Coverage Terms
Duty to Defend
The insurer's obligation to provide and fund a legal defense when a covered claim is made against the insured, even if the claim is ultimately found to be without merit. The duty to defend is typically broader than the duty to indemnify and is triggered by the allegations in the claim rather than the actual facts.
Related terms
Duty to IndemnifyThe insurer's obligation to pay settlements, judgments, and other covered losses on behalf of the in...Defense Costs Inside LimitsA policy structure where defense costs, including attorney fees, expert witness fees, and court cost...Defense Costs Outside LimitsA policy structure where defense costs are paid in addition to the policy's stated limits, preservin...