Chernay|Peterson has experienced attorneys who have handled insurance coverage and bad faith matters on behalf of insurance carriers for over 20 years.

We have experience with all levels of coverage. We provide opinion letters and prepare reservations of rights where appropriate. In declaratory judgment litigation, we approach cases aggressively, attempting to resolve them by summary disposition whenever feasible.  We can offer suggestions for drafting of policy language.

We have considerable coverage experience with construction industry policies, particularly the effect of indemnity and additional insured provisions. We also represent carriers in cases involving CGL, automobile and common carrier policies. Our work has also included cases in which policy rescission is sought where the application process is critical. For example, see Old Line Life Ins. Co. v. Superior Court (1991) 229 Cal. App.3d 1600.

We have litigated and tried both first and third party bad faith actions. In both, we begin with a thorough review and analysis of the claim file and our strategy for addressing the case. We also spend considerable effort on preparation of company witnesses since they will be the face of the company at trial. We offer advice on claims handling where useful. We also maintain constant attention to the potential for legal issues that should be brought to the attention of the court.  For example, see Waters v. United Services Auto. Assn. (1996) 41 Cal. App.4th 1063.

We promptly advise our clients of all developments in the case, including the implications of new evidence for our trial or settlement strategy. Our goal is to resolve the case as expeditiously and efficiently as possible and assist the client in avoiding similar disputes in the future.