Merlin Law Group

A California appellate court recently enforced a New York forum-selection clause in a policy covering California property. The decision highlights a growing issue in surplus lines insurance: policyholders may discover after a loss that they must litigate far from home.

Where a dispute must be heard can significantly impact costs, remedies, and leverage. See why policyholders, brokers, and regulators should pay closer attention to these courthouse clauses.

Surplus Lines Courthouse Clause Trap | Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog A California case highlights how forum-selection clauses can dramatically change a policyholder's rights after a loss.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for last week's Merlin Mingle in Cleveland!

It was great to spend the evening with friends and colleagues from across the property insurance industry.

We're grateful for the relationships we've built with Ohio claims professionals and always appreciate the opportunity to connect with others who are committed to helping policyholders.

We look forward to seeing everyone again soon.

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.

Cyber Fraud Insurance Coverage Gaps | Property Insurance Coverage Law Blog A recent court decision shows how businesses can lose millions when cyber fraud coverage does not match today's risk.