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

Coverage for a mortgagee where real or personal property, used as security for a loan, is damaged or destroyed. For example, a bank (mortgagee) lends money to an individual (mortgagor) who ...

Method of calculating the primary insurance amount (PIA) for Social Security benefits. Employees' covered monthly earnings are adjusted to reflect changes in the national average annual ...

Trade association located in New York City, consisting of approximately 200 captive insurance companies. The objective of the association is to further the common interests of its members. ...

Insured losses that have occurred but have not been reported to a primary insurance company. These types of claims have a tremendous effect on a reinsurance treaty, which may be showing a ...

Monetary guarantee that an individual released from jail will be present in court at the appointed time. If the individual is not present in court at that time, the monetary value of the ...

Elements common to all life insurance policies. While state insurance laws do not prescribe the exact words that must be in a life insurance policy, certain standard provisions must be ...

Minimum degree of injury or loss for which an injured party can sue, even though covered by no fault automobile insurance. Traditionally, an accident victim had to prove the other driver ...

Life insurance and long-term disability income insurance on major employees, with benefits payable to the business. Key person insurance has these advantages: enhances the ability of the ...

Health plan that pays a flat fee for each patient it covers. ...

Popular Insurance Questions