You have homeowner’s insurance and a hurricane hits. The winds and rains come. There is damage to your home. But you know the storm will blow over and you have coverage, so no worries, right?

You could be very wrong.

Today Mark Bello and I are with William F. “Chip” Merlin, Jr., founder and president of the Merlin Law Group.

Chip has dedicated his practice to representing insurance policyholders in disputes with insurance companies nationwide.

Chip was noted as the “Babe Ruth of Hurricane lawyers” in the Asbury Park Press for his work on behalf of 23 municipalities and hundreds of policyholders following Superstorm Sandy. The Tampa Bay Times dubbed him “the Master of Disaster” for his nationwide catastrophe work and helping policy holders following Hurricane Katrina.

Chip also is the author of the book entitled “Pay UP! – Preventing a Disaster with Your Own Insurance Company.” His motto is “Justice for Policyholders,” as he and his firm work to help people get the recovery they deserve from bad faith insurance companies.

So, today Mark Bello and I will talk with Chip about being prepared to fight with your insurance company after a disaster.

Chip, I hope it never comes to that, but can you set the stage for us a little bit?