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

Association of general agents and managers affiliated with the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR LIFE UNDERWRITING (NALU). Their objective is to seek solutions to common managerial problems. GAMC ...

Insurance for accountants covering liability lawsuits arising from their professional activities. For example, an investor bases a buying decision on the balance sheet of a company's annual ...

Difference between the actual mortality experience and the expected mortality experience. In statistical terms, this is known as the deviation of the actual (X) from the expected (X). The ...

Present value of future benefits. This type of reserve would be applicable for single premium life insurance, paid-up insurance, single premium annuity, and a paid-up annuity. ...

Specified amount received by an insured at the end of an endowment period (usually the face amount of the endowment policy), or by the owner of an ordinary life policy (usually the ...

Endorsement attached to an insurance policy that eliminates coverage for certain specified perils. ...

In a pension plan that an employer is required to make against future contributions (other than a cash basis as required by the IRS). Such credits may arise when an employee leaves an ...

Dividends paid historically, currently, and projected. ...

Tax, under federal and state laws, on transfer of property made without payment or other value in exchange. ...

Popular Insurance Questions