Navigating Insurance Coverage Ambiguities: Extrinsic Evidence in Insurance Policy Analysis

When insurance coverage litigation ensues, the dispute often hinges on whether policy terms are ambiguous, and whether information outside the four corners of the policy can be introduced to reconcile the meaning/intent of policy language.   

This program, presented by Edward J. Guardaro, Jr., and Verne A. Pedro, Esq., of Fullerton Beck, will explore key issues regarding when extrinsic evidence may be used to establish that a particular policy provision is ambiguous and under what circumstances extrinsic evidence can be used to resolve an ambiguity. 

This presentation will benefit insurance litigators, as well as general counsel, in-house counsel, risk managers, claims professionals, and any other attorneys who are involved in insurance policy interpretation and coverage disputes.

1. Identify the critical rules of construction courts that will apply to determine whether disputed policy language is ambiguous

2. Explore various types of extrinsic evidence courts will allow to establish and negate coverage

3. Discuss whether and when courts will permit extrinsic evidence to resolve the duty to defend

4. Understand the key holdings and identify strategies from leading insurance coverage cases that address whether and when extrinsic evidence is warranted to resolve ambiguous policy issues