The preceding chapter discussed the impact of the doctrines of waiver, estoppel, and election on the right of a life insurance company to avoid liability under a policy because of fraud, misrepresentation, or breach of condition at the contract�s inception. This chapter will consider an even more restrictive influence�the incontestable clause. This clause, without counterpart in any other type of contract, was once the source of considerable misunderstanding and litigation. A commonly held opinion is that no other provision of a typical life insurance contract has been the center of so much "controversy, misinterpretation, and legal abuse" as the incontestable clause. While the incontestable clause is no longer the source of much litigation, the provision has a vital bearing on the protection afforded by a life insurance contract, and it is worthy of careful study.