Which party typically has the burden of proof in a claims dispute?

In a claims dispute, the policyholder or claimant typically has the burden of proof. This means that the individual making the claim must provide sufficient evidence to support their position and validate the damages or benefits they are seeking from the insurer. In the context of insurance claims, the policyholder is responsible for demonstrating that their claim is valid, which often involves presenting proof of loss, documentation of damages, and any relevant circumstances surrounding the incident.

This principle is grounded in the idea that the claimant must substantiate their assertions to ensure fairness in the claims process. The insurance company, while it has a duty to investigate and evaluate claims, is usually not required to prove that the claim should be denied or to disprove the policyholder's assertions. Consequently, the responsibility of gathering and presenting the necessary evidence rests primarily with the policyholder or claimant.