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

One of four types of risks affecting the life insurance company as identified by the society of actuaries. This risk is associated with losses that the life insurance company may incur as ...

Method used to determine the policyholder's return on premiums paid into a life insurance policy. This method is illustrated in two ways:.Surrender of Policy Approach calculation of the ...

Liquid property that can be converted easily to cash. For example, a policyowner can borrow readily against the cash value of a life insurance policy. ...

Premium that equals the net level premium plus the modification of the net level premium to reflect the cost associated with paying for the first year initial acquisition expenses. The ...

One that provides group health or pension benefits for a multiemployer plan. To lower the cost, small firms band together to take advantage of the economies of large group underwriting. ...

Proposal by Roger Kenney, an insurance journalist, that in order to maintain the solvency of a property and casualty insurance company, insurance premiums written should not exceed more ...

in property and casualty insurance, termination of a policy because of failure to pay a renewal premium. in life insurance, termination of a policy because of failure to pay a premium and ...

Agreement prepared by an insurance company and offered to prospective insureds on a take-it-or-leave-it basis. If the contracts are misinterpreted by insureds, courts have ruled in their ...

Insurance policy designed to provide coverage for the deductible amount and the coinsurance amount required to be paid by the medicare recipient. Some of these policies will also continue ...

Popular Insurance Questions