Everyone has probably heard the idiom, "Don't take no for an answer." This phrase can be traced back to a 1930 quote from Winston Churchill. It has been used countless times since in boardrooms, sales calls, and casting rooms. And yes… wait for it… it also applies in the field of insurance. read more

We have been writing quite a bit over the last couple of years about the evolving legal landscape of first-party insurance claims in the Pacific Northwest. As more community associations that are otherwise outside of the window to bring construction defect claims for property damage instead bring claims under their own historical insurance policies, courts are getting more of an opportunity to address key issues. read more

Most insurance policies contain some form of "cooperation" provision. These provisions exist in both first-party insurance policies (e.g. property policies) and third-party policies (liability policies). When an insured files a first-party claim or tenders a third-party liability claim to its insurance company, the insurance company will often ask for the insured to "cooperate." Generally speaking, the insured must acquiesce to the reasonable requests for cooperation from the insurance company. That being said, there are situations where the insured should tread lightly. read more

Every year around this time, my family inevitably settles in to watch an all time Christmas classic: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Of course, the thought of waking up on Christmas morning to find all of your presents stolen (not to mention the roast beast and the last can of Who-hash), would be sad indeed. But, imagine how sad the Whos would be if their homeowners insurance claims were later denied or severely limited? read more