Sue and Labor Clause — an ocean and inland marine insurance provision that requires the insured to
protect damaged property from further loss once a loss has occurred. It also
establishes that the expenses of doing so will be borne by the insurer and the
insured "in proportion to their respective interests" in the
property. Thus, the insurer will pay the full "sue and labor" costs
if the amount of insurance is equal to or greater than the value of the
property. Current property and marine forms usually contain a similar
provision, but it is seldom labeled a sue and labor clause. Instead, it is
typically included as one of the insured's "Duties in the Event of
Loss." An example would be the temporary placement of a tarp over a
damaged roof to mitigate further damage.