Common use of Assistance and Cooperation Clause in Contracts

Assistance and Cooperation. The Underwriter shall not be called upon to assume charge of the settlement or defense of any claim made or suit brought or proceeding instituted against the Assured but the Underwriter shall have the right and shall be given the opportunity to associate with the Assured, in the defense and control of any claim, suit or proceeding relative to an Occurrence where the claim or suit involves, or appears reasonably likely to involve the Underwriter, in which event the Assured and the Underwriter shall cooperate in all things in the defense of such claim, suit or proceeding. The Assured shall furnish promptly all information reasonably requested by the Underwriter with respect to any claim made under this policy or pertaining to coverage under this policy. The Underwriter shall be permitted at all reasonable times during the policy period to inspect premises, plants, machinery, equipment, and operations of the Assured covered by this policy. In the event a claim is made under this policy, the Underwriter shall also be permitted at all reasonable times to examine the Assured's books and records which may relate to the subject of the claim. The Assured may require any of the employees, agents or independent contractors to carry out any such inspection or examination or to retain any information furnished by the Assured relative to the claim in a manner which will maintain confidential any information obtained and to agree in writing that they shall treat as confidential and not use, except for purposes of this policy, or disclose, any information obtained as a result of any such inspection or examination without the written permission of the Assured.