Named insured(s)

Policy period and coverages selected

Limits, deductibles, premium

Covered vehicles/property (as applicable)

What perils/events are covered

Who/what is covered

Coverage triggers (occurrence vs claims-made, etc.)

What is not covered

Common examples (intentional acts, wear and tear, certain hazards)

Exceptions to exclusions (when coverage comes back)

Duties after loss (notice, cooperation)

Payment terms and timelines

Cancellation/nonrenewal provisions

Key terms (e.g., “occurrence,” “insured,” “property damage”)

How definitions change scope of coverage

Liability (BI/PD)

Collision and comprehensive

Uninsured/underinsured motorist

Medical payments/PIP

Dwelling (homeowners) vs personal property (renters)

Liability and medical payments to others

Additional living expenses (loss of use)

Common exclusions (flood/earthquake; may require separate policies)

Premium, deductible, copay/coinsurance, out-of-pocket max

Network rules (in-network vs out-of-network)

Prior authorization and medical necessity

Term vs permanent (whole/universal)

Beneficiaries and policy ownership

Contestability and exclusions (e.g., suicide clause)

Short-term vs long-term

Definition of disability (own occupation vs any occupation)

Elimination period and benefit period

Excess limits over underlying policies

Broader coverage for certain liability claims

Required underlying limits and exclusions

Report promptly per policy conditions

Avoid actions that prejudice investigation

Photos/videos, receipts, inventories

Police/incident reports (when relevant)

Medical records/bills (health/auto injury)

Formal statement of damages (if required)

Deadlines and supporting evidence

Cooperation with recorded statements/exams (as applicable)

Gather facts, inspect damage, review records

Request necessary information reasonably

Evaluate coverage and damages

Apply deductibles, limits, depreciation (if applicable)

Communicate status and requests clearly

Timely decisions and payments

Clear written explanation for denials/partial denials

Reference applicable policy provisions

Unreasonable denial

Unreasonable delay

Lowballing without basis

Failure to investigate properly

Inconsistent explanations

Ignoring submitted evidence

Excessive document demands without relevance

Used to resolve value/amount-of-loss disputes

Appraisers and umpire process

Neutral facilitator to reach settlement

Often faster and less costly than litigation

Coverage litigation or contract/bad-faith claims

Consider attorney advice and limitation periods

Insurer seeks recovery from responsible third party

Helps control premiums and prevent double recovery

Cooperation may be required

Deductible recovery may be possible

Waiver of subrogation issues in some contracts/endorsements