overhead and profit (GCOP) under property insurance policies which define the terms. This case, which … The post ACV, RCV, and GCOP: Why the Ninth Circuits Ruling Matters to Claims Professionals and Policyholders appeared first on Property Insuranc

Policyholder 100

Policyholder Claim Property Insurance Insurance Policy 100

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 17, 2025

Following the devastating 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, claims professionals across the country are once again on the media and actual frontlines of a crisis that extends far beyond burned structures and blackened landscapes. The physical damage is immense, but the emotional toll on survivors runs deeper and lasts longer than most realize. A recent must-read … The post Every Claims Professional Must Read Putnam Now: Emotional Recovery After Wildfire Loss appeared first on Property Insurance

Claim 100

Claim Property Insurance Damage Insurance 100

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 17, 2025

Following the devastating 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, claims professionals across the country are once again on the media and actual frontlines of a crisis that extends far beyond burned structures and blackened landscapes. The physical damage is immense, but the emotional toll on survivors runs deeper and lasts longer than most realize. A recent must-read … The post Every Claims Professional Must Read Putnam Now: Emotional Recovery After Wildfire Loss appeared first on Property Insurance

Claim 100

Claim Property Insurance Damage Insurance 100

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 16, 2025

When businesses think about protecting themselves from risk, they often focus on property damage, natural disasters, or customer lawsuits. However, one of the most damaging and often overlooked threats comes from within: employee theft. No matter the size of your business, a dishonest employee can cause massive financial harmand many business owners find out too … The post Employee Dishonesty ClaimsHow Far Back Does Coverage Extend?

Property Damage 100

Property Damage Theft Claim Damage 100

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 15, 2025

Assembly Bill 597 is working its way through the California Legislature and could soon become law. If passed in its current form, the bill would severely restrict how public adjusters can charge their clients in the wake of catastrophic eventsand it is policyholders who will pay the price, as many may lose access to adjusters … The post Californias AB 597 Threatens to Limit Access to Public Adjusters After Disasters appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Policyholder 183

Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Insurer 183

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 15, 2025

Assembly Bill 597 is working its way through the California Legislature and could soon become law. If passed in its current form, the bill would severely restrict how public adjusters can charge their clients in the wake of catastrophic eventsand it is policyholders who will pay the price, as many may lose access to adjusters … The post Californias AB 597 Threatens to Limit Access to Public Adjusters After Disasters appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Policyholder 183

Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Insurer 183

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 13, 2025

Few voices for policyholder interests and their rights have remained as consistent, credible, and compassionate as Amy Bach and her team at United Policyholders. I spent yesterday afternoon in Sonoma, California, speaking with Amy, a number of her current and former professional staff members, volunteers who have worked the Maui and Los Angeles wildfires, and … The post Amy Bach and United Policyholders: A Lasting Legacy of Advocacy and Action for Insurance Consumers appeared first on Prop

Policyholder 130

Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Insurer 130

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 14, 2025

When handling National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims, public adjusters and policyholders must be alert to critical warning signs. One of the most important phrases to recognize is: “We denied a portion of your claim.” Those few words, even if buried in a lengthy letter, should ring loud alarm bells. Under NFIP rules, a partial … The post Partial Denials Start Statute of Limitations Time Clock in National Flood Claims appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blo

Claim 191

Claim Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance 191

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 14, 2025

When handling National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims, public adjusters and policyholders must be alert to critical warning signs. One of the most important phrases to recognize is: “We denied a portion of your claim.” Those few words, even if buried in a lengthy letter, should ring loud alarm bells. Under NFIP rules, a partial … The post Partial Denials Start Statute of Limitations Time Clock in National Flood Claims appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blo

Claim 177

Claim Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance 177

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 13, 2025

Few voices for policyholder interests and their rights have remained as consistent, credible, and compassionate as Amy Bach and her team at United Policyholders. I spent yesterday afternoon in Sonoma, California, speaking with Amy, a number of her current and former professional staff members, volunteers who have worked the Maui and Los Angeles wildfires, and … The post Amy Bach and United Policyholders: A Lasting Legacy of Advocacy and Action for Insurance Consumers appeared first on Prop

Policyholder 130

Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Insurer 130

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 12, 2025

Most people dont think much about their insurance policies after they buy them. A bill shows up, they pay it, and life moves on. Insurance becomes almost invisibleuntil something happens. A catchy TV ad might remind them to shop around for a better rate, but otherwise, the details of their coverage stay buried in paperwork … The post Keep Track of Your Insurance PoliciesMake Insurance Checkups appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Insurance Policy 100

Insurance Policy Policy Insurance Insurer 100

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 10, 2025

In 2023, the Florida Legislature made a catastrophic mistake that is now hurting thousands of Floridians. They handed Citizens Property Insurance Corporation our state-run insurer of last resort the ability to force policyholders into administrative arbitration at the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) instead of letting disputes be decided by a jury of … The post Floridas DOAH Arbitration Disaster: How the Legislature Gave Citizens a License to Steamroll Policyholders appeared f

Policyholder 214

Policyholder License Property Insurance Insurance 214

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 10, 2025

In 2023, the Florida Legislature made a catastrophic mistake that is now hurting thousands of Floridians. They handed Citizens Property Insurance Corporation our state-run insurer of last resort the ability to force policyholders into administrative arbitration at the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) instead of letting disputes be decided by a jury of … The post Floridas DOAH Arbitration Disaster: How the Legislature Gave Citizens a License to Steamroll Policyholders appeared f

Policyholder 203

Policyholder License Property Insurance Insurance 203

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 9, 2025

Sometimes, decisions come along that make me wonder if judges are reading the same insurance policies and insurance laws the rest of us are. The recentFloridaClark opinion 1 is one of them. According to this sparkling gem of judicial thought, it turns out that its not enough to tell your insurance company, “Hey, my house … The post The New “Notice” Trap: Better Ring a Bell for Every Coverage You Might Claim appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Claim 159

Claim Property Insurance Insurance Policy Insurance Companies 159

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 9, 2025

Sometimes, decisions come along that make me wonder if judges are reading the same insurance policies and insurance laws the rest of us are. The recentFloridaClark opinion 1 is one of them. According to this sparkling gem of judicial thought, it turns out that its not enough to tell your insurance company, “Hey, my house … The post The New “Notice” Trap: Better Ring a Bell for Every Coverage You Might Claim appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Claim 145

Claim Property Insurance Insurance Policy Insurance Companies 145

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 5, 2025

A recent public records request byTampa Bay Timesreporter Lawrence Mower has uncovered a revealing memo from Floridas Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) that could mark a major turning point in how the state handles insurance regulation. The document, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, details a proposal to reunify the states fragmented insurance oversight … The post Floridas Divided Insurance Regulation Is Under Fire and for Good Reason appeared first on Property Insurance

Property Insurance 203

Property Insurance Insurance Insurer Insured 203

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 6, 2025

When I was first starting in the property insurance claim field in the early 1980s, I can still recall my mentor, Paul Butler, excitedly talking about going to the PLRB conference. He spoke of the highly sophisticated level of insurance claims personnel and the presenters. I still think of the PLRB as having some of … The post Do You Understand and Appreciate the Role of the PLRB in Property Insurance Claims?

Property Insurance 100

Property Insurance Insurance Claim Claim Insurance 100

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 6, 2025

When I was first starting in the property insurance claim field in the early 1980s, I can still recall my mentor, Paul Butler, excitedly talking about going to the PLRB conference. He spoke of the highly sophisticated level of insurance claims personnel and the presenters. I still think of the PLRB as having some of … The post Do You Understand and Appreciate the Role of the PLRB in Property Insurance Claims?

Property Insurance 100

Property Insurance Insurance Claim Claim Insurance 100

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 5, 2025

A recent public records request byTampa Bay Timesreporter Lawrence Mower has uncovered a revealing memo from Floridas Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) that could mark a major turning point in how the state handles insurance regulation. The document, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, details a proposal to reunify the states fragmented insurance oversight … The post Floridas Divided Insurance Regulation Is Under Fire and for Good Reason appeared first on Property Insurance

Property Insurance 177

Property Insurance Insurance Insurer Insured 177

Property Insurance Coverage Law

APRIL 4, 2025

Yesterdays testimony before the Florida House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee ripped the cover off a story thats been brewing for years: the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) under David Altmaier had a completed, paid-for, red-flag-waving report about insurer affiliate transactions showing hundreds of millions of hidden profits for the insurance industry and simply chose to … The post Florida’s Insurance Regulator Buried a Completed Report That Raised Red Flags About Insurer

Insurance 203

Insurance Insurer Insured Property Insurance 203

Property Insurance Coverage Law

MARCH 30, 2025

A recent court ruling has provided significant clarity on whether State Farms use of Xactimates “New Construction” labor efficiency setting is legally permissible in property damage estimates. 1 The decision, which favored State Farm, has broad implications for homeowners, contractors, and insurers across the country who rely on Xactimate estimates to determine repair costs after … The post Is State Farms New Construction Setting of Xactimate Proper?

Property Damage 185

Property Damage Property Insurance Damage Insurance 185

Property Insurance Coverage Law

MARCH 31, 2025

The Rhode Island Supreme Court recently issued a significant decision holding that an insurance appraisal is akin to arbitration and subject to arbitration rules. 1 This ruling aligns with Rhode Islands prior stance on appraisals noted in our post, Rhode Island AppraisalsThe Arbitration Act Applies to Determine the Partiality of Appraisers and Umpires,but contrasts sharply … The post Is it Appraisal, or Is It Arbitration?

Property Insurance 100

Property Insurance Insurance Insurer Insured 100

Property Insurance Coverage Law

MARCH 30, 2025

A recent court ruling has provided significant clarity on whether State Farms use of Xactimates “New Construction” labor efficiency setting is legally permissible in property damage estimates. 1 The decision, which favored State Farm, has broad implications for homeowners, contractors, and insurers across the country who rely on Xactimate estimates to determine repair costs after … The post Is State Farms New Construction Setting of Xactimate Proper?

Property Damage 100

Property Damage Property Insurance Damage Insurance 100

Property Insurance Coverage Law

MARCH 29, 2025

When policyholders file an insurance claim, they expect their insurer to pay losses. Most policyholders have never read their policy nor would appreciate what it even means with nuanced coverage causation rules applying that vary from state to state. A recent case brought to my attention by attorney Steve Badger involving homeowner Ebony Mitchell and … The post How To Lose a Causation Case: Special Rules in Texas appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Policyholder 100

Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Claim Claim 100

Property Insurance Coverage Law

MARCH 28, 2025

The latest development in the Tower Hill lawsuit against Florida roofer Ricky McGraw and his affiliated entities is a significant one. The Circuit Court of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit in Martin County, Florida, has dismissed Tower Hill’s third amended complaint, citing procedural and substantive deficiencies. 1 This ruling represents another twist in a legal battle … The post Tower Hills Lawsuit Against Florida Roofer Hits a WallJudge Dismisses Complaint appeared first on Propert

Property Insurance 188

Property Insurance Insurance Insurer Insured 188

Property Insurance Coverage Law

MARCH 26, 2025

Property insurance adjustersboth company-employed and independentserve as the backbone of the claims process, ensuring that policyholders receive the full benefits of their coverage as swiftly and fairly as possible. Their expertise in evaluating damages, interpreting policy language, and facilitating settlements is essential in restoring financial stability to individuals and businesses affected by unexpected losses.

Property Insurance 140

Property Insurance Policyholder Damage Claim 140

Property Insurance Coverage Law

MARCH 26, 2025

Property insurance adjustersboth company-employed and independentserve as the backbone of the claims process, ensuring that policyholders receive the full benefits of their coverage as swiftly and fairly as possible. Their expertise in evaluating damages, interpreting policy language, and facilitating settlements is essential in restoring financial stability to individuals and businesses affected by unexpected losses.

Property Insurance 140

Property Insurance Policyholder Damage Claim 140

Property Insurance Coverage Law

MARCH 24, 2025

Ensuing loss clauses give rise to a lot of coverage debate. They also give rise to a lot of litigation.I was about to write about a recent ensuing loss decision, but that decision cited a Maryland judges discussion of the ensuing loss clause as he wrestled with its meaning. So, I am writing about that … The post Ensuing Loss Clauses Are Often Confusing appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Property Insurance 153

Property Insurance Insurance Insurer Insured 153

Property Insurance Coverage Law

MARCH 24, 2025

Ensuing loss clauses give rise to a lot of coverage debate. They also give rise to a lot of litigation.I was about to write about a recent ensuing loss decision, but that decision cited a Maryland judges discussion of the ensuing loss clause as he wrestled with its meaning. So, I am writing about that … The post Ensuing Loss Clauses Are Often Confusing appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Property Insurance 100

Property Insurance Insurance Insurer Insured 100

Property Insurance Coverage Law

MARCH 22, 2025

Leadership isnt just about holding a titleits about taking action, teaching, inspiring others, and leading by example, even when the formal role has ended. True leaders dont step back; they step up. I have noticed that as a Past President of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA), Chris Aldrich embodies this philosophy in … The post Chris Aldrich in The Public Adjuster Spotlight appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Property Insurance 181

Property Insurance Insurance Insurer Insured 181

Property Insurance Coverage Law

MARCH 23, 2025

Every once in a while, a piece of nerdy insurance legislation catches my eye, not because it disrupts the industry overnight, but because it signals a trend about risk and how property insurance is going to operate. Colorados newly passed HB 25-1182 is a bill that may not make national headlines, but it should. Colorado … The post Peril Based Risk Scoring Is a Growing Trend appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Risk 140

Risk Property Insurance Insurance Insurer 140

Property Insurance Coverage Law

MARCH 23, 2025

Every once in a while, a piece of nerdy insurance legislation catches my eye, not because it disrupts the industry overnight, but because it signals a trend about risk and how property insurance is going to operate. Colorados newly passed HB 25-1182 is a bill that may not make national headlines, but it should. Colorado … The post Peril Based Risk Scoring Is a Growing Trend appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Risk 100

Risk Property Insurance Insurance Insurer 100