Denial, Disclaimer, and Declination of Coverage Checklist

Summary

This Denial, Disclaimer, and Declination of Coverage Checklist highlights the three fundamental bases for the denial of claims asserted under insurance policies. The checklist focuses primarily on property insurance but does address life and health insurance where there are parallels. It will help you draft effective correspondence to policyholders and to additional insureds when an insurer has determined to deny a claim. Correspondence must be factually accurate and use the correct terminology to inform the insured of the reasoning for the decision. Good correspondence memorializes an insurer's official position on a claim, whether the claim is for the recovery of indemnity benefits, a defense, or the payment of indemnity benefits for a claim made against a person insured under the policy.