West Virginia Bill Requires Insurance Disclosure

West Virginia’s House of Delegates has approved a bill requiring insurance companies to provide policy information in advance of claims.

The bipartisan bill that passed 64-33 would allow people filing a file claim to learn the policy’s coverage limits, potential defenses and other information.

Supporters said a dozen states have similar disclosure laws, including neighboring Virginia.

The state Chamber of Commerce opposes the bill. It and other business groups warn that plaintiff’s lawyers would obtain information about anyone’s insurance coverage for practically any reason.

House Judiciary Chair Tim Miley denounced their allegations as hysterical propaganda. He successfully had the bill amended to limit disclosures to people filing claims.

Supporters argue that such information must already be disclosed once a lawsuit is filed. They said the bill will reduce insurance lawsuits.

Latest Comments

• March 1, 2012 at 9:17 am

  Mark says:

  This is obviously written by by the plaintiff's bar. If you are going to require disclosure of of insurance coverage limits (which they can already obtain in the discovery pr... read more
• February 29, 2012 at 3:47 pm

  Anejo says:

  You know you're right when the opposition labels your legitimate concerns "hysterical propaganda". Well said.
• February 29, 2012 at 2:28 pm

  Wayne says:

  So if the insurance money isn't there, the attorney won't pursue the case? Or, if the insurance money is there, hold out on a fair settlement to get more because the coverage ... read more