What is the difference between accident and occurrence in insurance?

Asked by: Magali Feil  |  Last update: January 28, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (50 votes)

The term "occurrence" encompasses more than just an accident because accident is narrower in scope than occurrence. This can be seen in those cases decided before the occurrence wording was adopted. Accident, according to these cases, did not include coverage for damage occurring over time.

What is the difference between per occurrence and per accident?

Generally, per accident and per occurrence mean the same thing. One occurrence is a single, uninterrupted cause that can result in one or a number of bodily injuries or property damage.

Is it better to have occurrence or claims-made?

The claims-made policy costs at least 35% less when you compare the cost of buying a claims-made policy and the unlimited tail against having occurrence coverage for the same period. The savings increase if you qualify for a free death, disability or retirement tail.

What does 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.”

What is the difference between incident and occurrence?

occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan. event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause. incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance.

What is an Occurrence Insurance Policy?

27 related questions found

What is the difference between an accident and an occurrence in insurance?

The term "occurrence" encompasses more than just an accident because accident is narrower in scope than occurrence. This can be seen in those cases decided before the occurrence wording was adopted. Accident, according to these cases, did not include coverage for damage occurring over time.

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 considered an occurrence?

“Occurrence” is often defined as an accident, including continuous or repeated exposure to substantially the same harmful conditions.

What is the meaning of accident occurrence?

They are defined as follows: Accident or occurrence means a sudden event, including continuous or repeated exposure to the same conditions, resulting in bodily injury or property damage neither expected nor intended by theinsured person.

What is the first thing an insurer must investigate before taking on a claim?

Insurance companies must search for and consider evidence that supports coverage for the claim. Thus, insurance companies cannot close their eyes to evidence that supports coverage and focus solely on the evidence that denies coverage. Too narrow a focus of investigation?

Can you switch from occurrence to claims made?

Claims-Made policies provide coverage for 'claims' only when BOTH the alleged incident AND the resulting 'claim' happen during the period the policy is in force! Switching from an "Occurrence" to a "Claims Made" form is the least perilous change.

Should you always file a claim?

Always file a claim if there's serious property damage or potential injuries. Even if the other driver is honest and the accident was only a fender bender, the damage might be more serious than it appears. Additionally, a car might have hidden damage that won't be found until it's been looked at by a mechanic.

How long does tail coverage last?

How Long Should Tail Coverage Last? If you get tail coverage, it can last a year or more. You can work with your insurance agent or insurer to see how long of an extended reporting period is right for your business. The longer your tail coverage, the longer your protection can last.

Which is better, claims made or occurrence?

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

What does 50k/100k/50k mean?

For example, if your net worth is $90,000, then a good car insurance policy for you might be structured as $50,000/$100,000/$50,000, giving you $100,000 in total bodily injury coverage per accident. Example:Chris causes an accident that results in $15,000 worth of medical bills for the injured driver.

What is the occurrence of an accident?

An occurrence is an accident that results in damage to your property or yourself. It has to happen during your policy term (otherwise it won't be covered by your insurer), and can include continuous exposure to the same harmful condition. When an occurrence happens, it's on you to notify your insurer by filing a claim.

What is the difference between occurrence and accident insurance?

Standard commercial general liability (CGL) insurance policies provide coverage for damages the policyholder is legally obligated to pay because of property damage or bodily injury caused by an “occurrence.” CGL policies typically define “occurrence” as an “accident.” Courts define an accident as “an unexpected ...

What is the reason for accident occurrences?

Drivers: Over-speeding, rash driving, violation of rules, failure to understand signs, fatigue, alcohol. Pedestrian: Carelessness, illiteracy, crossing at wrong places moving on carriageway, Jaywalkers.

What is the difference between an occurrence and an incident?

With an occurrence, the degree of severity is low: something happened at a site, the event was reported, no one was hurt and there was no property damage. With an incident, the degree of severity is much higher, but no one was hurt. Near misses fall into the incident category.

What is an example of an occurrence in insurance?

Any accident or incident that can harm a person or their property may count as an occurrence. If a third party trips over a toolbox left sitting at your building site and injures themself, that's an occurrence. However, if the damage or injury is caused on purpose, your liability insurance won't cover you.

What are the examples 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.

Which of the following would not be considered an occurrence?

Final answer: An intentional act by the insured resulting in harm would not be considered an "occurrence" under a CGL policy and is therefore not covered, as CGL policies generally exclude coverage for intentional harms.

What counts as an occurrence?

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 legal definition of occurrence?

occurrence n

: something that takes place. ;esp. : 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 occurrence also known as?

Some common synonyms of occurrence are circumstance, episode, event, and incident. While all these words mean "something that happens or takes place," occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan.