Insurance Claim and Property Insurance - Insurance Industry Brief

Examinations Under Oath in New York Property Insurance Claims

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JANUARY 23, 2025

When navigating contested property insurance claims, insured parties may receive a request from their insurer for an Examination Under Oath (EUO). It is a formal proceeding, not unlike a deposition, where an insured is required to answer questions under oath about their insurance claim.

Property Insurance

Property Insurance Insurance Claim Claim Insured

A Deep Dive into Insurance Claims: Insights from Chip Merlin’s Interview with Steven Bush

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JULY 27, 2025

In the latest episode of Claim Game, I sat down with Steven Bush to dissect the state of insurance claims handling, particularly following major catastrophes like hurricanes or wildfires.

Insurance Claim

Insurance Claim Claim Policyholder Property Insurance

Top Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Flood Insurance Claim

Property Insurance Coverage Law

MAY 27, 2025

Westfield Insurance Company 1 shows how even well-intentioned policyholders can lose a flood insurance claim before their lawsuit ever begins. This case is not just about a technical legal loss.

Insurance Claim

Insurance Claim Claim Policyholder Damage

Understanding Leadership from Inside the Insurance Claims Machine: Reflections on Mike Fiato’s Vision

Property Insurance Coverage Law

MAY 13, 2025

He is a person whose leadership and messaging offer a compelling look into how large insurers publicly … The post Understanding Leadership from Inside the Insurance Claims Machine: Reflections on Mike Fiatos Vision appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Insurance Claim

Insurance Claim Claim Property Insurance Insurance Industry

Top Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Flood Insurance Claim

Property Insurance Coverage Law

MAY 27, 2025

Westfield Insurance Company 1 shows how even well-intentioned policyholders can lose a flood insurance claim before their lawsuit ever begins. This case is not just about a technical legal loss.

Insurance Claim

Insurance Claim Claim Policyholder Damage

Understanding Leadership from Inside the Insurance Claims Machine: Reflections on Mike Fiato’s Vision

Property Insurance Coverage Law

MAY 13, 2025

He is a person whose leadership and messaging offer a compelling look into how large insurers publicly … The post Understanding Leadership from Inside the Insurance Claims Machine: Reflections on Mike Fiatos Vision appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Insurance Claim

Insurance Claim Claim Property Insurance Insurance Industry

A Deep Dive into Insurance Claims: Insights from Chip Merlin’s Interview with Steven Bush

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JULY 27, 2025

In the latest episode of Claim Game, I sat down with Steven Bush to dissect the state of insurance claims handling, particularly following major catastrophes like hurricanes or wildfires.

Insurance Claim

Insurance Claim Claim Policyholder Property Insurance

Expert Witness Testimony and the Lack of It Can Lose Property Insurance Cases

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JULY 3, 2025

A recent appellate decision offers an instructive example of how procedural missteps and insufficient expert disclosures can prove fatal to a policyholder’s insurance claim. 1 The case arose from property damage allegedly caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Property Insurance

Property Insurance Property Damage Damage Insurance Claim

Does Appraisal Stop the Statute of Limitations Clock? Court Dismisses Policyholder’s Lawsuit as Time-Barred Despite Post-Appraisal Denial

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JULY 22, 2025

A recent Texas decision serves as a warning to policyholders and public adjusters about relying on the appraisal process to revive insurance claims long after an initial denial. Court Dismisses Policyholder’s Lawsuit as Time-Barred Despite Post-Appraisal Denial appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Policyholder

Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Claim Claim

Insurer’s Fraud and Valuation Arguments Fall Flat: Court Sends Key Issues to the Jury

Property Insurance Coverage Law

MARCH 10, 2025

Fraud allegations in insurance disputes are serious business. When an insurer claims a policyholder intentionally misrepresented facts, its essentially saying, “You lied, and we dont have to pay.”

Policyholder

Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Claim Claim

Why You Must Bring More Than Invoices: What Public Adjusters and Policyholders Must Learn About Proof of Damages

Property Insurance Coverage Law

MAY 8, 2025

In a recent decision that should raise red flags for public adjusters and policyholders, a federal judge granted summary judgment in favor of Indian Harbor Insurance Company. 1 The ruling is a lesson that when it comes to insurance claims and litigation, it is not enough to argue about fairness or merely present repair invoices.

Policyholder

Policyholder Damage Property Insurance Insurance Claim

Florida Insurance Regulators Demand Fair Treatment for Policyholders

Property Insurance Coverage Law

FEBRUARY 22, 2025

How do insurance claims work when your home has already been damaged once? A recent Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) Bulletin clarifies how insurers must handle claims for multiple hurricanes. But what happens when two hurricanes strike in the same season?

Policyholder

Policyholder Damage Property Insurance Insurance Claim

Why One Man’s Lies Cost a Business $1.96 Million in Insurance: Understanding the Innocent Insured Doctrine

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JULY 30, 2025

A decision last week reinforces a harsh reality for policyholders who conduct business through corporations or limited liability companies: if the person or officer controlling the company commits fraud in the course of an insurance claim, the insurer can usually deny coverage not just to that wrongdoer, but to the entire business.

Policyholder

Policyholder Liability Insured Insurance

Rebuild or Risk It? The Fire Protocols Challenging Whether Insurers Place Profits Over Policyholder Safety

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JUNE 26, 2025

The Rocky Mountain Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (RMAPIA) has produced a comprehensive and scientifically grounded guide to handling fire losses that deserves serious attention from anyone involved in the adjustment of fire-related insurance claims.

Policyholder

Policyholder Risk Property Insurance Insurance Claim

Depreciation of Labor: Alaska Says Don’t Do It

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JUNE 27, 2025

A new Alaska law explicitly makes it illegal to depreciate the expense of labor in residential property insurance claims unless very specific conditions are met. Section 89 of Senate Bill 132 adds a new statute to the Alaska Insurance Code: Sec. Depreciation of labor.

Property Insurance

Property Insurance Insurance Claim Claim Policy

When Artificial Intelligence Becomes Wrongful Intelligence in Claims Handling

Property Insurance Coverage Law

FEBRUARY 14, 2025

The latest revelations about Allstates use of artificial intelligence (AI) in drafting insurance claims emails should serve as a wake-up call for policyholders, insurance regulators, and insurance industry claims handlers.

Claim

Claim Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Claim

Do You Understand and Appreciate the Role of the PLRB in Property Insurance Claims?

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.

Property Insurance

Property Insurance Insurance Claim Claim Insured

Do You Understand and Appreciate the Role of the PLRB in Property Insurance Claims?

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.

Property Insurance

Property Insurance Insurance Claim Claim Insured

Texas SB 458: What Homeowners and Drivers Need to Know About the New Appraisal Law

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JUNE 13, 2025

In 2025, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 458 (SB 458), 1 a significant reform aimed at protecting policyholders in disputes over insurance claims. … The post Texas SB 458: What Homeowners and Drivers Need to Know About the New Appraisal Law appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog. .

Policyholder

Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Claim Insurance Policy

A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Commercial Property Insurance

Protect Commercial Insurance

APRIL 11, 2025

Navigating the world of insurance can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding commercial property insurance. This friendly guide will walk you through the essentials of commercial property insurance, helping you protect your business premises and assets with confidence. Let’s dive in!

Commercial Property

Commercial Property Property Insurance Commercial Insured

Should HOAs Take Out Construction Loans Just to Get Their Insurance Claim Paid?

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JUNE 1, 2025

But you dont get paid by the insurer. Because even … The post Should HOAs Take Out Construction Loans Just to Get Their Insurance Claim Paid? appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Insurance Claim

Insurance Claim Claim Damage Property Insurance

When Artificial Intelligence Becomes Wrongful Intelligence in Claims Handling

Property Insurance Coverage Law

FEBRUARY 14, 2025

The latest revelations about Allstates use of artificial intelligence (AI) in drafting insurance claims emails should serve as a wake-up call for policyholders, insurance regulators, and insurance industry claims handlers.

Claim

Claim Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Claim

The Role of the Examination Under Oath and Procedural Compliance with Insurer Demands

Property Insurance Coverage Law

MAY 7, 2025

I will deliver a presentation at the Annual Meeting of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) next month, focusing on two cornerstones of property insurance claims: proofs of loss and examinations under oath. Its a topic I first addressed for NAPIA exactly forty years ago.

Property Insurance

Property Insurance Insurance Claim Insured Insurance

Should HOAs Take Out Construction Loans Just to Get Their Insurance Claim Paid?

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JUNE 1, 2025

But you dont get paid by the insurer. Because even … The post Should HOAs Take Out Construction Loans Just to Get Their Insurance Claim Paid? appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Insurance Claim

Insurance Claim Claim Damage Property Insurance

The Importance of Commercial Property Insurance for UK Small Businesses

Protect Commercial Insurance

JUNE 6, 2025

Introduction When it comes to safeguarding your UK small business, one crucial aspect is often overlooked: commercial property insurance. Just like you wouldn’t drive without car insurance, your business premises need protection too. Here’s how commercial property insurance can benefit UK small businesses.

Commercial Property

Commercial Property Property Insurance Commercial Business Interruption

The New Approach to Hurricane-Strong Homes? Concrete Walls But Affordable

Insurance Journal

JULY 20, 2025

If wind mitigation and stronger homes are the path to reducing insurance claims and bringing down insurance premiums in hurricane-prone areas, as a growing number of industry experts believe, then homeowners, builders and insurers may want to take a look …

Premium

Premium Insurance Claim Claim Insured

WV Commissioner Posts Guidelines on Insurers’ Use of Aerial Images

Insurance Journal

APRIL 28, 2025

After receiving multiple inquiries about the use of aerial images in property insurance nonrenewals, West Virginia’s insurance commissioner has posted guidelines for insurers’ use of the technology. In a bulletin this month, Commissioner Allan McVey reminded insurance companies that aerial …

Property Insurance

Property Insurance Insured Insurance Insurer

Insurer’s Fraud and Valuation Arguments Fall Flat: Court Sends Key Issues to the Jury

Property Insurance Coverage Law

MARCH 10, 2025

Fraud allegations in insurance disputes are serious business. When an insurer claims a policyholder intentionally misrepresented facts, its essentially saying, “You lied, and we dont have to pay.”

Policyholder

Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Claim Claim

California Launches Market Conduct Examination into State Farm’s Wildfire Claims Handling

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JUNE 12, 2025

This in-depth regulatory investigation is a direct response to troubling complaints from wildfire survivors about how their property insurance claims have been handled following the devastating Palisades and … The post California Launches Market Conduct Examination into State Farm’s Wildfire Claims Handling appeared first on Property Insurance (..)

Claim

Claim Direct Response Policyholder Property Insurance

California Launches Market Conduct Examination into State Farm’s Wildfire Claims Handling

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JUNE 12, 2025

This in-depth regulatory investigation is a direct response to troubling complaints from wildfire survivors about how their property insurance claims have been handled following the devastating Palisades and … The post California Launches Market Conduct Examination into State Farm’s Wildfire Claims Handling appeared first on Property Insurance (..)

Claim

Claim Direct Response Policyholder Property Insurance

Trust or Family Trust Owns Your Home? Beware of Insurance Complications to Avoid Insurance Claim Denials

Property Insurance Coverage Law

FEBRUARY 5, 2025

A recent viral social media post following the California wildfires has brought to light a critical issue: homeowners are finding their insurance claims denied because their properties are held in trusts, yet the trusts are not listed on their insurance policies.

Insurance Claim

Insurance Claim Claim Insurance Policy Insured

Roofers Need Valid Assignments and the Growing Trend of Law Firms Establishing Public Adjusting Firms

Property Insurance Coverage Law

MAY 17, 2025

Travelers Property Casualty Company of America1 offers a straightforward but significant holding with broader implications for both contractors and legal practitioners operating in the property insurance claims arena.

Property Insurance

Property Insurance Insurance Carrier Insurance Claim Claim

How To Lose a Causation Case: Special Rules in Texas

Property Insurance Coverage Law

MARCH 29, 2025

When policyholders file an insurance claim, they expect their insurer to pay losses. 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

Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Claim Claim

Thoughts From a Policyholder Attorney of 40 Years About the 2025 Windstorm Conference

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JANUARY 29, 2025

It seems like yesterday, but the world of property insurance claims has changed significantly since 1985. The 2025 Windstorm conference had more of a Texas flare … The post Thoughts From a Policyholder Attorney of 40 Years About the 2025 Windstorm Conference appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Policyholder

Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Claim Claim

Noncompliance With Policy’s “Duties After Loss” Provision Leads to Denial of Fire Loss Claim

The Property Insurance Law Observer

MAY 20, 2025

As such, the court determined Plaintiffs failure to send the requested information prejudiced the Insurer in its investigation of Plaintiffs claim. As a result, the court ruled that the Insurer was relieved of any obligation to pay the insurance claim due to Plaintiff’s breach of the “Duties After Loss” provision.

Claim

Claim Damage Property Damage Policy

Thoughts From a Policyholder Attorney of 40 Years About the 2025 Windstorm Conference

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JANUARY 29, 2025

It seems like yesterday, but the world of property insurance claims has changed significantly since 1985. The 2025 Windstorm conference had more of a Texas flare … The post Thoughts From a Policyholder Attorney of 40 Years About the 2025 Windstorm Conference appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Policyholder

Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Claim Claim

Heritage Files Libel, Defamation Suit vs. Adjuster After ’60 Minutes’ Report

Insurance Journal

APRIL 29, 2025

Six weeks after Tampa-based Heritage Property & Casualty Insurance Co. filed a libel suit against a whistleblower claims adjuster, the adjuster’s lawyer has pushed back, arguing that the suit is an attempt to silence those who question insurers’ damage estimates.

Casualty Insurance

Casualty Insurance Damage Claim Insured

Protective Safeguard Endorsements Are Dangerous to Coverage

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JUNE 11, 2025

Protective Safeguards Endorsements (PSEs) are a never-ending source for denials of property insurance claims. I quoted an insurance agent who warned against these endorsements in Why Are Protective Safeguard Endorsements Dangerous?

Protection

Protection Property Insurance Insurance Agent Insurance Agents

Why an Advance Payment Doesn’t Mean Your Claim Is Covered (Even in Wildfire Cases)

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JUNE 20, 2025

But I often get calls from public adjusters or homeowners who are shocked when that same insurer later denies part—or all—of the claim, especially if they are dealing with California FAIR Plan. … The post Why an Advance Payment Doesn’t Mean Your Claim Is Covered (Even in Wildfire Cases) appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog. (..)

Claim

Claim Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Companies

Court Weighs in on Determining “Period of Restoration”

The Property Insurance Law Observer

MAY 12, 2025

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company , 2025 WL 416814 (9th Cir. Facts The insureds claim arose after multiple water leaks damaged its office. The insurer initially paid a certain sum for lost income due to the leaks.

Commercial Property

Commercial Property Damage Insurance Claim Claim

Pirates Invade Tampa! Is an Invasion Covered Under a Commercial Insurance Policy?

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JANUARY 26, 2025

Is an Invasion Covered Under a Commercial Insurance Policy? appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog. where I gave a short explanation of the day: Tampas Mayor refused to hand over the keys to the city on Tuesday to … The post Pirates Invade Tampa!

Commercial Insurance

Commercial Insurance Insurance Policy Commercial Policy

Happy 4th of July from Merlin Law Group

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JULY 4, 2025

Contact Us (877) 449-4700 MerlinLawGroup.com Stay Connected Facebook link LinkedIn link Twitter link Subscribe to our Blog Related Posts View All Posts Expert Witness Testimony and the Lack of It Can Lose Property Insurance Cases Jul 03, 2025 By Chip Merlin The Jay Feinman Interview: Are Courts Letting Insurers Get Away with Bad Faith?

Policyholder

Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Carrier Insurance Companies

Public Adjusters Decry Florida Citizens’ New Plan That Keeps Their Names Off Checks

Insurance Journal

JUNE 22, 2025

In the long conflict between insurance carriers and public claims adjusters, Florida’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp. has unexpectedly altered the rules of engagement in a way that could have a big impact on some adjusters’ livelihood. And a public adjuster …

Insurance Carrier

Insurance Carrier Property Insurance Claim Insured

Energy Transer Fuel Leak in Pennsylvania Lasted 16 Months, PHMSA Says

Insurance Journal

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

A pipeline operated by Energy Transfer LP leaked jet fuel for at least 16 months, contaminating residential water wells in Pennsylvania, and the conduit may be at risk for further incidents, according to a preliminary investigation by regulators. Residents of …

Risk

Risk Insurance Claim Property Insurance Claim

Examinations Under Oath in New York Property Insurance Claims

A Deep Dive into Insurance Claims: Insights from Chip Merlin’s Interview with Steven Bush

Trending Sources

Top Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Flood Insurance Claim

Understanding Leadership from Inside the Insurance Claims Machine: Reflections on Mike Fiato’s Vision

Top Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Flood Insurance Claim

Understanding Leadership from Inside the Insurance Claims Machine: Reflections on Mike Fiato’s Vision

A Deep Dive into Insurance Claims: Insights from Chip Merlin’s Interview with Steven Bush

Expert Witness Testimony and the Lack of It Can Lose Property Insurance Cases

Does Appraisal Stop the Statute of Limitations Clock? Court Dismisses Policyholder’s Lawsuit as Time-Barred Despite Post-Appraisal Denial

Insurer’s Fraud and Valuation Arguments Fall Flat: Court Sends Key Issues to the Jury

Why You Must Bring More Than Invoices: What Public Adjusters and Policyholders Must Learn About Proof of Damages

Florida Insurance Regulators Demand Fair Treatment for Policyholders

Why One Man’s Lies Cost a Business $1.96 Million in Insurance: Understanding the Innocent Insured Doctrine

Rebuild or Risk It? The Fire Protocols Challenging Whether Insurers Place Profits Over Policyholder Safety

Depreciation of Labor: Alaska Says Don’t Do It

When Artificial Intelligence Becomes Wrongful Intelligence in Claims Handling

Do You Understand and Appreciate the Role of the PLRB in Property Insurance Claims?

Do You Understand and Appreciate the Role of the PLRB in Property Insurance Claims?

Texas SB 458: What Homeowners and Drivers Need to Know About the New Appraisal Law

A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Commercial Property Insurance

Should HOAs Take Out Construction Loans Just to Get Their Insurance Claim Paid?

When Artificial Intelligence Becomes Wrongful Intelligence in Claims Handling

The Role of the Examination Under Oath and Procedural Compliance with Insurer Demands

Should HOAs Take Out Construction Loans Just to Get Their Insurance Claim Paid?

The Importance of Commercial Property Insurance for UK Small Businesses

The New Approach to Hurricane-Strong Homes? Concrete Walls But Affordable

WV Commissioner Posts Guidelines on Insurers’ Use of Aerial Images

Insurer’s Fraud and Valuation Arguments Fall Flat: Court Sends Key Issues to the Jury

California Launches Market Conduct Examination into State Farm’s Wildfire Claims Handling

California Launches Market Conduct Examination into State Farm’s Wildfire Claims Handling

Trust or Family Trust Owns Your Home? Beware of Insurance Complications to Avoid Insurance Claim Denials

Roofers Need Valid Assignments and the Growing Trend of Law Firms Establishing Public Adjusting Firms

How To Lose a Causation Case: Special Rules in Texas

Thoughts From a Policyholder Attorney of 40 Years About the 2025 Windstorm Conference

Noncompliance With Policy’s “Duties After Loss” Provision Leads to Denial of Fire Loss Claim

Thoughts From a Policyholder Attorney of 40 Years About the 2025 Windstorm Conference

Heritage Files Libel, Defamation Suit vs. Adjuster After ’60 Minutes’ Report

Protective Safeguard Endorsements Are Dangerous to Coverage

Why an Advance Payment Doesn’t Mean Your Claim Is Covered (Even in Wildfire Cases)

Court Weighs in on Determining “Period of Restoration”

Pirates Invade Tampa! Is an Invasion Covered Under a Commercial Insurance Policy?

Happy 4th of July from Merlin Law Group

Public Adjusters Decry Florida Citizens’ New Plan That Keeps Their Names Off Checks

Energy Transer Fuel Leak in Pennsylvania Lasted 16 Months, PHMSA Says

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