contra proferentem rule
A universally applied rule that ambiguities in an insurance policy will be
strictly interpreted against the insurer. Application of this rule is a three-step
process: (1) The court examines the policy language to determine whether it is ambiguous.
(2) If the language is unclear, the court will admit extrinsic evidence to clarify
the policy and determine the parties' intent at the time they entered into the
contract; if the extrinsic evidence dispels the ambiguity, the contract is applied
in accordance with its true meaning as ascertained by the extrinsic evidence.
(3) If the extrinsic evidence does not clarify the ambiguities, the
contra proferentem
rule is applied, and the ambiguous language is construed in favor of the insured
and against the insurer.
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CRT III.D