West Virginia § 56-4-17 - 56-4-17. Form of declaration or count on insurance policy.

Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 56-4-17 — 56-4-17. Form of declaration or count on insurance policy., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 56-4-17. 56-4-17. Form of declaration or count on insurance policy.

A declaration or count on a policy of insurance, whether the policy be under seal or not, may be in effect as follows:

A ................ B ................complains of

C ................ D ................, who has been summoned to answer this: For that the defendant, by virtue of the policy of insurance herewith filed (or a copy of which is herewith filed), owes (here state the amount claimed under the policy) to the plaintiff for loss in respect to the property (or subject) insured by said policy, caused by (here insert the cause of loss in general terms, for example: By fire, by the damages of navigation, or otherwise, according to the fact) on or about the .......... day of ............., in the year ........., at (or near to) ................., (stating the place at or near to which the loss occurred).

If the declaration or count be on a life policy, then it shall be sufficient to follow the above form in effect down to and including the word, "plaintiff" and add thereto in effect as follows:

Because of the death of E.F., whose life was insured by said policy, and who died on or about the .......... day of .........., in the year ........., at (or near to, stating the place where his death occurred) .................; or, if the fact be so, the plaintiff may state in the declaration or count that the time or place where the loss or death occurred is unknown to him giving in general terms such information as may be in his power in respect thereto. Nothing contained in this section shall render insufficient in law any declaration or count which would be sufficient if this section had not been passed.

Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 56-4-17

What does West Virginia Code § 56-4-17 cover?

Section 56-4-17 ("56-4-17. Form of declaration or count on insurance policy.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite West Virginia § 56-4-17?

A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 56-4-17" (West Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of West Virginia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.

How does West Virginia § 56-4-17 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.