August 16, 2004

Online defamation & homeowners' coverage

I just read Stuart Levine's post (referenced on Overlawyered Oct. 30, 2003) about homeowners' insurance as a source of protection for website proprietors against defamation suits. I maintain a small website, iatrogenic.org. I asked my insurer, Amica, if it covered web sites under its umbrella policy. It responded by canceling my umbrella policy. I was told that some of what Amica considered controversial material on the site might make me vulnerable to lawsuit. I've since picked up coverage with a company that offers umbrella-only policies. I will not be asking them about the website. I predict that insurers will eventually exclude all website coverage. -- Nicolas Martin, Indianapolis, Ind.

Posted by Walter Olson at August 16, 2004 12:03 AM
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