How are punitive damages paid for?
Most times punitive damages are paid by the defendant and not by the defendant’s insurance company. This is because insurance policies protect against accidental losses, like car accidents. Punitive damages are allowed only for intentional torts, which are not included in insurance coverage. If your neighbor falls down your stairs and gets hurt because you were negligent in some way, the insurance company pays for it. If you push him down the stairs, it will not cover the punitive damages you might get hit with.
