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, thecontra proferentem rule is applied, and the
ambiguous language is construed in favor of the insured and against the
insurer.