Although the law can guide a practitioner in interpreting the various component parts of an insurance policy, the ability to analyze a policy and render a competent coverage analysis requires certain practical considerations. An opinion regarding coverage cannot be confidently given without consideration of all of the following:
Accurate Copy Of The Policy
Few insureds ever obtain, much less maintain, a complete and accurate copy of their policies. Although a commercial broker will often maintain or be able to reconstruct a complete and accurate copy, many retail agents will, in response to a request for a copy of the policy, provide a declarations page and state-specific endorsements without all policy forms.