From the book cover (translated):  This three volume work lays the academic groundwork for a future harmonisation of European insurance contract law.  Such aim first entailed the compilation of individual reports on the general principles of insurance law applicable in the (then) fifteen member states of the European Union and Switzerland as well as European Community law and Australia.  Prepared from detailed questionnaires containing approximately 140 points of inquiry, the country reports afford the reader with insight on the respective approaches taken towards national insurance contract law.  At the same time, these individual questions afford the basis for a parallel and contrasting comparative law analysis.  Central to the work is the general comparative law report that does not limit itself to the determination of differences and similarities between the examined legal systems but, instead, strives for a reasoned debate, offering the findings and the distillation of legal models and recommendations for a future harmonisation at the European level.  The reports are supplemented with a materials volume containing a German, English or French version of the primary insurance laws applicable in each of the examined jurisdictions.