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Glossary

Defense costs

Attorney fees, expert costs, and litigation expenses the policy pays. On most E&O forms, defense spending erodes the limit (“defense inside limits”);…

What is defense costs?

Attorney fees, expert costs, and litigation expenses the policy pays. On most E&O forms, defense spending erodes the limit (“defense inside limits”); some professions can buy defense outside limits.

Why it matters

Defense is the quiet majority of professional liability value: attorneys, experts, and court costs mount long before any settlement. Policies that pay defense outside the limit preserve your full coverage for judgments; defense-inside policies erode it. Ask which one you are buying.

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