Neil Anapol

For almost 32 years, I have represented consumers and small business owners in lawsuits against insurance companies, insurance agents, banks, government entities, and attorneys. My practice is primarily focused on protecting people and businesses against insurance industry abuses. Over the years I have handled numerous cases involving non-payment or underpayment of homeowners claims and commercial property claims; insurers that refuse to defend liability claims; and insurers that unreasonably delay or deny uninsured motorist and automobile property claims.

University California Los Angeles School of Law

J.D. (1988) | Moot Court

Northwestern University

M.A. (1984) | Communications and Rhetoric

Northwestern University

B.S. (1984) | Debate and Rhetoric

Attorney

Law Offices of Neil R. Anapol

1999 - Current

Litigation attorney specializing in insurance bad faith, professional negligence, and employment litigation on behalf of consumers and employees.

Consumer Attorney Association of Los Angeles

member

1999 - Current

California State Bar  # 141764

Member

1989 - Current

California

Since 1989

• Free Consultation
  I give free initial consultations on contingency fee cases.
• Contingent Fees

• Insurance Bad Faith

Q. Insurance contract contradicts itself regarding if damage is covered or not. How is this handled and who's in the right?

September 9, 2024

A: I would not attempt to interpret the contract without seeing the contract. However, home warranty contracts are not considered to be insurance. Therefore, there is no such thing as an action for bad faith against a home warranty company. At most, you could sue for the cost of the repair.

It is fairly likely that the damage would be covered by your homeowners insurance policy, particularly if the damage occurred suddenly as a result of a burst pipe.

Q. What do I do for an insurance company causing me to accumulate 1600$ dollars in tow fees after telling me they would?

January 23, 2024

A: Fred Loya is by far the worst insurance company I have ever dealt with, and I have been practicing law for 35 years. I would not waste my time negotiating with them. Instead, file a small claims court lawsuit against the driver who hit your car (assuming the damages are $10,000 or less). You should be able to recover the towing, storage, repair, and loss of use damages. Loss of use is the fair rental value of your car (probably somewhere between $20 and $60 per day). You will win your small claims case, and Fred Loya will be obligated to pay at least up to the policy limit (which could be as low as $6,000).

If you have collision coverage, you should have put it through your own insurance. You still might be able to go that route. If you do, your insurance company will pay you what it owes you less the deductible, and get its money back from Fred Loya. When that happens, you get your deductible back. ... Read More

Q. Is it normal for at fault insurance (not me) to deduct from my settlement amount for excessive damage for a totaled car?

June 5, 2023

A: If you have collision coverage, make a claim on your own insurance and stop dealing with the other driver's insurer. Your insurer will total the car, pay you the fair market value, and then get the money back from the other driver's insurers including the deductible.

If you do not have collision coverage, show the other driver's insurer several comparable vehicle listings and/or the Kelly Blue Book price and demand that it pay that amount. If it won't negotiate, consider suing the other driver in small claims court if the value of the vehicle is $10,000 or less.