What does the parole evidence rule establish in terms of insurance contracts?

The parole evidence rule establishes that when parties have entered into a written contract, any prior verbal agreements or understandings that contradict the written contract cannot be used to change the terms of that contract. This principle reinforces the importance of the written document as the definitive agreement between the parties involved. In the context of insurance contracts, this means that any discussions, negotiations, or agreements that were made verbally before the contract was finalized cannot alter the contractual terms outlined in the policy. The integrity of the written contract is upheld, ensuring clarity and reducing misunderstandings that could arise from relying on informal communications.

The other options reference different aspects of contract management or modification but do not capture the primary focus of the parole evidence rule, which is specifically about the precedence of written agreements over prior verbal discussions.