Opinion ID: 1493721
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: What Constitutes Co-operation

Text: As we have seen, the appellant's policy provides that the insured shall co-operate with the company    and shall assist in    securing and giving evidence   . At the outset of our inquiry into the question of whether or not White co-operated with the appellant, it is necessary to ascertain what, in the eyes of the law, is regarded as co-operation on the part of an insured. Truthfulness seems to be the keystone of the co-operation arch. The insured must tell his insurer the complete truth concerning the accident, and he must stick to this truthful version throughout the proceedings. He must not embarrass or cripple his insurer in its defense against a civil suit arising out of the accident, by switching from one version to another. He must not blow hot and cold to suit his personal convenience. In Valladao v. Fireman's Fund Indemnity Co., 13 Cal.2d 322, 328, 329, 333, 89 P. 2d 643, 646 the court said: It may not be denied that aside from the obligation arising from the law of contract, a condition of a policy requiring the cooperation and assistance of the assured in opposing a claim or an action lodged against him by an injured person is material to the risk and of the utmost importance in a practical sense. Without such cooperation and assistance the insurer is severely handicapped and may in some instances be absolutely precluded from advancing any defense.