Twelve Rules for Reading an Insurance Policy

 1.  Ascertain who qualifies as an insured--named insured(s), additionally listed (named) insureds, automatic insureds, and additional (endorsed) insureds.

 2.  Highlight the areas on the policy that are changed by an endorsement and state which endorsement changes that section.

 3.  Compare the forms and endorsements listed on the declarations page with the forms and endorsements attached to make sure the entire policy is available.

 4.  Read the "insuring agreement" first.

 5.  Read the "exclusions."

 6.  Read the exceptions to the "exclusions."

 7.  When the policy refers to another section, read that section.

 8.  Pay attention to the conjunctions in a list.

 9.  Pay attention to the key words and phrases.

10.  Read and understand the definitions.

11.  Figure out if all policy conditions have been met.

12.  Are coverage limits adequate?