[A072]

adhesion contract

A type of contract in which the standard provisions offered are not subject to negotiation, but are on a "take it or leave it" basis. Most insurance policies are contracts of adhesion since the terms and conditions of the contract are drawn or written by the insurer with no input from the insured who must adhere to the terms and conditions as set forth, and who has little recourse to negotiate for better benefits or terms. If there is any ambiguity when a contract of adhesion has been written, court decisions and rulings will be in favor of the party who did not have control of the wording of the provisions; in this case the insured.