would have served to upend the contra proferentem rule in favor of the
contra proferentem rule. (113) As discussed above however, it seems
(explaining that the contra proferentem rule requires
Iowa 1997) ("rules of statutory interpretation, rather than the contra proferentem rule, ought to apply when the terms of an insurance contract are dictated by statute, because, in such circumstances, the real question is or ought to be the intent of the legislature, not the intent of the parties to a contract in which neither has any real say as to the terms of the agreement").
8, 1995) (contra proferentem rule does not apply based on size or sophistication of insured).
The judge said that the
contra proferentem rule was not to be used save as a last resort.
This principle squares with the
contra proferentem rule, and the principle that courts should interpret coverage provisions broadly, while they should narrowly read exclusion clauses.
Whether or not the contra proferentem rule is applied in any particular insurance coverage dispute is critical because it may determine the outcome of the dispute.
In the past, other courts similarly have rejected application of the contra proferentem rule when the policyholder has been a large, sophisticated entity with perceived bargaining power or insurance expertise.