how do we know if malpractice insurance will really cover us

For years I've always had malpractice insurance through NSO. This year I had problem remembering my logon name and password, so long story short I didn't pay on time and let it lapse. I just picked up the phone to call to renew when I started reading the policy and became concerned. I know that if you have $250,000 house insurance and you have a house fire, you don't get $250,000. You have to prove exactly what you owned and what it was worth. They try to wear the person down. I've seen this happen to 3 people, one a close friend, another my hairdresser. There was absolutely no doubt that the fires were not their fault. So how do we find out how good a company actually is when needed. They can all be great when all we do is pay our yearly fee, but what about when the rubber meets the road. So I'm wondering if there are any nurses on here that have used their malpractice insurance and if they have any words of wisdom to help us know. Truth is that like most other nurses, I'm afraid to not carry insurance, but it would be nice to know that the company I choose actually has helped others.
have it but never used it. The state insurance commission might have some answers for you. Otherwise, it is a crap shoot.

Malpractice insurance is like health insurance everyone should have it, but like I'm not going to try to get sick or injured to find out if my health insurance is any good, I'm not going to screw up and kill or injure someone to find out if the malpractice insurance is any good.

I had a house fire. Yes they try to pay as little as possible but you have to be smarter than them. For homeowners just make sure it is for replacement value...I lost everything material......it was a nightmare I never want to repeat, but I would have been in serious trouble if I didn't have insurance. Same with malpractice...NSO I have researched is the best. I have never known anyone to use it....but I wouldn't be caught dead without it.

Risk Management Claim Studies

thank you to those who replied. I too hope I never need to use the insurance and guess I will continue with NSO.