What Is Side A D&O Insurance?

It can matter when the company is insolvent or legally unable to reimburse a leader. Compare limits and dedicated excess protection.

Side A is most relevant when the organization cannot or may not indemnify the director or officer, but inability and policy triggers are defined by the contract. It is distinct from Side B, which reimburses company indemnification, and Side C, which may insure the entity. Bankruptcy, priority of payments, retention, and conduct exclusions can influence how Side A works in practice. Check whether the policy offers dedicated Side A limits, whether defense costs reduce those limits, and how it responds when other coverage or corporate funds are unavailable. Review the grant alongside the company’s indemnification documents.