AME doctrine

The AME doctrine, short for "Adversity, Misfortune, and Events," is a legal principle used to determine if an insurance claim is valid. It states that an insurance policy covers unexpected setbacks resulting from unforeseen events, provided they are not caused by the insured’s intentional wrongdoing or negligence. Essentially, it helps clarify whether a loss is a covered incident or an excluded risk. By focusing on whether the event was accidental and beyond control, the doctrine guides courts and insurers in assessing claims fairly and consistently.