Coverage and Bad Faith Litigation: Depositions of Insurance Claims Handlers or Representatives

This CLE course will discuss deposition strategies for insurers and policyholders to defend or take the claims handler's or representative's deposition. The program will also review communications between the claims handler and insurance counsel and communications that may come under the attorney-client privilege or work product doctrine.

A claims handler's deposition is often pivotal in an insurance coverage dispute, mainly where there are bad faith allegations. The claims handler may be a fact witness and the insurer's corporate representative.

From the policyholder's perspective, the claims representative knows how the claim was investigated and adjusted and the insurer's basis for any reservation of rights. The claims representative will also recognize the specific documents and information to determine the extent of the loss' coverage and value.

From the insurer's perspective, the claims representative's deposition performance may significantly affect the case, particularly bad faith cases. The claims representative's credibility, knowledge of the claims file, and understanding of manuals and procedures are critical.

Listen as our authoritative panel of insurance practitioners guides you through strategies to take or defend depositions of claims handlers or representatives. The presenters will also discuss privileged communications between the claims handler and insurance counsel.