Cooperation Clause
Key Takeaway
A policy condition requiring the insured to cooperate fully with the carrier in the investigation and defense of claims. This includes providing truthful information, attending depositions and trials, and not taking actions that prejudice the carrier's position.
Definition
A policy condition requiring the insured to cooperate fully with the carrier in the investigation and defense of claims. This includes providing truthful information, attending depositions and trials, and not taking actions that prejudice the carrier's position. Failure to cooperate can give the carrier grounds to deny coverage or limit its defense obligations.
Why This Matters for Law Firms
This term defines the boundaries of what your insurance will and will not pay for. Law firms that misunderstand coverage terms risk discovering gaps in protection only after a claim has been filed, when it is too late to remedy the situation. Reviewing these terms with your broker before binding coverage is a critical risk management step.
Example Usage in Context
During a coverage review meeting, the firm administrator might note: "Our policy includes a cooperation clause provision -- let's make sure we understand exactly what that means for our specific practice areas before we sign off on the renewal."
Related Q&A
Related terms
Need help understanding your policy?
Get a free coverage review and we'll walk through every key term in your law firm's insurance program.