A life insurance policy contains confusing and ambiguous language regarding one of its exclusions. If the beneficiary disputes a claim denial based on this confusing clause, how will a court typically interpret the contract?
- The court will interpret the ambiguity in favor of the beneficiary because it is a contract of adhesion.Answer
- BThe court will interpret the ambiguity in favor of the insurance company because the company originally drafted the document.
- CThe court will declare the policy void due to an unequal exchange of consideration between the parties.
- DThe court will treat the vague language as an absolute warranty that the policyholder failed to meet.
Answer
The court will interpret the ambiguity in favor of the beneficiary because it is a contract of adhesion.
Insurance policies are contracts of adhesion. They are drafted entirely by the insurance company and offered to the consumer on a 'take it or leave it' basis. To protect the consumer, courts follow a strict legal doctrine stating that any ambiguity or confusing language in a contract of adhesion must be interpreted in favor of the party that did not draft it—in this case, the beneficiary.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Contracts of Adhesion and Ambiguity