What does per occurrence mean on a deductible?

Asked by: Stanton Lowe DDS  |  Last update: December 26, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (63 votes)

A per-occurrence deductible means you're responsible for paying a predetermined deductible each time you file an insurance claim.

Is per claim or per occurrence better?

Typically for the first five years of coverage, claims made policies tend to be less expensive than occurrence policies. But keep in mind that as your business faces more exposures, your premiums will increase; usually, after five years, the cost of a claims-made policy begins to even out with occurrence policies.

What does $300,000 per occurrence mean?

Per-occurrence limits define how much a policy will pay for any one incident or claim. Aggregate limits define how much a policy will pay over the policy's duration.

What is the meaning of per occurrence?

What is a per-occurrence limit? A per-occurrence limit is the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for a single incident. The payout is calculated after you meet your deductible.

Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?

Generally speaking, yes, a higher deductible is the better choice long term. Especially if you have a good driving history.

What Are Deductibles, Coinsurance, and Copays?

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What is too high of a deductible?

For individuals, a health plan can qualify as high deductible if the deductible is at least $1,350, and the max out-of-pocket cost (the most you'd pay in a year for medical expenses, with insurance covering everything else) is at least $6,750.

Do I get my deductible back if I'm not at fault?

Yes, if you have to pay your deductible and you were not at fault, you may be able to get it back from the at-fault driver's insurance company. This is called subrogation. Your insurance company will pursue the at-fault driver's insurance company to recover the money paid for the damages, including your deductible.

What is a per occurrence deductible?

Most property insurance policies contain a per-occurrence deductible provision that stipulates that the deductible amount specified in the policy declarations will be subtracted from each covered loss in determining the amount of the insured's loss recovery.

What is an example of occurrence?

Street-fights are an everyday occurrence in this area of the city. Death was an everyday occurrence during the Civil War. It's still not possible to accurately predict the occurrence of earthquakes. There have been several occurrences of theft in the area recently.

What is better, claims made or occurrence?

In short, occurrence-based policies provide ample coverage as long as you keep renewing them. For this privilege, you'll generally pay more than you would for claims-made policies. With claims-made policies, the amount of coverage you purchase must last for as long as you keep your policy.

What is an example of a per occurrence deductible?

Common examples of per-occurrence deductibles are auto insurance or homeowners' insurance deductibles. With these types of plans, you often have to pay a full deductible — such as $400 — every time you file a claim with your insurance company.

What does $100000 per occurrence mean?

Suppose your per-accident limit is $100,000. That means if you cause a car accident that injures three people, the most your bodily injury liability would pay for their combined expenses is $100,000 (and only up to the per-person limit for each person injured).

What does each occurrence mean in insurance?

In insurance, an occurrence is defined as “an accident, including continuous or repeated exposure to substantially the same general harmful conditions.” Insurers typically place a cap on the total coverage offered through such a policy.

How many claims is too many?

Officially, there is no set limit to the number of claims you can file. However, it's important to understand that frequent claims can have long-term effects on your policy. Insurers may view a history of multiple claims as an increased risk, which can influence your policy renewal and premium rates.

Is deductible per claim?

Note that with auto insurance or a homeowners policy, the deductible applies each time you file a claim. There are exceptions to this practice in Florida and Louisiana, where hurricane deductibles are applied once per season rather than for each storm.

What is the average in insurance claims?

The average clause is a way of insurers paying out less than they need to if a policyholder is paying less than the premium they should be because they have inadequate cover. Insurers apply the average clause and only payout a proportionate amount for what you are claiming based on how much you are underinsured by.

How do occurrences work?

An occurrence is an unscheduled absence or late arrival (Not protected by FMLA, WC, etc.). For example, arriving 30 minutes late would count as an occurrence and calling in to use sick leave, vacation, or comp time for a day would be an occurrence.

What is the meaning of payment occurrence?

Payment Occurrence means the settlement or final adjudication (without any ability to further appeal by either party) as to all demands, claims, counterclaims, cross-claims, third-party-claims, damages, fees (including attorneys' fees), costs and expenses, brought and raised, on any matters arising from or related to ...

What is considered an occurrence?

occurrence. noun. oc·​cur·​rence. : something that takes place. especially : an accident, event, or continuing condition that causes personal or property damage that is unintended or unexpected from the standpoint of an insured party making a claim.

What is a deductible for dummies?

The amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay. With a $2,000 deductible, for example, you pay the first $2,000 of covered services yourself. A fixed amount ($20, for example) you pay for a covered health care service after you've paid your deductible.

What is the $500 per occurrence?

A per occurrence deductible is like most auto or homeowners insurance you might be familiar with; you pay the $500, and that's the max you'll pay when something happens. But if your deductible is per claim, that means a separate deductible gets applied to every claim filed in a single occurrence.

What is the difference between per occurrence and per claim?

A claims-made policy only covers those that occur and are reported within the policy's timeframe, unless tail coverage is also purchased. An occurrence policy provides lifetime coverage for incidents that take place during a policy period, regardless of when the claim is reported.

Why do I have to pay a deductible if it's not my fault?

Insurance companies collect deductibles every time they settle a claim, so they don't care who was at fault. You would not be at fault if your car was stolen from a secure facility, but you would still pay a deductible if you filed an insurance claim.

How do I know if I hit my deductible?

How Do I Know If I've Met My Deductible? Your health insurance company website will likely allow you to log in and view your deductible status. Check the back of your insurance card for a customer service number and call to confirm your deductible status.

How to avoid paying deductible?

How Can I Avoid Paying a Car Insurance Deductible?
  1. Choose not to file a claim until you have the money.
  2. Check your policy, as you may not have to pay up front.
  3. Work out a deal with your mechanic.
  4. Get a loan.