laundry listing
The reporting of all possible claims (or incidents that could later produce
claims) to an insurer under a claims-made policy that is about to expire, be
canceled, or nonrenewed. Laundry listing is sometimes done because discovery
provisions under claims-made policies state that if an "incident" is reported
to an insurer (that later gives rise to a claim against an insured), coverage
will apply regardless of how far in the future the claim is made. Laundry listing
poses certain drawbacks for insureds, including higher premiums in renewal policies
based on an underwriter's perception of increased future claim frequency; an
insurer's refusal to renew coverage given potential claims; difficulty in replacing
a policy with a new insurer; and creation of a discoverable record indicating
an insured's concern about its liability associated with a specific incident.
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PLI VIII.C