Merlin Law Group

06/09/2026

Social engineering fraud continues to be one of the fastest-growing risks facing businesses.

In a recent case, Blue Compass RV lost more than one million dollars after a fraudster impersonated a contractor and redirected a payment. Although the company carried insurance, the court limited recovery to a $100,000 deception fraud sublimit.

The decision serves as a reminder that cyber coverage, crime coverage, funds transfer fraud coverage, and social engineering fraud coverage are not interchangeable. Businesses, risk managers, brokers, and advisors should carefully review policy language, limits, exclusions, and verification requirements before a claim occurs.

Chip Merlin examines the decision and explains why modern fraud risks require both strong internal controls and carefully structured insurance programs.

A recent court decision shows how businesses can lose millions when cyber fraud coverage does not match today's risk.

06/08/2026

For wineries, wildfire-related losses aren't always tied to direct fire damage. 🍇 Smoke exposure can be just as disruptive.

Featured in Insurance Thought Leadership, California-based attorney Victor Jacobellis explores how smoke exposure can affect grape quality and why disputes can arise when insurers and wineries disagree about when that exposure occurred.

As wildfire seasons increasingly overlap with vineyard harvests, documentation and testing play an important role when coverage questions arise.

Read Victor’s full article: https://hubs.ly/Q04kwq0n0.

06/06/2026

We're honored to share that Merlin Law Group has been recognized in the 2026 Chambers USA Guide.

Congratulations to Jonathan Bukowski, Esq. and J. Drew Houghton, Esq. on their individual recognitions, and to our Oklahoma team for being ranked in the Insurance category.

This prestigious accolade reflects the hard work and dedication of our attorneys and staff, as well as the trust our clients and colleagues place in us every day. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey.

Learn more: https://chambers.com/law-firm/merlin-law-group-usa-5:22625253

06/04/2026

For years, insurance industry representatives have warned lawmakers about fraud. But recent Hurricane Milton claims data suggests fraud was almost nonexistent as a reason claims were closed.

At the same time, thousands of claims were closed because insurers determined the losses did not exceed deductibles or lacked sufficient value.

If nearly half of homeowners claims result in no payment, are we asking the wrong questions about the insurance marketplace?

New catastrophe data suggests fraud is rare while claim undervaluation may be a far bigger problem for policyholders.

06/03/2026

The insurance industry often cites fraud as a major cause of rising premiums and claim costs. But recent Hurricane Milton claims data tells a different story.

Among tens of thousands of unpaid claims, only 18 were classified as fraud. Meanwhile, deductibles, administrative classifications, withdrawn claims, and claim valuation issues accounted for the vast majority of nonpayments.

A recent Wall Street Journal analysis also found that nearly half of homeowners insurance claims now result in no payment.

What do the numbers actually tell us about the insurance marketplace?

Industry data shows fraud is rare among unpaid claims. So why does fraud dominate insurance reform discussions?

06/03/2026

California homeowners are doing exactly what they were told to do: fireproof their homes, follow state guidelines, invest into reducing wildfire risk. Yet, why are so many still losing insurance coverage?

SB 1076 was supposed to help by requiring insurers to offer or renew coverage for homes that meet wildfire safety standards. Instead, the bill died in committee, marking the fourth failed attempt at similar legislation since 2020.

With another wildfire season looming, homeowners are vulnerable:
🔥 400,00+ Californians have lost private homeowners’ coverage since 2021
🔥 668,000 FAIR Plan enrollments; up from 202,000 policies in 2020
🔥 70% of LA wildfire survivors report delays or underpayments

Homeowners are doing their part, but insurers and lawmakers keep falling short. That is why continued advocacy for real reform is critical.

06/02/2026

Thank you, FAPIA, for welcoming Chip Merlin back once again to speak at this year’s conference.

We deeply appreciate our relationship with your organization and the opportunity to share ideas, learn from one another, and support the important work public adjusters do every day.

06/02/2026

A railroad spent millions protecting its property before Hurricane Irma and successfully prevented major damage. The insurer then argued that little or nothing was owed because the damage never occurred. This Eleventh Circuit decision is a powerful lesson on mitigation, preservation clauses, and deductible language.

A Hurricane Irma railroad claim shows why mitigation, preservation clauses, and deductible wording matter. Read more.

06/01/2026

A property insurance appraisal dispute involving a $187 million Hurricane Sally award is now before the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

The case raises fundamental questions about how appraisal works, when courts can intervene, and whether judges can look behind appraisal awards to examine the process itself. The outcome could influence appraisal disputes throughout Florida and beyond.

Read Chip Merlin's analysis of why this appeal deserves the attention of everyone involved in property insurance claims.

The Portofino appraisal dispute in now before the Eleventh Circuit, and the outcome could have major implications nationwide.

06/01/2026

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to inspect properties and influence insurance underwriting decisions without a human ever stepping onto the property.

Insurers can now evaluate roofs, vegetation, maintenance conditions, and other factors using aerial imagery, drones, and AI-powered analytics. But what happens when the technology gets it wrong?

Regulators are taking notice and pushing for greater transparency, accountability, and consumer protections. Learn how AI is reshaping insurance underwriting and why policyholders should have the right to challenge inaccurate data.

Insurers increasingly rely on AI and aerial imagery for roof inspections. Regulators are demanding accountability.