In my personal experience as a member of the Weed Long Term Recovery Group from the Boles Fire, the workshop by United Policyholders was one of the most informative and helpful resources we came across in recovery.
What people say about UP
Audra Beylik, Shasta Regional Community Foundation
“United Policyholders organization should be the first line of information to all fire victims. They are positive people who are earnestly trying to help others through a difficult time. They can provide professional people and lay people to answer most any question a fire victim could have.”
Janice Johnson, Wildfire Survivor 2013
“Whenever I felt confused about any topic I first looked it up in the yellow book. Then I could go deeper based on what I read. Or I knew when to call it good.”
Wildfire Survivor 2014
“I want to thank the team at United Policyholders for their outstanding work on behalf of California consumers over the past two decades.”
Dave Jones, CA Insurance Commissioner
"I have helped hundreds of families buy homes. Last fall, one of them burned down. I am so grateful for the education from UP that helps me make sure all my clients are adequately protected from catastrophic loss."...
Jennifer Rosdail, San Francisco Realtor
"After the Butte Fire ravaged our community, UP came all the way from San Francisco to our little mountain town to provide us with the information and assistance we needed. Two years later, we're still utilizing their website and expertise to manage our protracted insurance fiasco. They deserve our support."
...
Jim Pesout Butte Fire Survivor
"The disaster recovery resources you provided helped many individuals and families."
County of Lake, CA
"We are so grateful that a consumer-focused organization like UP – completely independent of the insurance industry – is there to help families and individuals, homeowners and renters alike, navigate the confusing claims process after a disaster, and to help them before a crisis as well."
Berkeley DIsaster Prep Neighborhood Network
The big picture “why” I do what I do is that, “I want to make insurance work better.” That is why I do risk management consulting, and why I do expert witness work on both sides. Supporting UP is just one more way. Thanks for being such a great organization to partner with.
...
a Risk Management Consultant
"Thank you for your presentation and important information to our community on insurance policies and various coverages."
Rancho Bernardo Community Council
(United Policyholders) is an excellent source of support, information, and action for homeowners who really need an understanding and helpful partner during one of the worst times in their lives.
The Denver Foundation
"The UP Roadmap to Recovery Program raised awareness and educated Sandy-affected families on the importance of properly documenting losses and negotiating home and flood insurance settlements."
New Jersey Relief Fund
“I recommend United Policyholders to any community that has suffered a major disaster.”
“United Policyholders has worked tirelessly to serve our community and provide residents with necessary support and tools.”
El Paso County, CO
"Lost my home in the Tubbs fire in Sonoma County. Your help and support has been invaluable. Thank you."...
SB, Sonoma County, 2018
“I highly recommend bringing United Policyholders into your community. My only regret is that we didn’t bring them in sooner.”
Boulder County, CO
"On behalf of all the residents affected by the San Bruno/Glenview fire and the Department of Insurance staff, I would like to personally thank you for your participation in the San Bruno Insurance Recovery Forum...the forum provided fire survivors in the community the opportunity to ask questions, receive information, and express their concerns..."
Steve Poizner, CA Insurance Commissioner
"Your organization is supplying the vital information needed to navigate the insurance process. Countless homeowners like myself have been relying on the information you have been providing" ...
Matt Q., 2017 Sonoma Wildfire Survivor
"I can't thank you enough for watching all the fine print and ensuring what we need."
Fire Survivor 2013
Thank you for your kind words and acts, though the path to recovery is long - its little things like this help that's gets us through. Thank you for being part of the solution to our problem....
Terri T., New Jersey Home Fire
"This group provided valuable information and support for those who lost their homes in the Fourmile Fire two years ago and they have worked in many other communities that have suffered propertydamaging disasters. I recommend them without reservation."
United Way
"We have found the Disaster Recovery Handbook very informative and helpful in getting through the most traumatic experience in our lifetime"
PV, Sonoma, CA 2018
“Thank you does not say enough.”
Wildfire Survivor 2014
UP's guidance helped me get my health insurer to finally cover our unpaid claims for my daughter's medical care. Thanks UP!
LC, Black Forest, CO
"It is very uneasy to take on "giant" insurance company and your organization has done a lot to protect a policyholder. Thank you very much!"
D. Liu, Bay Area, CA
"Their Roadmap to Recovery program offers a range of support serices that have helped our residents move from tragedy to recovery."
City of San Diego
I have been wanting to express my appreciation for the amazing support your organization has been to us as we have been recovering through the firestorm of Northern California. I have attended most of your workshops and even though I am so busy during this time, each one has been well worth my time. I have received excellent counsel especially in realizing what my rights and what the responsibilities of my insurance company
2017 Tubbs FIre Survivor, Santa Rosa
We appreciate all that you are doing to help families straighten out the critical small print. You provide such a great service!
Joe Wimberley, Sr. Manager, Team Depot
“(United Policyholders) provided helpful insights into the state of the current insurance market for earthquake, fire and flood coverage, and the critical rile insurance plays in the ability of our communities recover from such catastrophic events. You brought an important and unique perspective to the hearing, that of homeowners themselves.”
California State Senate
“From the survivor surveys to their Roadmap to Recovery workshops, UP is a critical component in recovery for not only families but for communities.”
Karla Heard-Price, Waldo Canyon Fire Survivor 2013
"Just wanted you to say Thank you, too, for being here for all of us. It's a crazy time, as you well know and it's comforting to have a 'voice of reason' around"
San Bruno Explosion/Fire Survivor 2010
We turned to UP for help getting our homeowners insurance company to cover a $150,000+ smoke damage claim which allowed our family to get safely back into our home.
L.C., Black Forest Fire, Colorado
“They have been instrumental in working to improve laws related to fail claims handling practices.” ...
Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church
We cannot thank you enough for all your support, education and assistance through our recovery from the 2017 Tubbs Fire. Without all your input I have no idea how we could have recovered.
We're not quite there yet, but getting closer!
Many, many thanks.
...
Christopher and Urmila - 2017 Tubbs Fire Victims
“Your involvement helped us achieve our goal of bringing together three major stakeholders for fire prevention; Fire officials, Consumer groups and the Insurance Industry to discuss mitigation and preparation for future potential fire disasters.”
Steve Poizner, CA Insurance Commissioner
“We are so grateful to have wonderful UP looking out for us and putting together amazing amounts of information to help us understand 'the process' and cope with the trials and tribulations!"
Jeff Smith, Wildfire Survivor
"Thank you so much for your prompt response. It has lifted my spirits."...
E.O., Fire Survivor 2015
“I don't know how we would have found answers or how to begin if they had not coached us through the process.”
Wildfire Survivor 2014
"United Policyholder's contribution to the event helped hundreds of families, children, parents, pet owners, and individual community members take action to make themselves and their families more ready for emergencies."
City of Berkeley
“We recommend (UP) to any other city or county whose residents have suffered catastrophic property losses. United Policyholders is a 501(c)(3) with subject matter expertise in insurance recovery and has been a valuable resource to our community.”
Larimer County Commissioners Office
“UP has the ability to explain complex processes in a simple manner, which is key when dealing with an overwhelming situation. Many residents have voiced their gratitude for UP’s help and have called upon their assistance multiple times.”
City of San Bruno, CA
"On behalf of the American Red Cross Fired UP! Gold Country Institute 2016, we express special thanks to Emily Rogan (United Policyholders) for dedication of your time, your passion and your expertise."...
American Red Cross
“Our collaboration is a good example of a small but effective non-profit organization delivering valuable services and support to a large entity.”
Chevron
"Thank you for all the work United Policyholders is doing to protect the public. I truly appreciate your organization in the fight to improve the landscape of home insurance coverage."
Nancy, Witch Creek Fire Survivor
“UP has been a shining light for the past twenty years after virtually every major disaster in California.”
“UP is one of the only consumer advocacy groups that we have worked with that is solely committed to the consumer and has no other motives or desires that may conflict with that commitment.”
California Department of Insurance
"US Small Buiness Administration Office of Disaster Assistance is pleased to honor Karen Reimus in recognition of her perseverance, dedication and optimism in assisting California Communities rise above the impact of the Southern California Wildfires."
U.S. Small Business Administration
"Thanks for your excellent website. My insurance company was giving me a hard time, but now I'm finally able to understand the process."
2008 Vandalism claimant
“United Policyholders is a 501(c)(3) with unique expertise in insurance recovery and financial preparedness and a teaching team that has proven valuable to our citizens.”
El Paso County, CO
“UP played a leadership role in ensuring that future wildfire victims are treated more fairly by their insurance providers as part of a collaborative and successful effort to change some of Colorado’s insurance-related legislation and regulations.”
High Park and Waldo Canyon fires
“We honestly can say we would not have survived this catastrophe without your insightful, wise, sound wisdom.”
Wildfire Survivor 2014
"The workshop was really informative! We learned so much from your panelists, and plan to use all this good info as we move forward. Thanks so much!"
Carolyn Tuite, San Bruno Explosion/Fire Survivor 2010
“The information you gave to the communities and fire victims was extremely useful and I am sure appreciated by everyone.”
John Garamendi, CA Insurance Commissioner
“Our employees appreciated the practical help they got from UP, and that UP looked out for their best interest after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita."
HR Policy Specialist, Chevron Corp.
"Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and priorities in the Insurance Lobbyist and Communications Group." ...
Insurance Information Network of California
“The claims assistance workshops, referrals and many resources (United Policyholders) provided were extremely helpful and a tremendous benefit to the residents affected by the disaster.”
“Together, we are all working towards a shared goal of a more resilient Bay Area.”
American Red Cross
"Your home is probably underinsured. Don't wait to find out the hard way like we did. UP's tips will help you avoid a nightmare and protect your most valuable assets."
Ken Klein, Wildfire Victim 2003
“I am so very grateful for the help as it is a true insider's guide to wading through the quagmire after a catastrophe. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!”
Marjie, Superstorm Sandy Survivor
The loss we are dealing with was a partial loss due to fire... Leaving us with the question, what do we do now?! Thats where your site becomes such an valuable resource... For the service you provide, I extend from the heart, a most sincere, THANK YOU!!...
Larry Fredrickson, 2015
“Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of your outstanding contributions to the Third Supervisorial District and the County of San Diego.”
County of San Diego
"We support UP’s pro-active program to raise public awareness of the increased risk of flooding that residents now face in and near wildfire burn areas."
El Paso County, CO
"I want you to know that I will be forever indebted to you and all of the other volunteers that gave so freely of their time to help otherwise complete strangers through a very difficult ordeal. I could not have come this far without you. Thank You"
Ben F., Wildfire Survivor
chip
About
William "Chip" Merlin
Merlin Law Group
William "Chip" Merlin has served as a plaintiff's attorney with a focus on Commercial and Residential Property Insurance Claim Disputes and Bad Faith Insurance litigation since 1983. Chip is a noted national authority on Insurance Bad Faith, lecturing to national trade groups and publishing a number of papers and articles on the subject for organizations such as The American Association for Justice, The Florida Justice Association, The Florida Windstorm Conference, and Trial Magazine. As founder and president of Merlin Law Group, Chip has dedicated his practice to the representation and advocacy of insurance policyholders in disputes with insurance companies nationwide.
Chip served as Chair for the Bad Faith Insurance Litigation Group and Secretary for the Fire and Property Insurance Litigation Group for the American Association for Justice (formerly known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America). He is also Vice-Chair for the Subcommittee on Property Insurance Law for the American Bar Association.