Policy, Policyholder and Property Insurance

Is the Address Correct on the Property Insurance Policy?

Property Insurance Coverage Law

SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

In my basic course about property insurance coverage to public adjusters, and as a standard issue regarding case intake at Merlin Law Group, I first emphasize to always make certain the named insureds and clients have a right to bring the claims. appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Property Insurance

Property Insurance Insurance Policy Policy Insurer

Policyholders and Public Adjusters Often Need to Hire Their Own Experts—Part Two

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JANUARY 6, 2025

In yesterdays post, Policyholders and Public Adjusters Often Need to Hire Their Own Experts, the court found that the insurance policy did not provide coverage for the claimed damages for two primary reasons.1

Policyholder

Policyholder Damage Property Insurance Insurance Policy

Policyholders and Public Adjusters Often Need to Hire Their Own Experts

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JANUARY 5, 2025

I often hear this question when discussing a loss with a potential client or public adjuster: Chip, isnt it an all-risk insurance policy? This question is often in response to a question I asked them: What caused the loss?

Policyholder

Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Policy Policy

What Are the Duties of An Insurance Agent to the Policyholder—A Michigan Case Example

Property Insurance Coverage Law

SEPTEMBER 4, 2024

The duties of an insurance agent to the policyholder will differ depending on state law. Yesterday’s post about a Michigan coverage case, Order and Bind Insurance Before the Loss—Commercial Policy Covers Water Damage Under Drain Backup Endorsement, noted that there was also an issue with insurance agent negligence.

Policyholder

Policyholder Insurance Agent Insurance Agents Agents

The Majority of Insurance Agents Do Not Read the Policies They Sell—Many Professionals in the Insurance Service Sector Fail to Read the Full Policy

Property Insurance Coverage Law

DECEMBER 30, 2024

Insurance policyholders do not read the insurance policies that are sold to them. The insurance contracts are not even provided to the policyholder until after the product is purchased.

Insurance Agent

Insurance Agent Insurance Agents Policy Agents

Florida Policyholders Are Upset with Stupid Denials of Claims

Property Insurance Coverage Law

FEBRUARY 17, 2025

The insurance representative tried to explain that many of the denials were because most policies do not cover flood. Our firm was asked to represent a … The post Florida Policyholders Are Upset with Stupid Denials of Claims appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Policyholder

Policyholder Claim Property Insurance Policy

Insurance Policy Assignment Provisions: What They Are and When Insurers Have to Consent

Property Insurance Coverage Law

AUGUST 18, 2024

Many policyholders forget that their insurance policy is a contract and is subject, with exceptions, to the usual laws of contract. An issue that frequently arises is whether the named insured is able to assign insurance proceeds under the policy to another.

Insurance Policy

Insurance Policy Policy Policyholder Insurer

Insurance Agents Get a Free Pass for Negligence with NFIP Policies: Federal Courts Create an Alice in Wonderland Defense

Property Insurance Coverage Law

OCTOBER 30, 2024

Federal courts are creating an almost impossible barrier for policyholders trying to hold their insurance agents accountable for negligence involving National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies.

Insurance Agent

Insurance Agent Insurance Agents Agents Policy

Should Citizens Do More to Assist With Coming Flood Claims in Florida? Can it?

Insurance Journal

SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

Citizens Property Insurance Corp., Florida’s largest insurer, has suspended policy binding ahead of predicted Hurricane Helene, and a board member asked if the carrier could do more to help policyholders manage flood insurance claims from the looming storm. “My question …

Claim

Claim Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Claim

What Is an “Other Insurance” Clause and Why Do They Exist In Property Insurance Policies?

Property Insurance Coverage Law

AUGUST 28, 2024

An “other insurance” clause is a provision found in property insurance policies that establishes how a loss is to be apportioned among insurers when more than one policy covers the same loss. The original purpose of an “other insurance” clause is debatable.

Property Insurance

Property Insurance Insurance Policy Policy Policyholder

One Example of How Florida’s Politicians Harmed Florida Policyholders By Passing Insurance Lobby Laws

Property Insurance Coverage Law

OCTOBER 28, 2024

This is Florida law regarding when an insurance company must start investigating an insurance claim: 3)(a) Unless otherwise provided by the policy of insurance or by law, within 7 days after an insurer receives proof-of-loss statements, the insurer shall begin such investigation as is reasonably necessary unless the failure to begin such investigation (..)

Policyholder

Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Claim Claim

California is Not a Valued Policy Law State—California Has a Valued Policy Law for Valued Policies

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JANUARY 19, 2025

Two public adjusters sent me articles saying California is a valued policy law state.California is not a valued policy law state. California has a valued policy law for valued policies.

Policy

Policy Property Insurance Insurer Insurance

Can policy limitations or exclusions be disregarded as illusory?

Property Insurance Coverage Law

AUGUST 16, 2024

At least until recently, when a California appellate court thrust it front and center and applied it to a … The post Can policy limitations or exclusions be disregarded as illusory? appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Policy

Policy Property Insurance Insurer Insurance

Should You Accept Your Insurer’s Initial Wildfire Payout?

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JANUARY 31, 2025

Insurers conduct and behavior vary wildly, even for people who hold similar policies with the same companies. For policyholders who have suffered total losses of their homes, many are being offered differing amounts of their Dwelling benefits. appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Policyholder

Policyholder Property Insurance Policy Insurer

Insurance Company’s Two-Year Claims Handling Waives Proof of Loss Requirement

Property Insurance Coverage Law

NOVEMBER 5, 2024

A recent Indiana Court of Appeals decision where Merlin Law Group’s Ed Eshoo was counsel for the policyholder provides a textbook example of how an insurance company’s conduct can waive strict policy requirements, even when attempting to preserve those rights through reservation letters.

Claim

Claim Policyholder Insurance Companies Property Insurance

Is the Exact Date of Loss Required in Pleadings Rather Than a Claim and Proof That a Loss Occurred During the Policy Period?

Property Insurance Coverage Law

SEPTEMBER 22, 2024

A recent ruling by a federal trial court stated that the policyholder claimed that a severe hailstorm on May 28, 2021, caused extensive damage to his property, including damage to the roof, vents, flashings, windows, window screens, fascia, gutters, downspouts, and HVAC system. appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Claim

Claim Policy Policyholder Damage

Boatowners Beware! Buy a Marine Policy Rather Than Relying Upon a Homeowners Policy For Coverage

Property Insurance Coverage Law

FEBRUARY 1, 2025

With six sailboats and a motorboat, I consider myself an enthusiast, though my insurance agent probably sees me as a … The post Boatowners Beware! Buy a Marine Policy Rather Than Relying Upon a Homeowners Policy For Coverage appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Policy

Policy Marine Insurance Agent Insurance Agents

Mailing a Letter, in Context With Other Clues, Is Sufficient Cancellation – NC High Court

Insurance Journal

AUGUST 25, 2024

Simply mailing a cancellation notice to a policyholder, when viewed in the context of other indicators, was enough to comply with state law and void a homeowner’s insurance policy shortly just weeks before a fire destroyed a home, the North …

Policyholder

Policyholder Insurance Policy Policy Insurer

Beware of a One-Year Deadline to File a Lawsuit—Always Hire a Public Adjuster If Your Insurer Makes You Adjust Your Own Claim

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JANUARY 30, 2025

A recent federal court decision favoring Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in a pipe burst claim1 left me thinking about two lessons. First, this case strongly reminds policyholders to be aware of time limits in their insurance policies and take action as soon as they believe their claim is not being handled fairly.

Claim

Claim Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Policy

Inflation Guard Endorsements: A Possible Double-Edged Sword for Property Insurance Coverage

Property Insurance Coverage Law

NOVEMBER 23, 2024

A recent court decision highlights why policyholders need to understand both the benefits and limitations of Inflation Guard Endorsements in their property insurance policies. While these endorsements aim to protect against underinsurance, they may not provide the complete protection many assume they do.

Property Insurance

Property Insurance Policyholder Insurance Policy Protection

Beware of a One-Year Deadline to File a Lawsuit—Always Hire a Public Adjuster If Your Insurer Makes You Adjust Your Own Claim

Property Insurance Coverage Law

JANUARY 30, 2025

A recent federal court decision favoring Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in a pipe burst claim1 left me thinking about two lessons. First, this case strongly reminds policyholders to be aware of time limits in their insurance policies and take action as soon as they believe their claim is not being handled fairly.

Claim

Claim Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Policy

When Is a Policy “Blanket”? A Recent Court Decision Shows It’s Not Always Clear Cut

Property Insurance Coverage Law

NOVEMBER 24, 2024

Insurance policies that provide broad coverage across multiple items or locations can be a policyholder’s best friend. The Louisiana case involved a hydrocarbon production facility damaged … The post When Is a Policy “Blanket”?

Policy

Policy Policyholder Property Insurance Damage

Court Differentiates Vandalism from Theft in First Party Insurance Policy

The Property Insurance Law Observer

MARCH 12, 2024

The United States District Court for the Western District of Washington decided an insurance coverage case involving Plaintiffs Benny and Guangying Cheung and Defendant Allstate Vehicle and Property Insurance Company. Plaintiffs argued that the damage was covered under the policy, primarily resulting from theft.

Theft

Theft Insurance Policy Policy Personal Property

Civil Remedy Notices – What Are They and What Do They Require?

Property Insurance Coverage Law

AUGUST 4, 2024

Insurance policies protect you from the cost of replacing lost, damaged, or stolen items: or at least, that’s how they’re supposed to work. But what happens if your insurance company refuses to pay what you are owed? appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Property Insurance

Property Insurance Damage Insurance Policy Insurance Companies

Boatowners Beware! Buy a Marine Policy Rather Than Relying Upon a Homeowners Policy For Coverage

Property Insurance Coverage Law

FEBRUARY 1, 2025

With six sailboats and a motorboat, I consider myself an enthusiast, though my insurance agent probably sees me as a … The post Boatowners Beware! Buy a Marine Policy Rather Than Relying Upon a Homeowners Policy For Coverage appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Policy

Policy Marine Insurance Agent Insurance Agents

Hurricane Helene Flood Insurance Claims and Elevated Building Issues? Refer to the Visual Flood Adjusters Use

Property Insurance Coverage Law

OCTOBER 6, 2024

National flood insurance is unlike any other insurance. I have received numerous calls from furious Hurricane Helene policyholders after learning how little coverage is afforded for the non-elevated floor of a multi-story building under their flood insurance policies.

Building

Building Insurance Claim Claim Policyholder

Is Waiving Forfeiture Clauses Possible? Unlocking Possible Overlooked Arguments for Coverage

Property Insurance Coverage Law

AUGUST 21, 2024

Ohio Casualty Insurance Company, 1 is a case decided last week involving vacancy clauses often found in property insurance policies, the impact of forfeiture clauses, and how those clauses can be waived. Unlocking Possible Overlooked Arguments for Coverage appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Casualty Insurance

Casualty Insurance Property Insurance Insurance Policy Insurance Companies

When Life Gives You Lemonade, They Give You No Coverage for Cryptocurrency

Property Insurance Coverage Law

OCTOBER 26, 2024

In a recent Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals decision that leaves me scratching my head, Lemonade Insurance Company successfully argued that cryptocurrency isn’t covered under their homeowner’s policy because it’s not “tangible property.”

Insurance Companies

Insurance Companies Property Insurance Policy Insurer

Appraising Facts Regarding Business Income Loss Much More Efficiently Than Litigating and Then Appraising Business Interruption Losses

Property Insurance Coverage Law

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024

Resolving disputes through appraisal or arbitration may be, but is certainly not always, less costly and efficient.

Business Interruption

Business Interruption Property Insurance Commercial Policy

What Is Hazard Insurance for Homeowners and What Does It Cover?

Property Insurance Coverage Law

SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

Key Takeaways: Hazard insurance refers to the part of a homeowners policy that covers damage to the structure. … The post What Is Hazard Insurance for Homeowners and What Does It Cover? appeared first on Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog.

Damage

Damage Property Insurance Insurer Insured

Mississippi Commissioner Warns of Francine’s Impact on State

Insurance Journal

SEPTEMBER 11, 2024

Mississippi’s insurance commissioner is reminding policyholders that once Hurricane Francine moves across Louisiana, it will likely bring strong winds and heavy rains to the western part of the Magnolia State. And residents should be prepared by reading their insurance policies, …

Policyholder

Policyholder Insurance Policy Policy Insurer

The Importance of Understanding “Residence Premises” in Homeowner’s Insurance—Where You Reside Is Often an Important Coverage Issue

Property Insurance Coverage Law

DECEMBER 14, 2024

Anytime these happen, policyholders need to be careful that their residential insurance policies do not stop providing full coverage. Death, divorce, disease, disability and wealth often lead to situations where people may change homes or have multiple places to live.

Policyholder

Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Policy Insurer

Understanding Consumer Education and Property Insurance

Property Insurance Centre

MARCH 19, 2024

Understanding Consumer Education and Property Insurance As an informed consumer, education on consumer rights and property insurance is crucial. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions about insurance coverage and understand their policy rights. Leads to confusion and potential gaps in coverage.

Property Insurance

Property Insurance Policyholder Insurer Insured

Appraisal Award Vacated Due to Appraiser’s “Flat Fee” Schedule that Functions as a Prohibited Contingency Fee

Property Insurance Coverage Law

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

GeoVera Specialty Insurance Company, the court granted the insurer’s motion to strike a $146,436.65

Policyholder

Policyholder Property Insurance Insurance Companies Policy

Trade Credit Insurance—Applications and Right Complete Answers Are Important While Wrong Answers May Result in No Coverage

Property Insurance Coverage Law

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

It covers a company’s trade receivables in case a customer fails to pay due to insolvency, bankruptcy, default, or other reasons specified in the policy.

Property Insurance

Property Insurance Insurer Insured Insurance

The Importance of Accurate Valuation in Commercial Property Insurance

Bankers Insurance

AUGUST 8, 2024

THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCURATE VALUATION IN COMMERCIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE When purchasing or renewing commercial property insurance , it’s important for businesses to ensure their coverage includes correct property valuations. Additionally, property undervaluation can result in coinsurance penalties.

Commercial Property

Commercial Property Property Insurance Commercial Out-Of-Pocket

Fifth Circuit Holds That Sales Tax is Not a Component of Actual Cash Value

The Property Insurance Law Observer

JULY 29, 2024

Ending a putative class action, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit examined policy language and two statutes to hold that an insurer does not owe sales tax on top of an actual cash value payment. The policyholder’s contract provided: Limit of liability A. The address shown in this policy.

Policyholder

Policyholder Damage Deductible Liability

Impact of Rising Interest Rates on Property Insurance

Protect Commercial Insurance

OCTOBER 4, 2024

But what does this mean for property owners and their insurance needs? As interest rates creep up, they can have a surprising ripple effect on property insurance costs. They can be set by central banks and are influenced by several factors, including inflation, economic growth, and monetary policy decisions.

Property Insurance

Property Insurance Out-Of-Pocket Premium Insurer

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 Insurer

Reminder on Time Limitations to File Suit for California Wildfire Claims

Property Insurance Coverage Law

FEBRUARY 16, 2025

California fire insurance policies must provide an insured a minimum of 12 months from the inception of the loss to bring any suit or action on the policy for recovery of any claim. Code 2071.

Claim

Claim Property Insurance Insurance Policy Policy

Emerging Property Insurance Trends 2024

Property Insurance Centre

JANUARY 4, 2024

Emerging Property Insurance Trends 2024 Welcome to our guide on emerging trends in the property insurance industry. As we dive into the evolving landscape of property insurance, it’s important to stay informed about the latest trends and challenges affecting the market. Hurricane Harvey 2017 92.0

Property Insurance

Property Insurance Commercial Property Liability Insurer

Louisiana Court Finds That an Insured Breached its Duty to Cooperate

The Property Insurance Law Observer

JULY 25, 2024

June 24, 2024) offers valuable lessons for policyholders regarding the importance of cooperation in the insurance claims process. In Marcantel , the plaintiff suffered damage from Hurricane Laura at two properties in Louisiana. The ruling in Marcantel emphasizes the importance of cooperation in the insurance claims process.

Damage

Damage Personal Property Policyholder Claim

Who Is the Insurer? Does the Binder Matter?

Property Insurance Coverage Law

DECEMBER 4, 2024

Insurance policies are like a box of chocolates—you never quite know what you’re going to get. Zurich American Insurance Company, 1 maybe you do, but the label on the box has you scratching your head. You might think Zurich American Insurance Company is the insurer after reading … The post Who Is the Insurer?

Insurance Policy

Insurance Policy Insurance Companies Property Insurance Insurer

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 Insurer

Is the Address Correct on the Property Insurance Policy?

Policyholders and Public Adjusters Often Need to Hire Their Own Experts—Part Two

Trending Sources

Policyholders and Public Adjusters Often Need to Hire Their Own Experts

What Are the Duties of An Insurance Agent to the Policyholder—A Michigan Case Example

The Majority of Insurance Agents Do Not Read the Policies They Sell—Many Professionals in the Insurance Service Sector Fail to Read the Full Policy

Florida Policyholders Are Upset with Stupid Denials of Claims

Insurance Policy Assignment Provisions: What They Are and When Insurers Have to Consent

Insurance Agents Get a Free Pass for Negligence with NFIP Policies: Federal Courts Create an Alice in Wonderland Defense

Should Citizens Do More to Assist With Coming Flood Claims in Florida? Can it?

What Is an “Other Insurance” Clause and Why Do They Exist In Property Insurance Policies?

One Example of How Florida’s Politicians Harmed Florida Policyholders By Passing Insurance Lobby Laws

California is Not a Valued Policy Law State—California Has a Valued Policy Law for Valued Policies

Can policy limitations or exclusions be disregarded as illusory?

Should You Accept Your Insurer’s Initial Wildfire Payout?

Insurance Company’s Two-Year Claims Handling Waives Proof of Loss Requirement

Is the Exact Date of Loss Required in Pleadings Rather Than a Claim and Proof That a Loss Occurred During the Policy Period?

Boatowners Beware! Buy a Marine Policy Rather Than Relying Upon a Homeowners Policy For Coverage

Mailing a Letter, in Context With Other Clues, Is Sufficient Cancellation – NC High Court

Beware of a One-Year Deadline to File a Lawsuit—Always Hire a Public Adjuster If Your Insurer Makes You Adjust Your Own Claim

Inflation Guard Endorsements: A Possible Double-Edged Sword for Property Insurance Coverage

Beware of a One-Year Deadline to File a Lawsuit—Always Hire a Public Adjuster If Your Insurer Makes You Adjust Your Own Claim

When Is a Policy “Blanket”? A Recent Court Decision Shows It’s Not Always Clear Cut

Court Differentiates Vandalism from Theft in First Party Insurance Policy

Civil Remedy Notices – What Are They and What Do They Require?

Boatowners Beware! Buy a Marine Policy Rather Than Relying Upon a Homeowners Policy For Coverage

Hurricane Helene Flood Insurance Claims and Elevated Building Issues? Refer to the Visual Flood Adjusters Use

Is Waiving Forfeiture Clauses Possible? Unlocking Possible Overlooked Arguments for Coverage

When Life Gives You Lemonade, They Give You No Coverage for Cryptocurrency

Appraising Facts Regarding Business Income Loss Much More Efficiently Than Litigating and Then Appraising Business Interruption Losses

What Is Hazard Insurance for Homeowners and What Does It Cover?

Mississippi Commissioner Warns of Francine’s Impact on State

The Importance of Understanding “Residence Premises” in Homeowner’s Insurance—Where You Reside Is Often an Important Coverage Issue

Understanding Consumer Education and Property Insurance

Appraisal Award Vacated Due to Appraiser’s “Flat Fee” Schedule that Functions as a Prohibited Contingency Fee

Trade Credit Insurance—Applications and Right Complete Answers Are Important While Wrong Answers May Result in No Coverage

The Importance of Accurate Valuation in Commercial Property Insurance

Fifth Circuit Holds That Sales Tax is Not a Component of Actual Cash Value

Impact of Rising Interest Rates on Property Insurance

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

Reminder on Time Limitations to File Suit for California Wildfire Claims

Emerging Property Insurance Trends 2024

Louisiana Court Finds That an Insured Breached its Duty to Cooperate

Who Is the Insurer? Does the Binder Matter?

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

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