Merlin Law Group

10/16/2026

Has your insurance renewal jumped even though you never filed a claim? A viral online post blames agents who supposedly target loyal customers. Before you believe it, or switch to the cheapest quote you can find, Chip Merlin explains what to look at and the questions worth asking your agent. A lower price is not always the same coverage.

An Insurance Agent’s Confession, Examined. Chip Merlin weighs claims about loyal customer insurance rate increases and what to ask your agent.

10/15/2026

Why should a homeowner care about a public adjusters’ conference? Because if you hire one after a loss, you want someone who knows the rules and follows them.

Liberty Ritchie recaps the New York Public Adjusters Association annual meeting, where ethics, appraisal and quality work took center stage. She also shares the results of Chip Merlin’s informal poll on the least favorable residential insurer.

The margin was one point.

Liberty Ritchie recaps the 2026 NYPAA annual meeting: appraisal training, water loss policy language, public adjuster ethics, and Chip Merlin on mastery.

10/13/2026

The storm is over, but your insurance claim is just getting started. If Hurricane Isaias damaged your Florida home or business, swipe through seven steps that help protect your claim. Read the full guide by Yanet Cordova Quintero here: https://hubs.ly/Q04B3RF_0

10/13/2026

If your home or belongings were damaged in the recent hurricane, documenting what was lost can feel overwhelming. The Merlin Inventory Workbook™ was created to make this easier for policyholders handling a property insurance claim.

The workbook helps you list items room by room—kitchen, bedroom, garage and more. Common items and typical replacement costs are already included. You can adjust, add, and save your progress. Everything stays private on your device. When finished, you have clear, organized documentation to share with an adjuster, attorney, or insurer.

https://hubs.ly/Q04zZsKB0

Merlin Law Group · The Policyholder's Advocate®

10/13/2026

Own or manage a building with a flat roof? Hurricane Isaias may have left damage that is not obvious, even if nothing is leaking yet.

Steven Thomas, a roof testing expert who has evaluated more than 20,000 roofs, explains why a quick patch is not always the right fix and what a good inspection should look for. Worth a read before any repair decision.

Know someone in the Florida Panhandle or Alabama with a commercial building? Share this with them.

After Hurricane Isaias, low-slope roofs can hide wind damage. Roof expert Steven Thomas explains what to inspect before you accept a patch...

10/08/2026

After Hurricane Charley, Miguel Martinez's parents faced something many families know too well. They had paid their premiums for years and did everything they were supposed to do. Their insurance company still answered with denials and partial payments.

Miguel later spent time defending insurance companies in court. Now he has joined Merlin Law Group's New York office to fight for policyholders, and he can help clients in Spanish or French too.

Read his story:

Former insurance defense attorney Miguel Martinez joins Merlin Law Group in New York and explains how carriers build claim denials.

10/08/2026

Paying more for insurance and getting less when you file a claim? Two U.S. senators are asking State Farm that question.

Their letter cites reporting that 44% of resolved homeowners claims at major insurers closed with no payment last year. That number does not prove anyone did something wrong, and Chip Merlin explains why.

He also explains what information could actually answer the question. Share this.

Senators Hawley and Warren asked State Farm about claims closed without payment, adjuster incentives, and AI. Read Chip Merlin's take.

10/06/2026

We have two new posts today, and both are worth sharing.

Chip Merlin corrects part of his earlier story about the people behind California’s wildfire smoke laws. The survivors, scientists, and advocates who did the work deserve an accurate account: https://hubs.ly/Q04zm7vk0

Liberty Ritchie explains why wind and flood damage during the same storm may require a closer look at what caused each part of the loss: https://hubs.ly/Q04zm7w30

Know someone following wildfire recovery or handling a coastal storm claim? Please share these posts.

Chip Merlin corrects his account of the survivors, scientists, and advocates behind California’s wildfire smoke laws.

10/06/2026

Just one week to go. Chip Merlin will be speaking at NYPAA’s Annual Conference for New York public adjusters, sharing his perspective on advocating for policyholders. We’d love for you to join the conversation.

Planning to attend? Let us know in the comments. We’d enjoy connecting with you.

Or register below:
https://bit.ly/4dhvFbT

10/02/2026

What should an insurance company include when calculating actual cash value?

That question is becoming increasingly important as insurers argue that certain costs needed to complete covered repairs, including labor, access work, painting, permitting, and general conditions, should not be part of the initial ACV payment.

The Breakwater Commons dispute has now reached the Eleventh Circuit.

Merlin Law Group attorney Etienne Font breaks down the appraisal award, the recent Florida cases shaping this issue, and the arguments the court may confront.

The outcome could matter well beyond this particular claim.

Read Etienne’s full analysis and share it with someone who works with property insurance claims:

The Eleventh Circuit will review a major dispute over actual cash value, appraisal awards, and repair costs under Florida property insurance.