Definition of "Defense costs"

Expense of defending a lawsuit. To mount a legal defense against civil or criminal liability, a defendant faces expenses for lawyers, investigation, fact gathering, bonds, and court costs. Of critical importance in purchasing liability insurance is not only the limits of coverage under the policy but also the obligation of the insurance company to defend the insured against suits, even if a suit is without foundation. Because legal defense costs can be extremely high, the consumer should consider liability insurance that pays all defense costs in addition to the policy limits.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Insurance Terms

Association that represents reinsurance companies as well as insurance companies that do not market marine insurance. LIRMA and the institute of London underwriters share the same facility ...

Insurance that covers each and every loss except for those specifically excluded. If the insurance company does not specifically exclude a particular loss, it is automatically covered. ...

Pool of private insurers that provide initial flood insurance in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In 1978, the association was superseded by the ...

Pension plan format. After deciding how much to contribute, the employer can suspend, reduce, or discontinue contributions during the first 10 years only for reasons of business necessity; ...

Coverage under the Homeowners Form-4 (HO-4) for the insured's personal property and loss of use against fire and/or lightning; vandalism and/or malicious mischief; windstorm and/or hail; ...

Period, set by law, after which a damage claim cannot be made. Limits are set by individual states and usually range from one to seven years. ...

Coverage made available to residents of a community on a subsidized and nonsubsidized premium rate basis once the governing body of the community qualifies that community for coverage under ...

Physical, moral, or financial circumstance of a life insurance applicant that sets him or her apart from a physically, morally, and financially sound standard applicant. The underwriting ...

State operated insurance company used in workers compensation insurance in some states where the risks are so great that the commercial insurance companies cannot operate at affordable ...

Popular Insurance Questions