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

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.

1. Policyholder strategies
   1. The scope of testimony/knowledge
   2. Documents to review before deposition
   3. Presence of a bad faith claim
   4. Claims file
   5. How the claim was investigated
   6. Claims-handling manuals and procedures
2. Insurer strategies
   1. Determine the relevance of the claims handler testimony (bad faith vs. policy interpretation)
   2. Knowledge of the claims file
   3. Knowledge of manuals and procedures
   4. Presenting the claims rep in a light most favorable to the case
3. Protections against disclosure and the role of outside coverage counsel
   1. Attorney-client privilege
   2. Work product doctrine

The panel will review these and other key issues:

• The scope of claims representative's testimony in coverage vs. bad faith claims
• Keys to the insurer's determination of the relevancy of the claims handler's testimony
• Documents for policyholder's counsel to review before deposition
• How insurer's counsel can present the claims representative in a light most favorable to the case
• Evidentiary protections arguably applicable to the claim file