A policy condition requiring you to assist your insurer in investigating and defending a claim.
The cooperation clause obligates you to work with your insurer during a claim—providing documents, attending depositions, and not settling without their consent. Failing to cooperate can give the insurer grounds to deny coverage.
A cooperation clause is a policy condition that requires you to help your insurer investigate and defend any claims against you. This typically includes providing documents, answering questions under oath, attending depositions, and not settling a claim without your insurer's consent. Failing to cooperate can result in denial of coverage, even for otherwise valid claims.
Failing to cooperate with your insurer during a claim can result in denial of coverage. Most policies include a cooperation clause that makes your assistance a condition of coverage. This means if you refuse to provide documents, skip a deposition, or settle without consent, your insurer may legally deny your claim entirely, leaving you personally liable.
Yes, attending a deposition is typically required under your policy's cooperation clause. Your insurer needs your testimony to defend the claim effectively, and refusing to attend can be grounds for denying coverage. Your insurer will usually prepare you beforehand and may provide legal counsel to guide you through the process.
Definitions are educational and may be modified by your specific policy language, endorsements, and state rules. For regulatory guidance, refer to the California Department of Insurance or the NAIC.
Last updated: July 2026.