Duty to defend

The duty to defend is a legal obligation an insurance company has to provide a legal defense for the insured if they are sued for something covered by the policy. This means the insurer must handle the legal case, including hiring lawyers and paying legal costs, from the moment a claim is made, even before the court determines fault. The insurer's duty to defend is broader than the obligation to pay damages later; it covers any legal claims that potentially fall within the policy's coverage, ensuring the insured is protected from legal expenses in covered situations.