W.Va. insurance disclosure bill nears vote
CHARLESTON (AP) — Legislation up for a vote in West Virginia’s House of Delegates would require insurance companies to provide policy information in advance of potential claims.
The bipartisan bill on Monday’s schedule would allow people who may a file claim to learn the policy’s coverage limits, potential defenses and other information.
Supporters say a dozen states have similar disclosure laws, including neighboring Virginia.
But the state Chamber of Commerce is urging the bill’s defeat. It and other business groups warn that plaintiff’s lawyers would exploit the measure to obtain information about anyone’s insurance coverage for practically any reason.
Supporters argue that such information must already be disclosed once a lawsuit is filed. They say the bill will reduce insurance lawsuits.
