The rescission of an insurance policy is one of the most underutilized tools in handling insurance claims. If used properly, it unwinds the insurance transaction and the parties are restored to their position prior to the contract; it is as if the insurance contract never existed. Although rescission is primarily an equitable device, its use and scope is authorized by many state statutes. In situations where the insured has made material misrepresentations or fraudulently applied for a policy, it shields the insurer from unwarranted claims and unjust liability. There are three types of state statutes regarding rescission: (1) states that allow rescission based on material misrepresentation; (2) states that limit rescission to a knowing or reckless misrepresentation; and (3) states…
