Why is occurrence better than claims made?

Asked by: Nakia Kirlin  |  Last update: June 13, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (20 votes)

The advantage to an occurrence policy is its permanence. The period of time you are insured under an occurrence policy is protected forever by the policy you had that year. You do not need to renew or buy a tail when you leave.

What are the benefits of occurrence?

The most obvious benefit of an occurrence policy is that it offers long-term protection. As long as coverage is in place when the incident occurred, it's possible to make a claim on that period years into the future. Another advantage is that occurrence policy costs tend to be fixed.

What is the main difference between the occurrence form and the claims Made form of the commercial general liability policy?

Essentially, for a claim to be considered for coverage, an occurrence-based policy needs to be active when the act or incident occurs; claims made policies have to be active when the claim is made.

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 I get 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.

Claims-Made vs. Occurrence Coverage EXPLAINED IN FIVE MINUTES!

23 related questions found

Can you make the same insurance claim twice?

On the other hand, there are times when trying to file multiple claims on the same accident would be considered “double dipping” or insurance fraud – and this is illegal. You cannot file redundant claims with more than one insurance company in an attempt to get paid twice for the same damages.

What is the most significant difference between the CGL occurrence and claims made forms?

Key Takeaways: 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.

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.

Are auto insurance claims made or occurrences?

Virtually all homeowner's coverages and automobile coverages are “occurrence policies.” With this type of coverage, the occurrence (negligent act and accident) must occur within the policy coverage period or term of the policy.

Who pays the highest malpractice insurance?

Malpractice insurance costs work out to about 3.2% of most physicians' incomes. And while malpractice insurance can be a hefty monthly bill for surgeons, obstetricians tend to pay the highest rates of all.

What is the most common malpractice claim?

Multiple studies have concluded that misdiagnosis is the most common cause of malpractice claims. Misdiagnosis includes failure to diagnose a medical problem that exists or making a diagnosis that is incorrect.

What does malpractice insurance not cover?

Medical malpractice does not cover liability that arises from sexual misconduct, criminal acts, and inappropriate alteration of medical records.

What are the advantages of occurrence policies?

The advantage to an occurrence policy is its permanence. The period of time you are insured under an occurrence policy is protected forever by the policy you had that year. You do not need to renew or buy a tail when you leave.

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?

What is the impact of occurrence?

Impact of occurrence is the probability that a noncompliant incident will have a measurably negative effect on the business, such as financial resources being depleted; damage to the business's reputation; destruction of vital documents due to a data security breach; or even the potential incarceration of the CEO, CFO, ...

Why is tail coverage so expensive?

Premiums for tail insurance are generally very high, up to 300 percent of the most current policy premium. Tail coverage is expensive because it covers past insured events that may not appear for several years. Some claims-made policies offer free tail coverage but only upon death, disability or retirement.

What if I don't buy tail coverage?

Remember, when a claims-made policy ends, it must be renewed with prior acts coverage, or a tail must be purchased. If you have claims-made coverage and do not buy tail, there is no protection for medical liability claims after the policy lapses.

What is run-off insurance?

Run-off cover is insurance for claims made against a law firm after it has stopped doing business. It makes sure that: clients can be compensated for claims made after a firm has closed. retired partners of the firm have financial security and won't be personally liable for any claims.

Which is better claims made or occurrence based?

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.

Do you need tail coverage for occurrence?

No, you don't need tail coverage if you have an occurrence policy. That's because you'll get coverage for a claim if the incident occurred during the policy period – even if you're reporting claims after your policy's expiration date. So, tail coverage isn't needed.

How much does tail coverage cost?

Cost of Tail Insurance Policy

On average, buying a tail costs about 2.5 times the amount of a physician's yearly medical malpractice premium. For example, a physician who pays $10,000 a year for their medical malpractice coverage could expect to pay around $25,000 for tail insurance.

How many at-fault accidents before insurance drops you?

Every insurance company sets its own benchmark for triggering a cancellation, but it is more likely that you'll face cancellation or non-renewal if you've made three or more claims within a three-year period. Most cancellations occur within the first 60 days of a policy, usually due to non-compliance.

What is insurance double dipping?

Insurance claim double dipping involves collecting benefits from two or more insurance companies for the same loss. In this scam, fraudsters make identical claims for the same incident at multiple insurance companies to increase their payout.

Will State Farm drop me for too many claims?

Yes, your car insurance company can drop you if you file too many claims. Most often, an insurer will send a nonrenewal letter prior to your next renewal period, advising that your insurance will be terminated at the end of the policy period.